We Celebrate Openings. We Ignore Closures.
Small businesses make up 99% of all businesses in Planning District 16. They create jobs. They circulate dollars locally. They ARE the economy.
But here's the truth: our region doesn't track how many close. We announce ribbon cuttings. We never count the quiet exits.
That's a leaky bucket economy—and it's draining our community.
For every $100 spent locally, $68 stays here.
At a chain? Only $32.
Local First isn't charity. It's math
A Hub. A Movement. A Commitment.
Become a Founding Partner
Founding Partners are the leaders who commit before we launch.
What you get:
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Permanent "Founding Partner" recognition—this status never expires
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Gold-tier badge for your website, storefront, and marketing
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Name displayed at our 10-Year Celebration Event (Feb 12, 2026)
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First access to Advisory Council nominations
What it costs:
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Your signature. Your commitment. That's it.
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This tier closes February 12, 2026. Once it's gone, it's gone.
Who's Already In
12 businesses have already signed the Local First Pledge.
Will you be next?
LEADERSHIP
10 Years. One Mission. No One Left Behind.
I'm Latasha Brooks. I've spent the last decade building A&B Creative Events—hosting summits, workshops, celebrations, and festivals for businesses and families across the East Coast. I've mentored over 1,700 entrepreneurs, helping them start, scale, and grow.
I've also spent that decade watching. Small businesses open with hope and passion....then close without notice. It's exciting to celebrate a ribbon cutting. It's heartbreaking to watch those same businesses go dark with no one paying attention.
I serve on boards. I lead the NCMA Old Dominion Chapter. I founded a nonprofit that supports women entrepreneurs....though I help all entrepreneurs, everywhere. I've been in the rooms where decisions get made.
So I can tell you from experience: small businesses are talked about constantly. We're rarely talked to. We're almost never given a seat at the table. And when we speak, we're even more rarely heard.
I've also been left behind.
"The strength of a community is measured not by how many businesses it attracts, but by how fiercely it fights to keep the ones it has."
That changes now.
The PD16 Business Hub is a seat at the table. A commitment that no business in this region builds alone....or fails in silence. I'm proud of the impact I've made over the last decade. And I'm just getting started.
"A thriving economy is not defined by how many businesses we attract, but by how many we help sustain."
Latasha Brooks, Founder
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