PHOENIX, AZ (July 23, 2025) – Today, the Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona business leaders announced the launch of the Arizona Small Business Growth Coalition (SBGC), a statewide alliance of trusted small business providers committed to advancing Arizona’s economic vitality through entrepreneurship. Convened by the Arizona Commerce Authority, the coalition will foster alignment, collaboration, and collective actions to support small businesses across Arizona.

At a charter signing ceremony held at the Arizona Commerce Authority, founding members of the SBGC reinforced their commitment to advancing Arizona’s entrepreneurial vitality and supporting Arizona small business growth.

“Arizona small businesses are pillars in local communities statewide, creating good-paying jobs and stimulating economic growth,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.  “These are the risk takers and innovators who make up the foundation of our diverse and dynamic economy. We are thrilled to launch the Arizona Small Business Growth Coalition alongside our incredible partners and maximize support for Arizona’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

The strategic goals of the SBGC within the next two years include:

• Securing $50 million in small business grants, loans, and investments
• Helping 500 small businesses receive funding
• And providing 5,000 Arizona small business assists

The SBGC will support Arizona’s small business goals including providing 1,000 unique small business assists per year over the next three years and supporting the start of 10,000 homegrown businesses by 2030. The ACA supports small businesses through a variety of services and programs, including the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Program and the Arizona Loan Guarantee Program, which helps partnering lenders mitigate risk so they can increase capital available to small businesses located across the state. 

“It's critical that Arizona's leaders commit to recognizing their small businesses as community stakeholders, especially in times like these,” said Kimber Lanning, CEO and Founder, Local First Arizona. “Together with other small business service providers, our top priority is to help small businesses successfully navigate the current economic landscape and build a thriving future for our local economy.”

“At the Arizona Small Business Association, we believe that the strength of our small business community lies in collaboration.," said Debbie Hann, Interim CEO, Arizona Small Business Association. "The Arizona Small Business Growth Coalition brings together trusted partners across the state to align our efforts and create real, measurable impact. By working hand in hand, we're ensuring that every entrepreneur, regardless of where they are or what stage they’re in, has access to the resources, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Arizona economy, one small business at a time.”

“At the Better Business Bureau, we believe that trust is the foundation of a strong local economy,” said Matthew Fehling, President and CEO, Better Business Bureau serving the Pacific Southwest and Central California. “By joining this coalition, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing marketplace trust and ensuring that small businesses have the resources, relationships, and reputation they need to succeed. Together, we are building a more ethical, resilient, and opportunity-rich Arizona.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

“We’re proud to join the Arizona Small Business Growth Coalition, which will further ongoing and strategic efforts to support our small business community. The goals of the SBGC align with Prestamos CDFI's efforts and we look forward to working alongside the ACA and SBGC members to help Arizona entrepreneurs and small business owners grow,” said Teresa Miranda, Vice President of Prestamos CDFI.

“SCORE is proud to join the Arizona Small Business Growth Coalition to champion entrepreneurship in every corner of our state,” said Gail Matthews, District Director, SCORE Arizona & Utah. “From the rural towns of Northern Arizona to the innovation hubs of Phoenix and Tucson, small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. This coalition is more than a partnership—it’s a statewide movement to empower entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and momentum they need to thrive.”

“Arizona is home to innovators who are creating exciting new businesses and stimulating economic growth – the Small Business Growth Coalition will help connect more Arizona small businesses with the resources and support they need to succeed,” said Paula Wittekind, Interim State Director, Arizona Small Business Development Centers.

Media Contact

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.