Who is Look Local First?

We're so glad you're here! Look Local First is an initiative that was started and powered by VizyPay, a local business in West Des Moines, IA as a response to Small Business Saturday. Our founders knew small businesses needed an advocate and deserved more than just one Saturday a year. 

At Look Local First, we are passionate advocates for the small business community. As a community-driven nonprofit, our mission is to champion the small movement and empower consumers to support local makers, creators, and entrepreneurs.

We bring this mission to life through high-impact events, local campaigns, and creative collaborations that keep dollars in our neighborhoods and fuel real growth for small businesses. From First Fridays to seasonal pop-ups, every experience we create is designed to spotlight local talent and strengthen the heartbeat of our communities.

Every dollar we raise goes directly toward initiatives that uplift small businesses — helping us host meaningful events, amplify local voices, and build momentum for a nationwide impact. Our long-term vision is to offer grants and continued support to entrepreneurs across the country.

This isn’t just about shopping local. It’s about building a movement that creates opportunity, drives community connection, and makes a lasting impact.