I am ready to start my business in Arizona
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I will be a Sole Proprietorship
I will be a Sole Proprietorship
Arizona is a community property state and a husband and wife can operate as a sole proprietorship. The creation of a business as a sole proprietorship requires no formal Arizona filing (as would be required for a corporation or limited liability company, for instance.)
Generally, an individual can operate under their social security number as a sole proprietor with no employees, however, if they wish to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), they can do so. For more information, see the Employer Identification Number (EIN) section below or click here. (23)
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I plan to operate my business under a trade/DBA (Doing Business As) name
Registering a Trade/DBA (Doing Business As) Name
The registration of a trade name (sometimes referred to as a “business name,” “fictitious name” or a “DBA” short for "Doing Business As") is not legally required in Arizona but is a recommended business practice.
Note: If you are filing as a corporation or LLC with the Arizona Corporation Commission, it is not necessary to register your corporate name as a trade name with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office as names are cross-referenced with the Corporation Commission. (23)
Contact:
Arizona Secretary of State, Business Services Division
Mailing Address: Trade Name/Trademark, 1700 W. Washington Street, 7th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85007-2808
In-Person Filing:
State Capitol Executive Tower, 1700 W. Washington Street, Suite 220, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Arizona State Complex Building, 400 W. Congress, First Floor, Suite 141, Tucson, AZ 85701
Phoenix 602.542.6187 or Tucson 520.628.6583 or Arizona toll free 800.458.5842
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Avondale
Avondale
The City of Avondale requires any business or individual based within their city limits to obtain their business license prior to transacting business, unless exempt. If you intend to operate a home-based business, you must complete and submit a Home Occupation Supplemental Questionnaire along with the business license application. If you intend to sell door-to-door, you must obtain a peddler’s identification card from Avondale's City Clerk's Department. (24)
Contact: City of Avondale, Finance and Budget Department, Revenue Division: Business License, 623.333.2001
The City of Avondale imposes a transaction privilege tax (TPT) on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain a TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Buckeye
Buckeye
Most people or companies planning to do business within the incorporated areas of the city are required to obtain a city business license. (24)
Contact: City of Buckeye, Finance Department: About Business Licenses, 623.349.6153
The City of Buckeye imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Cave Creek
Cave Creek
The Town of Cave Creek requires every business operating or conducting business within their town to obtain their business license, regardless of whether the business is located with their town limits. If you are operating a business out of a town residence, you will need to apply for a Home Occupation Permit in addition to the Business License. (24)
Contact: Town of Cave Creek: Business License | Peddler's License, 480.488.1400
The Town of Cave Creek imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to town transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any town requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Chandler
Chandler
Doing Business in Chandler, Arizona
Whether you are an established Chandler business, looking to start a business here, or want to move your business to our community, here are a couple things to know: (24)
- The City of Chandler Economic Development Team supports businesses of all types and sizes. If your business is looking for the right space, has questions about land use/zoning, or needs assistance with navigating city processes, connect with a member of our team.
- The City of Chandler requires all businesses located in the city to obtain a Business Registration. You can now apply, renew, and pay for your Business Registration and most Specialty Licenses online.
- The City of Chandler imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements.
- Small Business Resources: The City of Chandler Economic Development team provides small business owners with tips on how to create a business plan, information on funding sources, requirements for doing business in Chandler, and City resources to help businesses establish a location.
- For Entrepreneurs and Innovators: The city and ASU's J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute have partnered to launch the Chandler Endeavor Venture Innovation Incubator. Based at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center (ACIC)in Downtown Chandler, this free program offers six-month cohort tracks with customized strategy development, monthly topic-driven workshops, access to prototyping equipment, and dedicated office space for clients. ACIC also houses a free coworking space with access to open workstations, reservable conference room, and private meeting areas.
- For additional Startup support and resources, click here.
Download City of Chandler Community Profile
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El Mirage
El Mirage
The City of El Mirage requires most businesses based and/or operating within their city to obtain their license.
Some types of businesses - such as Massage Establishments, Tattoo/Body Piercing, and Sexually Oriented Businesses, Off-Track Wagering, Pawn Brokers and Solicitors - are considered special regulatory businesses and may require fingerprinting and background checks in addition to any other requirements.
The City has contracted with BizConnectPro to provide business licensing services. (24)
The City of El Mirage imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. The city has contracted with Albert Holler & Associates and the Arizona Department of Revenue to administer the city’s transaction privilege (sales)/use tax program. (24)
Contact:
City of El Mirage, Finance Department: Business Licensing & Tax Information
10000 N. El Mirage Road, El Mirage, AZ 85335
For Business Licensing: 623.242.2491 (agent BizConnectPro)
For assistance with sales tax services: 480.940.1130 (agent Albert Holler & Associates)
If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Glendale
Glendale
A Glendale Business License is required for any person or business with a physical business location in Glendale city limits. In addition, depending on your type of business, special regulatory licenses may also be required. (24)
Contact: City of Glendale, Licensing Office, Licensing & Sales Tax, 623.930.3190
The City of Glendale imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
Additional Information:
The Glendale IDEA Center (Glendale Innovation Development and Entrepreneurial Assistance Center) is a space where business people, entrepreneurs, innovators and networkers can come together to share ideas, tips, and skills, learn more about starting and growing a business, form partnerships or just make connections. (24)
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Goodyear
Goodyear
The City of Goodyear requires all those engaged in business, including home businesses and private owners renting more than one property, within their jurisdiction to apply for their Business Registration Permit. (24)
Contact:
City of Goodyear, Finance Department - Business Registrations
190 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338
623.932.3015
The City of Goodyear imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT)/license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Additional Information:
City of Goodyear, Maricopa County Branch Library: The Innovation Hub @ GoodyearAZ - A free inspiring space where inventors, problem solvers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses can collaborate, network, expand on their ideas and receive one-on-one mentoring. (24)
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Litchfield Park
Litchfield Park
The City of Litchfield Park requires any business located or conducting business within their City limits to obtain their City Business License. A permit is required from the City Clerk's office to peddle or solicit in the city. (24)
Contact: City of Litchfield Park, Finance Department: Business Licenses, 623.935.4364
The City of Litchfield Park imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Maricopa
Maricopa
The City of Maricopa does not issue nor require a city business license, with the exception of certain regulated businesses. (24)
Contact: City of Maricopa, Economic Development: Business Resources, 520.316.6990
The City of Maricopa imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Mesa
Mesa
Beginning on January 3, 2022, most businesses that collect sales tax (retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, etc.), service businesses and home-based businesses operating in Mesa will need a city business license. Some exemptions apply. (24)
The City of Mesa Licensing Office issues various regulatory licenses. Examples include liquor licenses, special event licenses and all specialty licenses such as massage establishments, secondhand stores, pawnbrokers, scrap metal dealers, auctioneers, peddlers and solicitors, mobile food vendors, sexually oriented businesses and employees, teen-age dance halls, fortune tellers and park and swaps. (24)
Contact:
City of Mesa, Licensing
55 N. Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201
480.644.2316
The City of Mesa imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Additional Information:
LaunchPoint, the Mesa Technology Accelerator, is a unique place for entrepreneurs and small companies that provides flexible space, business development assistance, and networking and training opportunities. It, also, offers connectivity and access to the Greater Phoenix entrepreneurial community and proximity to higher education resources to provide a supportive environment to help fuel your business' success. (24)
Mesa THINKspot, available at multiple Mesa Library locations, is an inclusive makerspace where creativity, engagement, and opportunity thrive. THINKspot cultivates innovation by providing access to resources, training, and networking. (24)
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Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley
The Town of Paradise Valley requires all businesses based and/or operating within their town to obtain their business license.
Contact: Town of Paradise Valley, Office of the Town Clerk, 480.348.3610
The Town of Paradise Valley imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to town transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any town requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Peoria
Peoria
The City of Peoria requires that all persons conducting business in Peoria unless exempt must first obtain their city license. This includes businesses within the Peoria city limits, or those outside the limits who conduct business or perform services within Peoria. In addition, businesses may be subject to regulatory licenses and permits. (24)
Contact:
City of Peoria, Sales Tax and License
8401 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, AZ 85345
623.773.7160
The City of Peoria imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Phoenix
Phoenix
To determine if the location of your proposed business has the correct zoning, contact the City of Phoenix Zoning Division. (24)
Contact: City of Phoenix, Planning and Development Department, 602.262.7131, option 6
The City of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. Only certain activities are regulated and require a license or require a recommendation/approval from the City.
Examples of regulated activities include: amusements (Coin Operated Games, Concessionaires, Game Centers, Pool Halls, Rides, Teenage Dance Halls), auctions, curb painters, escort bureaus & escorts, massage establishments & managers, sexually oriented businesses & performers, vending (mobile, sidewalk, street, secondhand dealers, swap meet lots, scrap metal dealers, downtown sidewalk), liquor, bingo, off-track betting, and topless bars. (24)
Contact: City of Phoenix City Clerk Department - License Services, Liquor and Regulated Business Licensing Information, 602.262.4638
The City of Phoenix imposes a transaction privilege tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
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Scottsdale
Scottsdale
All businesses located in the City of Scottsdale require a Business Registration license - Service or Merchant, and may require an additional Regulatory license. (24)
Contact:
City of Scottsdale, Business Services
7447 E. Indian School Road, Ste. 110, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
480.312.2400
The City of Scottsdale imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
Additional Information:
City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Public Library: The Loft @ Civic Center - A collaborative workspace equipped with free Wi-Fi, coworking areas, a computer station and access to library resources, located at Civic Center Library.
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Surprise
Surprise
The City of Surprise requires all businesses based and/or operating within their town to obtain their business license. In addition, businesses may be subject to regulatory licenses and permits. (24)
Contact: City of Surprise, Finance Department, 623.222.1836 or [email protected]
The City of Surprise imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (24)
Additional Information:
The City of Surprise designed their AZ TechCelerator to nurture the development of entrepreneurs, small business start-ups and late-stage innovation companies through affordable space, tools and resources to grow your business. (23) |
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Tempe
Tempe
To determine if the location of your proposed business has the correct zoning, contact the City of Tempe Planning Division. Home based businesses are subject to specific Tempe zoning requirements. (23)
Contact: City of Tempe, Community Development Department, Planning Division, 480.350.4311
The City of Tempe does not have a general business license. (23)
The City of Tempe requires certain businesses and individuals to obtain a special regulatory license or permit prior to operating. (23)
Contact: City of Tempe, Regulatory Licenses, 480.350.2955 or email: [email protected]
The City of Tempe imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (23)
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Additional Information:
The Tempe Biz HUUB is an online platform that gives Tempe businesses and entrepreneurs free access to funding sources, on-demand learning, group training with experts, and a place to connect with other small business owners. Available 24/7/365. (23)
Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) provides entrepreneurs and small businesses with coworking and meeting space, mentoring, business classes and networking opportunities. Attend regular workshops, reserve a conference room for client meetings, or take care of your business in the co-working space. (23)
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Tolleson
Tolleson
The City of Tolleson requires any business based and/or operating within their city limits to obtain their business license. (23)
Contact: City of Tolleson: Business Licenses, 623.936.7111
The City of Tolleson imposes a transaction privilege (sales)/use tax on the gross receipts from various types of business activities. If your business activity is subject to city transaction privilege (sales)/use tax, you will need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue in addition to any city requirements. See Engaging in Activities Subject to Transaction Privilege (Sales)/Use Tax. (23)
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Disc Jockey/DJ Services
Disc Jockey/DJ Services
If you plan to perform direct customer service activities such as Disc Jockey or DJ Services, see Local Compliance section below to learn about possible license requirements. (22)
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STATE LICENSING
Business License
Contrary to popular belief, Arizona does not issue nor require a "generic" state business license just because you are in business. Therefore, direct customer service activities, such as house cleaning, lawn maintenance, pet sitting, etc., do not typically need a license from the state to be in business.
Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax (TPT) License
If you plan to sell a product or engage in a service subject to state and/or local transaction privilege (sales) or use tax, you will most likely need to obtain the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) license (commonly referred to as a sales tax, resale, wholesale, vendor or tax license) from the Arizona Department of Revenue. For more information, see Engaging in activities subject to transaction privilege (sales)/use tax.
Regulatory (Professional/Special) Licensing/Permits
If your business is involved in activities supervised and regulated by one or more state offices, then you may need to obtain special licenses, certification, or permits, in addition to any other licenses/permits that may be required.
For questions about whether or not your business activity is subject to state regulatory compliance/licensing, check with the appropriate state regulatory agencies and review the Arizona Revised Statutes. For more information, see Business Licensing.
LOCAL COMPLIANCE
Zoning
There may be restrictions on where you can locate your business and what improvements you can make to your existing property, so it is necessary to contact the city/town (or county if business will be based in an unincorporated region of the county) planning and zoning division regarding zoning laws before you commit to anything.
Business Licensing
Most city/town offices require businesses based within their jurisdiction - including those that operate from their home via the Internet - to obtain their business license. Businesses operating within their jurisdiction may also need to obtain their business license. This is true even if the business is engaged in an activity that does not require a license from the state.
County offices do not typically issue a general business license, however, they may still have business compliance requirements/restrictions. See Special Licensing/Compliance section below.
There is not a "blanket state license" that allows you to "opt out" of obtaining any local licenses which may be required.
Contact the business licensing division of any city/town/county office in which your business will be based and/or operate to verify any license requirements they may have for your particular business/business activity.
Special Licensing/Compliance
Certain types of businesses or business activities may be subject to special licensing at the local level - in addition to any other business license requirements. Examples include: alarm-related businesses; auctioneers/auction houses; carnivals; coin-operated game machines/centers; concession games; curb painters; escort bureaus; filming; food-related businesses; fortune telling; hanging flyers; knocking on doors; activities involving liquor and related products; massage businesses; mechanical rides; pawn shops/pawnbrokers; pet grooming; pool halls; selling ammunition/firearms; selling scrap metal; selling antiques or second-hand items, including gold, clothing, and appliances; sexually-oriented businesses; special events; mobile food vendors; street/sidewalk vendors; teenage dance halls; towing services; valet services; etc.
The county health departments issue permits to - and perform inspections on - businesses like food establishments, pet shops, public accommodations, public and semi-public swimming pools, mobile food vendors, and trailer parks. The county regulates water, wastewater and solid waste related activities.
City/town offices generally require pretreatment devices - such as grease traps or sand/oil interceptors - for businesses that discharge to the local sewer system. Types of businesses include restaurants, auto shops, car washes, laundromats, bakeries, and breweries.
Contact the different city/town/county departments directly - such as building, regulatory (special) licensing, environmental, fire, and police/sheriff – to inquire about any business compliance requirements or restrictions they may have for your particular business/business activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Your business may be subject to environmental compliance at the state, local and/or federal level. Many industries are subject to environmental compliance, including: Asphalt, Auto Repair, Car Wash, Construction, Dry Cleaner/Laundry, Food Processing, Pest Control, Pharmaceutical, Photographer, Portland Cement Plant, Print Shop, RV/Mobile Home Park, School, Solid Waste Hauler, Spray Painting Booth, Water Company, Woodworking Shop, etc.
BONDING/INSURANCE
Although not generally a legal requirement, bonding and insurance for service businesses may be required or requested by your customers in order to perform your services. Please refer to your personal insurance agent or a bonding company for assistance on this matter and any additional insurance needs.
BUSINESS TAXES
Our Business Taxes page includes links to many helpful resources including: Business Basics - A Guide to Taxes for Arizona Businesses; Starting a Business - What New Business Owners Need to Know About Federal Taxes; and Seminars, Workshops and Online Learning.
PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS
Visit Protecting Small Businesses on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website for information to help you avoid scams, protect your computers and networks, keep your customers’ data safe – and protect your bottom line. Stay connected by subscribing to the FTC’s Business Blog.
BUSINESS COUNSELORS
Some organizations, such as the Arizona Small Business Development Centers (AZSBDC) Network and SCORE offer small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge, local and online workshops, as well as, resources, templates and tools to assist entrepreneurs.
FEEDBACK/SUGGESTIONS
Didn't find what you needed? Find a bad link? Identify information that needs to be added/updated? Encounter a problem? Call the Program Manager at 602-845-1274.
Did you find this Checklist Program easy to use and helpful? We welcome your feedback and suggestions - and appreciate your support - to enhance this free, online tool! Email: [email protected] and add Feedback in the subject line.
DISCLAIMER
The ACA Checklist Program is not intended to be comprehensive and should not be used as the sole reference when starting a business in Arizona. Regulations and other legal requirements change constantly and there may be some obligations for your specific business activity this Checklist Program does not cover. We strongly suggest you consult an attorney, accountant or other business consultant.
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Thank you for using the ACA Checklist Program. We hope you will take advantage of this statewide "go-to" resource for each phase of your business development. We wish you much success in your business endeavor.
Sincerely,
Arizona Commerce Authority - Small Business Services
