The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) manages the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) Program for small businesses that have previously applied or are applying for capital from a SSBCI supported program or other eligible federal or state program.
This is not a loan program; the program’s outcome is to prepare Arizona businesses for either debt or equity funding while also providing financial literacy training. Technical Assistance is funded through group or one-on-one assistance depending on the progression of the business.
For accurate service, please review what stage your business is in to help determine next steps:
Small businesses who have operated 0 years:
I am thinking about starting a new business and want GENERAL information to begin.
The ACA has resources and partners that can help educate you on the general requirement of starting a business in Arizona:
- The ACA's Small Business Checklist is a free interactive checklist designed to provide Arizona business information (Licensing, Taxes, Business formation).
- SCORE Arizona offers no-cost mentors that share wisdom, expertise and knowledge to help you start your business.
Small businesses who have operated 0-1 years:
I have started a business AND would like HELP GROWING AND expandING.
The ACA has resources and partners that can help you grow and expand a business in Arizona:
- SCORE Arizona offers no-cost mentors that share wisdom, expertise and knowledge to help you develop and grow your business.
- The AZ Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers no-cost, one-on-one business counseling for small business owners. This can be for business plan creation, contracting and more.
- Prestamos’ Women's Business Center and YWCA of Southern Arizona's Women's Business Center (WBC) offer financial literacy training and one-on-one business counseling for women business owners.
- The ACA hosts weekly Small Business Boot Camps that cover an array of topics for small businesses.
- The ACA's Small Business Digital Academy helps business owners with the knowledge and skills to take control of their business’ digital presence.
Small businesses who have operated 1-2+ years:
I would like to prepare for BUSINESS funding.
The ACA has resources and partners that can assist in preparing for the funding process:
- Prestamos CDFI hosts Financial Literacy & Funding courses virtually and in-person throughout Arizona to prime business owners for the funding process. View their schedule to start preparing.
- The Funding Readiness Checklist provides the documentation needed from business owners that may be requested by a lender. The AZ Small Business Development Center, SCORE Arizona, Prestamos’ Women's Business Center and YWCA of Southern Arizona's Women's Business Center provide one-on-one assistance if needed when completing the checklist.
Small businesses who have operated 2+ years:
I am fully prepared to apply for a loan and need Technical Assistance, OR was previously denied for a business loan and need Technical Assistance.
If Prepared
- Make sure the Funding Readiness Checklist has been completed in its entirety.
- Contact one of the three partnering loan institutions for a business loan inquiry (Clearinghouse CDFI, Lendistry or Prestamos CDFI) OR another loan institution.
If Previously Denied
- Contact the institution that denied your application and obtain information regarding the denial.
- Contact Prestamos CDFI to request a Technical Assistance Consultation, please make sure to bring the information about your denial with you for your consultation.