Arizona Business Assistance Programs

Starting and growing a business is challenging, but entrepreneurs in Alabama don’t have to face these challenges alone. The state offers a wide range of business assistance programs designed to support small businesses and foster economic growth. These programs provide access to valuable resources, guidance, and support to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and running a successful business.

From startup assistance and mentoring to financial resources and technical support, Arizona’s business assistance programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs across the state. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing business, these programs can provide the tools and expertise you need to succeed.

Related: Guide to starting a business in Arizona

Arizona APEX Accelerator

The Arizona APEX Accelerator works with small business owners to help them realize opportunities in government contracting. They provide confidential, no cost, one-on-one counseling to small business owners throughout the state.

In addition to the main office at Glendale Community College, the Arizona APEX Accelerator has locations at Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Mesa Community College in Mesa, Communiversity at Queen Creek, and Cochise Community College.

Area served: Statewide Arizona

Arizona MBDA Business Center – Minority Business Development Agency

The Arizona MBDA Business Center is directly focused on helping minority-owned businesses enter new markets – domestic and global – and help them grow in size and scale. This includes securing capital, competing for contracts, identifying strategic partners, or becoming export-ready.

The center supports businesses that are owned or controlled by people or groups considered MBEs, including African-American, Hispanic-American, American Asian and Pacific Islander, Native American (including Alaska Natives, Alaska Native Corporations and Tribal entities), Asian Indian American, and Hasidic Jewish American.

Area served: Statewide Arizona

Arizona Small Business Development Center Network

The Arizona Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides one-on-one confidential evaluation and guidance from accredited advisers with business ownership and management experience. This network is an innovative partnership between ten of the state’s community college districts, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

AZSBDC offers affordable seminars, workshops, and training sessions to improve business growth. The network’s advisers provide personalized assistance to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.

Area served: Statewide in Arizona

Moonshot at Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology

Moonshot, formerly known as NACET, is a small business assistance program founded to help entrepreneurs and startups succeed in Northern Arizona. The program offers hands-on consulting to high-tech, science, and renewable energy firms.

Moonshot provides office space at its facility and works closely with entrepreneurs to help them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business in the region.

Area served: Northern Arizona

Prestamos Women’s Business Center

The Prestamos Women’s Business Center is hosted by Chicanos Por La Causa Prestamos. The center provides support and resources to help women entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

Through the Prestamos Women’s Business Center, women entrepreneurs can access training, coaching, and technical assistance tailored to their specific needs. The center aims to empower and support women-owned businesses in the community.

Area served: Statewide Arizona

SCORE State of Arizona

SCORE has three chapters in Arizona: Northern Arizona, Southern Arizona, and Greater Phoenix. Mentoring is scheduled regularly at various locations but can also be arranged by appointment at places of business or other locations.

SCORE mentors are experienced business professionals who volunteer their time to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. They provide guidance, advice, and support to help business owners overcome challenges and achieve success.

Area served: Statewide Arizona

Small Business Boot Camp

The Small Business Boot Camp is a statewide initiative to help Arizona’s small businesses grow into thriving businesses. The program is supported by the Arizona Commerce Authority, local business leaders, and subject matter experts who provide real-time support and resources through virtual webinars and hands-on workshops.

Participants in the Small Business Boot Camp gain access to valuable insights, strategies, and tools to help them navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business in Arizona.

Area served: Statewide in Arizona

Startup Tucson

Startup Tucson provides programs related to startups. The organization offers a range of resources and support to help entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses in the Tucson area.

Through events, workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities, Startup Tucson helps entrepreneurs connect with the resources and expertise they need to succeed. The organization works to foster a vibrant startup ecosystem in Southern Arizona.

Area served: Southern Arizona

Women’s Business Center of Southern Arizona

The Women’s Business Center of Southern Arizona provides business training, one-on-one coaching, and technical assistance designed to accommodate the needs of diverse, multi-lingual, underserved, and disadvantaged women entrepreneurs in Southern Arizona.

The center offers a supportive environment where women can access the resources and guidance they need to start and grow successful businesses. The Women’s Business Center of Southern Arizona aims to empower women entrepreneurs and strengthen the local economy through its programs and services.

Area served: Southern Arizona