In recent years, Arizona has landed some of the nation’s biggest expansion projects, ranging from semiconductors, battery, automotive and more.
In addition to direct jobs and investment, these wins bring an added benefit to local suppliers and vendors, and for Arizona’s leading economic development agency, these small to mid-sized businesses are just as important.
“From the beginning, our agency has prioritized helping Arizona-based businesses expand as part of our core mission,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA).
That support has taken many forms.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Phoenix small business owner Dawn White turned to the Arizona Small Business Boot Camp, a program of the ACA, in hopes of getting help for her boutique marketing businesses.
“I didn’t know where to turn,” White recalled. “I’m going to get a little misty on this one because the program managers, the staff, and the people at the ACA Small Business Boot Camp who put this (program) together were absolutely amazing in terms of support, motivation, and encouragement.”
Launched in April 2020 to support businesses during the pandemic, the Small Business Boot Camp has grown into a comprehensive service connecting entrepreneurs with experts and resources. The program provides free virtual webinars and hands-on workshops, taught by business leaders and subject-matter experts from leading companies, universities, community college programs, and nonprofits.
The sessions cover a wide range of business topics such as finance, marketing, sales, leadership and management training, legal, technology, fundraising and more. The content has grown to include a Spanish-language version of the program, along with sessions with specific resources for veteran-owned businesses.
The ACA last month celebrated a noteworthy milestone with the program: its 300th session, serving more than 17,000 small business owners across the state.
The Small Business Boot Camp is just one of several ACA resources available to Arizona’s 550,000 small businesses, which employ an estimated 1 million workers, representing 44.5% of the state’s workforce.
How the Digital Academy taps into technology, mentorship
The ACA’s Small Business Digital Academy offers entrepreneurs and small business owners the knowledge and skills to maximize the tools of technology. The six-week courses break down complex concepts — website, social media and e-commerce promotion, search engine optimization, customer relations and analytics — into manageable steps and best practices.
Sonia Samaniego enrolled in the Digital Academy in 2020, several years after launching Surprise-based Family and Community Educational Services of AZ (F.A.C.E.S. of AZ). Samaniego gained a deeper understanding of digital marketing strategies and practical solutions to enhance her online presence and help refine her message.
“It was a transformative experience that equipped me with invaluable knowledge and skills to effectively connect with my target audience in the digital landscape,” Samaniego said. “Learning from diverse small business advisors exposed me to a wealth of tools and resources, empowering me to navigate and leverage different platforms.”
The presenters’ insight on website and social media content was especially beneficial to Tina Santos, who enrolled in the academy before she started her business, Luz de Luna Reception Hall in Phoenix in August 2022. One-on-one support made all the difference.
“I could pick which person worked best for my own needs and made my own appointment with that person to go over my questions,” said Santos. “Expanding your connections is crucial for a new business and a brand-new entrepreneur.”
Comprehensive suite of small business programs
Additionally, the ACA manages a suite of programs designed to advance commercialization and research opportunities for startups and small businesses, including the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known as “America’s seed funds.”
These programs assist small business owners with commercializing their innovations.
One example is Prescott-based MATADOR Law Enforcement Technologies, which in December was awarded a five-year, $7.45 million contract from the Department of Homeland Security. Its revolutionary technology, the world’s first remotely deployed RoadSpike strip tire deflation device, enables law enforcement to use a hand-held remote control to safely deploy the strip across a road up to 100 feet away.
“(The ACA) proved to be instrumental, offering the vital resources necessary to propel us toward securing these crucial development contracts,” said MATADOR General Manager Martin Martinez.
How the checklist helps small businesses get organized
Another central resource for Arizona business owners is the ACA’s Small Business Checklist, which offers guidance about starting and expanding a business.
The checklist includes links to important resources, such as the Arizona Entrepreneur’s Edge Guide, contact information for city, county and state agencies, commonly requested forms, and business licensing and tax information. The program works in coordination with Arizona’s Business One Stop, a centralized location that makes it easy to launch a business.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy,” said Watson. “They bolster our communities, create high-quality jobs, serve residents with essential goods and services, and contribute greatly to our quality of life.”
Learn more about the ACA’s services for small businesses at: azcommerce.com/programs/small-business-services/.
