New Article

News Release
FOR RELEASE:  Immediately
CONTACT:  Jennifer Stein
Office of Communications
p. 623.773.7338
e. jennifer.stein@peoriaaz.gov  
Peoria, Ariz. (Feb. 22, 2017) – The Peoria City Council approved the launch of the Arizona Small Business Development Center Network (AzSBDC) in partnership with Maricopa County Community Colleges in Peoria. The AzSBDCN provides a number of valuable services to business, including onsite one-on-one counseling for business owners, networking opportunities, educational workshops, and virtual counseling. The AZSBDC provides high quality, one-on-one counseling, resource assistance and training to preserve and create small business jobs and revenue, and facilitates capital formation.
 
There are more than 28 million small businesses in the United States according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Even more significant, small businesses accounted for 63 percent of net new jobs in the workforce in the last decade. This is why it is important to provide small businesses in Peoria the opportunity to obtain key resources and services. The AzSBDCN will survey the local business community and offer classes on topics identified by area business leaders. Class topics range from assistance with launching and growing to ways on sustaining a small business. The SBDC will offer its services to all business in the City of Peoria, including but not limited to: Old Town Peoria, BioInspire incubator companies, small manufacturers, and service oriented firms.
“Small business plays a critical role in Peoria’s economy and it is through their efforts that we realize true innovation and growth.” said Mayor Cathy Carlat. “Peoria’s Small Business Development Center satellite office is a great step forward to ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. I am thrilled to see this program come to life.”
 
This will be only the second AzSBDCN satellite office in the West Valley. The program is anticipated to be fully operational in the next few months. The Peoria Chamber of Commerce will provide office space for the AzSBDCN to provide services throughout Peoria, and both will soon be located at Huntington University.
 
“The city is proud to support small business owners in any way we can” said Scott Whyte, Peoria Economic Development Director for Peoria. “The Arizona Small Business Development Center Network is a great resource for small businesses, giving them the tools, services, and information they need to reach their greatest potential and maintain a thriving business in Peoria.”
 
Once established, the Center is expected to be staffed by a full-time employee dedicated to serving Peoria businesses. Peoria recognizes the importance of small business in the community and is filling that need to expand entrepreneurial opportunities. Peoria is invested in its community and wants to see small businesses grow and thrive all over the city. For more information, call Nancy Sanders, Executive Director with Small Business Development Centers, at 480-784-0596 or email nancy.cruikshank@domail.maricopa.edu.