Best Small Business Resources in the Phoenix Area

Description

CEI is an incubator offering top-tier support for emerging startups for 18-36 months. Amenities include discounted internet and marketing services, mentorship with the CEI staff, and access to experts in many scientific fields. CEI focuses on the bioscience, green technologies, medical devices, and software industries. In addition to direct incubation services, CEI also offers networking events that connect entrepreneurs to local resources and like-minded individuals.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

Co+Hoots is a collaborative co-working space in Phoenix, Arizona, boasting 14,000 square feet of office space and flexible rental plans. This non-profit company gives back to the community, sponsoring code days and design-a-thons. Startups can rent space on a daily basis (pay for days you’re there) or rent desks/offices on a yearly basis. Co+Hoots provides free once a month legal and financial consultations and events with their partners on site. The events are open to the public. 

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

The Peoria Chamber of Commerce connects local entrepreneurs in the Peoria area with each other, fostering collaboration and networking. This organization offers free membership and tiered paid membership. Members also have a unique opportunity to advertise on the Chamber of Commerce website.

Description

The Phoenix library offers access to many research databases, including Hoovers and Morningstar, as well as legal forms and business directories. Aside from databases, the Phoenix library also offers information about starting a business and online classes.

Restrictions

Some services may require a library membership.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.