Small Business Resources

The city of Maricopa Economic Development Department is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses locate the assistance they need to be successful in the community. We recognize that the majority of new jobs across the country are created by small businesses, often ones already present in the local community.

In working with small business and entrepreneurs, the role of the city of Maricopa's Economic Development Department is to act as an advocate for the business community, a source of assistance in understanding City processes and policies, and an information clearinghouse of resources and contacts specializing in various areas of business growth. The department operates under a "no wrong door" policy, which means that it is our mission to put those needing assistance in touch with the right resources, no matter which "door" they enter from.

Business Outreach Program - we want to hear from YOU!

As part of a focused effort to assist small businesses in the Maricopa community, City staff members are partnering with the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce and the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance in an outreach campaign to visit 25 businesses one-on-one by April 2012 to identify areas in need of assistance and share valuable resources and tools. If you would like a member of our team to contact you, complete our online survey today.

Contact the City's Economic Development Department at 520/316.6812 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to request a meeting.

Entrepreneur Training Program

The city of Maricopa is pleased to offer local entrepreneurs and businesses - at no cost to them - the opportunity to receive targeted training and assistance to grow their local enterprises. Visit the program page for more details.

Marketing and Shop Local Initiatives

To aid local small businesses in marketing efforts, the City has launched a promotional television program entitled "Business Beat." Four local businesses each month are interviewed, videotaped and featured on the City's government channel throughout that month. In addition to airing the spots on the City's local government channel, Maricopa20, interviews will continue to be available online via Maricopa20's YouTube channel, youtube.com/MyMaricopa20, and by syndication via social media outlets. Finally, the City provides participants with web and social media tips so they can get the maximum marketing impact from their videos.

Learn more about Business Beat and how to apply!

Maricopa Chamber of Commerce

The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce was established in 1990 to help the local business community to network, create professional development and advertising opportunities, and to assist entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses. For information on how the Chamber can help you, visit maricopachamber.com.

Central Arizona College Small Business Development Center
Central Arizona College is Pinal County's community college. It offers over 50 university transfer programs and more than 90 degrees and certificates in various programs. In addition to academic and athletic excellence, Central Arizona College also operates a no-cost Small Business Development Center to help startup businesses with everything from creating a business plan to recruiting and training workers.

Business Retention & Expansion Program
Maricopa's Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program, established in October 2006, is aimed at keeping existing businesses in the area and assisting in their growth. The program consists of conducting one-on-one interviews with business owners and then following up with any information or special assistance needed. Assistance can range from providing additional information about networking opportunities in the community to working to recruit requested ancillary business services to the area. Maricopa is a member of the statewide "Building Bridges to Businesses" program sponsored by Arizona Public Service. Membership in this program has established an ongoing business retention and expansion strategy aimed at helping to develop and grow local business in the Maricopa community. In continued partnership with the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, the City is dedicated to ongoing communication efforts with all members of the local business community, the foundation of Maricopa's economy.

If you would like a member of our team to contact you immediately, share your information and areas of need with us via our online survey today.

The following list of online resources has been compiled for the convenience of small businesses and entrepreneurs in planning, developing, funding, and marketing their companies (the city of Maricopa does not advocate for and cannot guarantee the accuracy of data on 3rd party sites):

Small Business Organizations and Networking Resources in Maricopa

Business Plan Resources and Outlines

Research Data for Use in Business Planning

Development Resources

Funding Sources