By Terri Jo Neff |

While many Arizona businesses see a productivity downturn over the holidays, small business owners know there is often little time for respite. And that is where the Arizona Small Business Development Center (AZSBDC) Network can be of help.

The AZSBDC Network works with small business owners to preserve and create small business jobs and revenue by helping launch, grow, and sustain businesses in every stage of development. There is also confidential support for small businesses seeking guidance on federal, state, and local contracting opportunities.

The free services offered by AZSBDC includes resource assistance, training programs, and free one-on-one counseling with specially trained advisors who have small business ownership and management experience. Several training programs are available each month on subjects from how to decide if being a small business owner is a right choice, to business plan development and review, and addressing cyber security issues for a small business.

Many of the training programs are provided online, while others are conducted in person at one of the 10 AZSBDC offices (Casa Grande, Flagstaff, Kingman, Phoenix, Prescott, Show Low, Sierra Vista, Thatcher, Tucson and Yuma) or multiple satellite offices located throughout the state. There are also some Spanish language programs.  

Upcoming online subjects include:

Jan. 5 – Is a Small Business Right for Me?

Jan. 11 – 10 Steps to Starting a Business in AZ

Jan. 12 – 10 Steps to Cyber Secure Your Small Business

Jan. 19 – AZ Business Startup Clinic

AZSBDC can also assist with advice and resources for small business owners trying to navigate the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape.  More information about the network of Small Business Development Centers in Arizona can be found at https://azsbdc.net/