The Arizona Commerce Authority offers a wide range of programming to support small businesses around the state such as the Small Business Checklist, the Small Business Academy, the State Small Business Credit Initiative and the Small Business Boot Camp.
Small businesses in the state
of the state's total business
Small business employees
the state's private workforce
The Arizona Small Business Checklist is a free interactive tool to help guide business owners to launch, operate and scale their business. Explore all the resources available in the checklist with the help of the virtual assistant SALLI.
PERSONALIZE YOUR CHECKLIST PERSONALIZE YOUR CHECKLIST
The Arizona State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program supports small businesses by improving their access to capital. The initiative is part of a broader federal effort to help small businesses grow and create jobs. The program provides funding to state programs that partner with private lenders to extend capital to small businesses that might not otherwise have access to loans or investment capital.
APPLY FOR SSBCI APPLY FOR SSBCI
Arizona’s Small Business Academy equips small businesses across the state with the knowledge to scale their business. The Arizona Commerce Authority works with experienced and successful business owners to share their insights and strategies with entrepreneurs and SMBs. These courses are often out of reach and the Academy aims to provide the resources and close the knowledge gap completely free of charge.
JOIN THE ACADEMY JOIN THE ACADEMY
The Arizona Small Business Boot Camp is a statewide initiative to help Arizona’s small businesses grow and thrive. Local business leaders and subject matter experts provide real-time support and available resources through virtual webinars and hands-on workshops.
VIEW VIRTUAL WEBINARS VIEW VIRTUAL WEBINARSArizona Business One Stop is a secure, user-friendly portal that helps entrepreneurs and business owners quickly plan, start and grow their businesses in Arizona. By centralizing tasks across multiple state agencies, the platform streamlines processes like business registration, licensing and compliance. Whether launching a new venture or expanding an existing operation, users can save time and reduce paperwork with a single, simplified experience, all in one place.
The Arizona Small Business Growth Coalition (SBGC) is a statewide alliance of six trusted organizations dedicated to helping small businesses across Arizona start, grow and thrive. Led by the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Coalition brings together service providers who align resources, share data and collaborate to create measurable impact. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive economy.
SCALE (Strategic Coaching for Advancing Local Entrepreneurs) is a statewide initiative developed by the Arizona Small Business Association in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority. The program is committed to strengthening Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by delivering accessible, expert-led education and personalized coaching to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
PHOENIX, AZ (December 10, 2025) — Arizona continues to experience robust population growth, fueling gains in both the labor force and the broader economy. According to newly released estimates from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona added 97,044 residents between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, representing a growth rate of 1.2%. Arizona’s continued growth underscores its appeal as a destination for talent, opportunity, and innovation. Between 2023 and 2024, Maricopa County ranked no. 1 in the U.S. for net migration (U.S. Census). Since 2011, Arizona has added nearly 1.3 million people, a growth rate of 20%. Between 2024 and 2025, Arizona added on average 266 people per day.
READ MORE about BREAKING: Arizona Adds 97,044 Residents Over the Past Year »MARANA, AZ (December 8, 2025) – Ascent Aviation Services (“Ascent”) announced today the grand opening of two new 90,000-square-feet widebody maintenance hangars at their Pinal Air Park (MZJ) facility in Marana, Arizona. The $70 million investment will elevate the facility in Marana and increase its hangar capacity by 200%, allowing the company to tackle more heavy maintenance. Additionally, it will pave the way to support the ongoing commercial relationship with Israel Aerospace Industries (“IAI”) and with their B777- 300ER passenger-to-freighter (“P2F”) conversion program, in which the STC was issued in August of 2025 by the FAA. The facility will support over 300 skilled aviation jobs.
READ MORE about Ascent Aviation Services Celebrates Grand Opening Of Two New Wide-Body Aircraft Hangars In Marana »