Best Small Business Resources in the Tucson Area

Description

The YWCA of Southern Arizona hosts a variety of business-oriented organizations that can assist people in entrepreneurship. These programs are usually open to all people and offer services such as workshops, seminars, and one-on-one counseling. A unique offering at the YWCA is a community kitchen where entrepreneurs can experiment with new recipes using commercial-grade equipment. Most services are free and many are offered in both English and Spanish.

Description

AzCI is a University of Arizona affiliated incubator that supports companies involved in technology or science related endeavors. They offer traditional facilities and mentoring assistance, as well as access to a network of partnered local businesses offering legal, marketing, and insurance services among others. AzCI features office space and conference rooms, and wet/dry laboratory space. Created in 2003, AzCI already boasts a strong record of success, having launched over 100 companies so far.

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

Startup Tucson serves as a networking hub for entrepreneurs, hosting social events that bring together local members of the Tucson startup scene. They also host the celebrated week-long Tenwest Festivel that celebrates entrepreneurship, arts, and technology in Tucson. Beyond social networking events, Startup Tucson offers a 10-week incubator program called Thryve, which seeks to arm startups with as much knowledge as possible in a short time span. Thryve offers mentorship from experienced leaders to impart the knowledge needed to develop a venture, brand it and raise capital, then enter the market successfully.

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.

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.