#WomenEntrepreneurs #ArizonaBusiness #SuccessStory
In the vast desert landscape of Arizona, a new breed of entrepreneurs is rising — women who are breaking barriers and carving out their paths in the business world. Despite the challenges, Arizona has emerged as a promising hub for women entrepreneurs, offering a supportive ecosystem designed to foster growth and innovation.
With favorable tax policies, streamlined regulations, and a plethora of resources tailored specifically for women-owned businesses, Arizona has earned its reputation as a business-friendly state. From bustling urban centers to quaint towns nestled among majestic red rocks, women across Arizona are seizing opportunities and building thriving enterprises in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, retail, and beyond.
As the entrepreneurial spirit continues to flourish in Arizona, these women-led businesses are not only making their mark on the local economy but also inspiring future generations of aspiring entrepreneurs. With determination, resilience, and access to a wealth of support networks, women entrepreneurs in Arizona are turning their dreams into reality, one venture at a time.
Let us explore the business scene that women entrepreneurship covers. Presented here are some schemes, grants and initiatives for women entrepreneurs in Arizona.
> Amber Grants for Women
Businesswomen from Arizona (and all over America) have been helped during their 25- year history. The judges award these grants every month. If you win one of the THREE monthly
$10,000 Amber Grants, you’re automatically eligible to win a year-end Amber Grant for an additional $25,000. Think about what $35,000 in total grant funds would do for your business.
After applying to Amber Grant, it can be seen that Arizona has plenty of people and business resources waiting to help women business owners.
Here, WomensNet can help you find legitimate grants, loans, and other funding sources for your business. This will help you cut through a lot of initial time and research.
https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/business-grants-women-arizona/
Arizona Government Agencies
> State of Arizona – Business Resources
The business division of the State of Arizona helps business owners form and manage their business. Business resources include – new business tax applications, commonly requested business forms, small business development, skilled and available workforce, access to major world markets, and opportunities for growth.
Additionally, new business leaders can also learn how to start a business in Arizona, obtain a certificate of good standing, access the business licensing and tax guide, verify a business or license, streamlined regulations, and understand Arizona international trade.
> Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA)
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a focused mission – to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. It helps you “Start Smart”.
The ACA is a one stop shop for everything you need – details on startup competition opportunities, tools like incubators and accelerators, co-working spaces, university, capital, and industry resources. Programs and incentives like tax credits, training, mentorships, and more are included in this central hub.
> Arizona Business One Stop
The Arizona online portal built for small business success. Plan your business by receiving a personalized to-do checklist, start your business by following the checklist to launch your business with confidence, and run your business by staying up-to-date on required filings and renewals. It will even help you exit your business when you’re ready to do that.
Arizona Agencies and Non-profit Organizations
> Prestamos Women’s Business Center
The Prestamos Women’s Business Center is hosted by Chicanos Por La Causa Prestamos.
The Programs include:
Orientation: the basics of launching your small business
DreamBuilder Academy: a step-by-step framework for starting and managing a business
Jump Start Your Business: from entity formation to legal considerations to pricing products and services
Cafecito Talks: empowering session with experts and community business owners
Business Growth Mentorship Program: addressing imposter syndrome experienced by 85% of people in the workforce
Funding 101: learn more about various funding options
> Women’s Business Center of Southern Arizona
The Women’s Business Center of Southern Arizona provides business training, 1-on-1 coaching, and technical assistance designed to accommodate the needs of diverse, multi lingual, underserved, and disadvantaged women entrepreneurs in Southern Arizona.
Annually, the organization serves small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, 84% of whom are women, 52% Latino/a, 8% veterans, service members, or their spouses, and 6% disabled.
> Startup Tucson
Startup Tucson provides programs related to all things startup.
Education programs include Startup 101, Accelerated Fundamentals, Food Forward, Launch Lab, Prototyping Masterclass, eCommerce Masterclass, Action Advisor Program, and IdeaFunding.
Resources include Launch Lab, Tucson Digital Resource Guide, Startup Tucson Bulletin, Startup Tucson Blogs, and Business Resource Library.
Additional Initiatives include – Crowdfunding Support, Remote Tucson, Tucson Innovation Partnership, and Tucson Metro Chamber Discount.
> Arizona MBDA Business Center – Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The Arizona MBDA Business Center is directly focused on helping minority-owned businesses penetrate new markets (domestic and global) and to help them grow in size and scale. This includes securing capital, competing for contracts, identifying a strategic partner, 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.
> Arizona APEX Accelerator
The Arizona APEX Accelerator (formerly AZPTAC) works with small business owners to help them realize opportunities in government contracting. They provide confidential, no cost, one on-one counseling to small businesses throughout the State of Arizona.
Funding – State and Federal Sources
> US Small Business Administration (SBA)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) was established in 1953 to protect and further the interests of small businesses. In Arkansas, the SBA offers educational opportunities for women entrepreneurs in an effort to boost the presence and influence in their communities.
It’s right for any woman who wants to learn more about what it takes to succeed in small business in the state. From regulations to financial aid, the SBA can help with a wide variety of needs.
The SBA makes available the following funding programs.
- Loans – to start or expand your business
- Investment Capital – to find debt and equity investments
- Disaster Assistance – to get a low-interest loan from the SBA after a disaster
- Surety Bonds – to protect your work and your client
- Government Grants – that help you do scientific research and development
> Seed Spot
Seed Spot is dedicated to supporting all social entrepreneurs creating a product, service or technology that improves lives or makes the world a better place. And they also provide access to resources, mentors, business fundamentals, community partners, capital sources, and anything business owners need to succeed.
Whether you’re a full-time founder or a newcomer, Seed Spot programs include an Impact Accelerator, 2-Day Launch Camp, VOA Futures Fund Community Health Incubator, and Angel Investor Training.
> Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
Arizona State University (ASU)’s Thunderbird School of Global Management is supporting the US Department of State’s Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program that promotes women’s economic opportunities and ensures that they have the capabilities and resources necessary for equitable economic participation.
- AWE leverages Thunderbird’s DreamBuilder, a free online training and certification program for aspiring women entrepreneurs that covers the foundational business knowledge needed to start and grow small businesses.
- Dreambuilder is helping to drive AWE’s highly successful results: Among women who complete the AWE program, 74 percent increase their business earnings and 29 percent hire more staff. Independent of AWE, DreamBuilder has reached more than 100,000 women in 135 countries and provided a cumulative 1 million hours of training. DreamBuilder’s inclusive platform offers lessons in both English and Spanish and has been used worldwide not only by women, but also by men and children pursuing entrepreneurial goals. Building on seed funding provided by the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, DreamBuilder’s content has been leveraged by more than 100 organizations.
https://internationaldevelopment.asu.edu/projects/academy-of-women-entrepreneurs/
Women’s Business Resources in Arizona
> National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
NAWBO promotes the economic development of business owners. The organization cultivates beneficial business partnerships and stands as a strong advocate for women business owners everywhere.
It suits any woman business owner in Phoenix who would like to join a strong professional group in her area. This versatile group is open to women in all industries.
> WomensNet – Arizona
WomensNet helps women learn more about the eligible grants and loans in her area. It also promotes the Amber Grant Foundation, a grant bestowed to motivated and promising women in business.
It is right for any woman who wants to understand more about how different grants and lending institutions can either help or hurt small business.
> Financial Empowerment Services
This resource is available to help women manage their finances, explore economic opportunities, and achieve stability. This resource may be more focused on personal financial health, but it can be expanded to include business interests as well. It’s recommended for women who want to start a business, but are unsure of how to take the next step.
> Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority connects business owners with a number of resources in the state. From counseling to incubation to loans, it addresses practically every concern of owners who want to grow and expand their businesses.
This resource is perfect for women who require a wide range of services, including tips for staffing, licencing, and insuring their businesses.
> YWCA – Women’s Business Center (WBC)
The Women’s Business Center is designed to give women the individual counseling they need to start a business. It provides everything from information sessions to ongoing support.
The YWCA is perfect for women in Southern Arizona who are planning to open a small business. The resource can also be used for advice and guidance for fledgling enterprises.
> Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA)
The Arizona Small Business Association was created to speak for the owners of the state. It promotes economic growth through mentorship, partnerships, and educational opportunities. The group also advocates for regulation that supports business and community growth.
It can be availed by any woman who owns a business with under 500 people. The ASBA is up-to-date on the economic forces at work, making them an excellent resource for all small businesses.
> Fresh Start Women’s Foundation
The Fresh Start Women’s Foundation began in 1992 as a nonprofit to educate and support women at all stages of their lives. It provides information on classes and business tools that can help catapult women forward.
This group is perfect for any woman who wants to get a better handle on her life, financial stability, and future before moving forward.
> SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit that got its start in 1964. It’s a nationwide network of business mentors and volunteers who can help small business owners grow their enterprises. SCORE is excellent for women who want expert advice to fulfill their dreams. From funding to marketing, the volunteers of the group are full of useful tips that can be the difference between success and failure.
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