City of Peoria Partners with Maricopa Small Business Development Center

The Peoria City Council approved a partnership with the Arizona Small Business Development Center (AZSBDC) (part of the Maricopa County Community College System). The AZSBDC 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 Maricopa SBDC 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 Maricopa 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.”

“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 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.”

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 Michael Cohen of the Maricopa Small Business Development Center, at 480-589-6720 or email michael.cohen@domail.maricopa.edu.