MCbiz : i-Team

Maricopa County Library District E-Sources; Maricopa County Article 5 Procurement;

Maricopa County Environmental Division - Business Services; Environmental Services; Maricopa County Planning/Development

Maricopa County Community Development; Maricopa County Housing Authority; Maricopa Integrated Health System

Maricopa County Parks/Recreation; Maricopa County Stadium District; Maricopa County Department of Transportation;

Maricopa County Flood Control District; Maricopa County Facilities Management; Maricopa County Air Quality/Business Resources;

Maricopa County Public Information Office; Maricopa County Office of Public Defense Services; Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools

Maricopa Workforce Connections – MaricopaCounty

Business Services Info Sheet

Recruitment

MWC is able to provide recruitment of appropriate job applicants and provide significant levels of pre-screening services. These services not only save employers hundreds of valuable man-hours, but also translate into significant dollars saved.  Some of the recruitment tools available through MWC include:

·        Job postings through our Internet-based virtual recruiter;

·        In-depth pre-screening/ pre-interviewing services;

·        Resume;

·        Reference checks;

·        Soft skill assessments and soft skill development;

·        Customized skills assessments including MS Office Suite assessment;

·        Personality, interest, aptitude, transferable skills assessments; and

·        Provide marketing and advertising for open positions to engage the most appropriate populations.

Facility Uses include :

·        Large or small recruitments;

·        On-site job recruitments;

·        Employee training;

·        New employee orientations;

·        Group eligibility activities/trainings, etc;

·        Assessments for new hires;

·        Meeting space for staff meetings, chamber meetings, association meetings, etc (by reservation only);

·        Interview space;

·        Labor Market Information research space;

·        General office functions, fax, copier, computer use, phone use, reception capabilities (limited use only); and

In addition, employers may conduct an on-site recruitments at our MWCWestValleyCareerCenter , 1840 N. 95^th Ave., Ste. 160, Phoenix, AZ85037(at I-10 and Loop 101) or our MWCEastValleyCareerCenter, 735 N. Gilbert Road (at Guadalupe and Gilbert Road ).    Each Center is equipped with a BusinessServicesCenter that offers employers meeting space, office equipment, interview rooms, and other resources to enhance recruiting and hiring experiences.

Employer Staff Training Opportunities

MWC has several training products available to assists employers develop their workforce.  We have rolled out a new version of our On the Job Training Program (OJT) , which allows up to $50,000 reimbursable training costs and wages incurred during mentor-based training for current employees or new hires.  And, we offer the Employed Worker Training Program (EWTP) , which is a classroom-based training grant for incumbent workers, also allowing a cap of $50,000 per contract.

Business Account Representatives

All MWC business customers are assigned a Business Account Representative that provides consulting needs and works one-on-one with each business to assure all workforce and recruiting products are rolled out to each business efficiently and customized to meet each entity’s needs.  Further, each MWC Business Account Representative can assist in researching comparable positions, developing job descriptions, identifying comparable and local area salary ranges, conducting customized labor market research, and assisting with job seeker recruitment plans.

Locations

Gilbert Maricopa Workforce Connections 735 N. Gilbert Road 480.497.0350

West Valley Maricopa Workforce Connections 1840 North 95th Avenue  Suite 160 602.372.4200

Maricopa County Library District @ WWW.MCLDAZ.ORG

Find the right information you need in your business!

What’s the Difference Between the Internet and the Library’s Databases?  Reliable Information!

The Library District subscribes to premium databases and provides them free to its customers.  On the Internet anyone can create a Web site and the information is, at times, inaccurate or not supported by fact, or is not available in its entirety, or requires a paid subscription.  Other materials, due to copyright constraints, are never published online. Library databases are well-organized, regularly updated and contain accurate and authoritative information from reputable publishers. Information you can rely on!

Information in the Library’s premium databases must first go through the scrutiny of the same editing procedures as traditional, reputable print materials. It is copyrighted information that’s usually not included in search engines. This is what sets libraries apart from online services like Google and other free search engines –AND only libraries also offer the assistance of a research professional—a librarian…the ultimate search engine!

Try these Databases:

Business & Company Resource Center   

A fully integrated resource bringing together company profiles, brand information, rankings,             investment reports, company histories, chronologies and periodicals.

InfoTrac OneFile

A one-stop source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics including: business,             computers, economics, law, technology, and many general interest topics. Millions of full-text             articles, many with images. Updated daily.

Morningstar

Provides data on nearly 1-million securities worldwide

America's Newspapers: The Ultimate Newspaper Archive

Provides full-text articles from the electronic editions for more than 600 U.S. newspapers - all in      one easy-to-search database.

Business & Investment Web Sites

Click on Selected Web Sites on Library’s home page, then click on “Business & Investment” to see the list of Web sites selected, reviewed and approved by librarians.

24x7 ASK!  -  Have a question?  Get an Answer!   

Get answers on consumer information, business & personal finance, law and government, job hunting & careers and much more.  With 24x7 Ask!, the library is always open!  Ask a question online anytime–day or night--from home or office computer and get an answer from a qualified librarian. (Just click on Ask a Librarian Live Chat 24x7 ASK! on Library Web page.)

What You Need to Get Started

●  Current library card issued by the Maricopa County Library District.

●  Personal Identification Number (PIN). To activate your account use 1234 or the last four digits of your

   telephone number. Once your PIN is established you can change it online.

●  Click on Online Research at top of Library Web Page

●  Under E-Sources Categories, click on Business and Professional Resources

Harry R. Courtright,

Director / County Librarian 

MaricopaSmallBusinessDevelopmentCenter

The Maricopa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the technical assistance arm of the Small Business Administration and provides business expertise to small businesses residing in MaricopaCounty .  Maricopa SBDC pertains to the larger Arizona SBDC Network and together with ten other community college districts in the state, helps sustain Arizona commerce. Ninety seven percent of the Arizona economy consists of small businesses and the SBDC provides customized training to meet the needs of business owners at no charge.

The SBDC business counseling is comprehensive and together with a variety of workshops, we extend to our clients a vast education and business network to address every need for every type of business, from pre-venture to fast-growth entities.  The SBDC is managed like a private sector consulting firm with eight specialized counselors. In 2006, the Maricopa SBDC assisted in creating and retaining 1,034 jobs, with over $26 million in capital formation and increased business sales of $69.8 million. 

The SBDC is funded by the Community College system and the Small Business Administration.  It has returned $7.69 dollars to the economy for every tax dollar invested.  Please visit our website at www.MaricopaSBDC.com or call us for information at 480-784-0590.  We offer counseling and workshops in both English and Spanish.

Lisha Adela García is the Diversity Programs Coordinator for the SBDC and is one of 8 counselors to offer business and technical assistance in areas ranging from start-up requirements to the intricacies of technology companies.   Lisha and the SBDC provide a broad array of other business counseling services including finance, accounting, marketing, sales, government procurement and business certification programs among numerous others.

 

Self-Employment Loan Fund (SELF)
“Your Idea + Our Support = Business Success”
What do you want your success story to look like?

Maybe you have an idea that you want to turn into a business.  Or maybe you have a set of skills that could earn you more money in a business of your own. 

SELF can help you turn your ideas and skills into real income.  We offer training, personalized support and loans to provide you with a solid business foundation – regardless of previous business experience.

Training Programs
The Business Plan Workshop is the perfect place to start turning your business idea into reality.  It’s also a great resource for existing businesses that either do not have a business plan or are looking to revise a dated business plan.  SELF’s thorough curriculum, experienced instructors and small class sizes take the fear out of writing a business plan!

SELF also offers monthly seminars, networking events, and connections to other trainings across the Valley.

One-on-One and Small Group Support
SELF clients can turn to us at any time for one-on-one assistance.  Whatever your business status or need, we can provide the support to help you keep business moving.  Topics have included financials, marketing, legal issues, and much more.

Our clients also benefit from small group support.  Peer groups provide ongoing education, networking and support to help you get through the challenges of starting your business.

Loans
As an SBA Micro Lender, SELF offers loans up to $35,000 through two loan programs.  Each one is designed to suit a different stage of business.  Loans of $3,000 or less do not require a credit check or collateral – a great way to get your business started and establish business credit without taking on overwhelming debt.  All of our loans offer more flexible terms than traditional institutions and lower interest rates than most credit cards.

A History of Serving Start-Ups
During its 13-year history, SELF has answered over 10,000 business start-up inquiries and served nearly 8,000 clients.  Of the 106 respondents to SELF’s 2007 annual client survey, 64 (60%) operated their business and 10 others (9%) plan to open in the coming year.  These clients earned revenues totaling $3.6 million in 2006 and hired 80 new employees.  Their businesses are thriving and success stories abound. 

One client went through the Business Plan Workshop for her construction company, won an award through SELF, and as a direct result of that award, has grown her business tremendously from the increased marketing and exposure. 

Another client went through the Business Plan Workshop and used a $500 loan to start a cleaning company.  At a SELF Business Expo at a downtown high-rise, she met the building’s property manager and procured a major contract to clean the entire high-rise.

What do you want your success story to look like? Call SELF at 602.340.8834 to find out how we can help you create your own success story.

Sonia Singh
Marketing Director
Self-Employment Loan Fund, Inc. (SELF)
1601 N. 7th St., Ste. 340
Phoenix, AZ  85006
(602) 340-8834
http://www.selfloanfund.org/
NEW!  www.myspace.com/AZSmallBiz

Arizona Department of Commerce

The Arizona Department of Commerce is your first stop for developing a successful business. 

 

It starts with 24/7 online access for start-ups and small businesses, minority and women-owned business services, and access to statewide business assistance resources.  We also market Arizona globally, promote inward investment, and provide resource assistance to grow your company. We are your first contact for statewide site selection, Arizona incentive information and additional business resource assistance.

 

Are you ready to grow?  We offer workforce solutions powered by One-Stop centers throughout the state.  Increase the skills of your staff through Arizona Job Training grants, or explore a custom-designed Apprenticeship.

 

Are you a technology company?  Visit our virtual Arizona Innovation Accelerator which supports technology-oriented businesses, and links them with resources and ideas from innovative leaders throughout Arizona .

 

Are you ready to export?  Our international trade office will introduce you to quality contacts at a variety of trade events around the globe and provide you with individualized counseling, trade missions, background information, the most recent statistics on trade, and current market research information.

 

The Arizona Department of Commerce serves as the state’s clearinghouse for economic information and strategic research related to Arizona ’s economy.

 

Also, the Arizona Department of Commerce preserves and improves the quality of life offered statewide through community development.

 

 

Arizona Minority Business Enterprise Center

About AMBEC

 

The Arizona Minority Business Enterprise Center (AMBEC) is a non-profit organization, federally funded by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), U.S. Department of Commerce, and operated by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

 

MBDA is the only Federal agency created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America . The AMBEC is committed to fostering the establishment and growth of minority-owned  firms.

 

What we do

 

AMBEC concentrates on minority business enterprises (MBEs) with $500,000 or more in annual revenues that are generating significant employment and long-term economic growth.

 

Our goal is to promote growth, expansion and competitiveness of MBEs by providing professional strategic business consulting services, opportunities and resources.  We assist MBEs in the areas of financing, planning, management, marketing and also in obtaining Government procurement (contract) opportunities.

 

Who we serve

 

Qualifying MBEs must meet the guidelines set forth by the MBDA’s minority standards which include, but are not limited to, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Aleuts, Asian Pacific Americans, Asians Indians, Eskimos & Hasidic Jews.

 

AMBEC Services

AMBEC uses telecommunications technology to dramatically increase the level of services that we can provide to minority owned firms. AMBEC provides strategic business consulting services and assistance in the following areas:

 

Access to Capital

 

Financial analysis and planning; loan/bond packaging,  marketing.

 

Access to Market

 

Assistance with Certification, procurement and bidding.

 

Franchising Assistance

 

We provide consulting and referrals to help you create wealth through franchising.

 

International Trade

 

Product evaluation for exporting; Foreign strategic marketing plan; export cost and pricing; Logistics; Distributor search and  product preparation for exporting.

 

Procurement Opportunities

 

AMBEC has developed an expansive network of strategic partners to provide greater opportunities and resources to its clients. AMBEC actively promotes individual minority businesses to these networks that include various Chambers of Commerce, business and trade associations, corporations, as well as to state and local government agencies.

 

Businesses-to-Business Linking

 

Through Business-to-business Linkage Forums, we directly link MBEs to opportunities. In addition, we assist firms identify potential business partners to jointly pursue a contract, and share the financial rewards.

 

TuckSchoolof Business

 

Each year we sponsor a potential strategic growth MBE to attend an executive education class at the prestigious Tuck School of Business.

 

Additional Benefits:

 

AMBEC provides referrals, and potential partnership opportunities. 

 

Alika Kumar, Director: 62-294-6087

Business Consultants

Ed McCartney: 602-294-6088

Gustavo Costales: 602-294-6089

Assistant/Certification Specialist:

Alex Meraz, 602-248-0007

 

ArizonaMinorityBusinessEnterpriseCenter

255 E. Osborn Road, Suite 202;

Phoenix, AZ85012

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

 

Author

Alika Kumar, Project Director

 

A Phoenix resident for 25 years, Alika earned an MIM from Thunderbird (AGSIM), and an MBA from ASU. With over 16 years of experience in the service industry which includes consulting for local and international businesses, teaching business courses, and working for the state and federal governments. Alika’s business experience includes conducting research; developing competitive business intelligence, market entry strategies; demand analysis in domestic and international markets, analysis of political risk for international ventures.

Alika is an artist in her spare time.

 

 

  

U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration is an agency of the federal government whose mission is to assist and protect the interests of small business concerns and to maintain and strengthen the overall U.S. economy. The 26 million small businesses in the country are the engine that drives America ’s economy They are essential to our economic health and our national efforts to keep the United States competitive in today's global marketplace. In essence, SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses.

 

Established in 1953, the agency assists small business owners by:

 

-          acting as their advocate before Congress and federal regulatory agencies to help ease the burden of federal regulations on small businesses

-          guaranteeing loans to banks to help make bankers more comfortable in lending to small businesses because with the guarantee, they know the government is there to help cover losses in the case of default

-          offering free one-on-one business counseling through partners across the nation

-          assisting small businesses in offering their goods and services to the federal government

-          helping businesses and families recover from disasters

 

With offices in every state, the SBA last year guaranteed over $16 billion in small business loans and helped small businesses secure over $50 billion in federal contracts. In Arizona alone, SBA guaranteed $1.1billion in loans and this figure grows steadily every year as the sixty participating SBA lenders across the state increasingly provide capital to small businesses.

 

SBA loan programs help make capital available to small businesses that might not otherwise be able to obtain a commercial loan. Our three main loan programs include the 7(a) program which allows small businesses to borrow up to $2 million for a wide variety of business uses including working capital, business debt refinance and real estate. Our 504 program allows businesses to borrow up to $10 million for fixed asset purchases such as real estate or major pieces of equipment with an equity injection of as little as 10 percent. SBA’s microloan program allows loans up to $35,000 with credit and collateral requirements that may be less stringent than those of a commercial lender.

 

With a network of partners throughout the state, SBA offers free business counseling and training opportunities. Through SCORE, SmallBusinessDevelopmentCenters and Women’s Business Centers, small business get the advice they need to succeed. SCORE is a national organization of volunteers, many of whom are retired industry executives and former small business owners who are great mentors. Our eleven Arizona Small Business Development Centers are affiliated with community colleges and also offer free counseling. In addition, there are two Women’s Business Centers in the state that offer training and counseling, and are also microlenders.

 

At www.sba.gov/az SBA offers a virtual online business school with free business classes on all manner of topics related to business, from developing a business plan, to financing, to marketing. Recently the SBA joined forces with Donald Trump and TrumpUniversity to offer the free class “How to Start a Business on a Shoestring Budget.” (See www.sba.gov under the “Training” icon.)

 

SBA’s 8(a) business development program is designed to assist economically and socially disadvantaged small businesses compete for federal contracts. SBA certifies such companies to compete for up to nine years for federal procurement funds set aside expressly for certified businesses.

 

One of the key challenges facing small businesses is lack of planning. Too many entrepreneurs start a business driven by faith in a good idea and passion. Unfortunately, that’s too often a prescription for failure. Our counseling system is designed to help those in business, or just starting out, avoid that pitfall by assisting them in the development of what we consider to be the fundamental document of any business, a business plan. Simply put, the plan is the businesses’ road map to the future.

 

The business plan answers such important questions of how much money is needed, how the business will market itself and to whom, and in what space in the marketplace will the business compete and with whom. According to lenders, the business plan is the single most important document in the consideration of a loan. If done right, it contains well developed financial statements based on sound assumptions that will assure a banker that the business has a chance to succeed and the ability to service a loan.

 

For further information about SBA’s programs and resources call 602-745-2000, or visit us on the web at www.sba.gov/az.

 

As the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Senior Area Manager for Southern Arizona , Stephen Hart oversees federal efforts to help entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed in small business. He coordinates SBA’s marketing and outreach efforts, works with lenders and with SBA’s resource partners - SCORE, SmallBusinessDevelopmentCenters and WomenBusinessCenters .

He brings experience from both the private sector and government to the job. In government, Hart held senior management positions in the White House, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of State. His private sector work included stints in the telecommunications industry and with America ’s major freight railroads. He resides in Tucson with his wife and two sons.

 

 

Formerly known as the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP), the Business Resource Division's primary purpose is to assist small businesses that are, or will be, subject to requirements under the Federal 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment.

For small businesses and activities that may require an air quality permit, the Business Resource Center can provide permit application assistance, on-site compliance information, education, training, and pollution prevention technologies.

 

Maricopa County Air Quality Department

BusinessResourceCenter

 

Assistance Programs

 

The BusinessResourceCenter ’s Assistance Programs provide technical assistance, guidance, education and outreach to area business owners to assist in understanding air quality regulations, and aid their efforts to reduce emissions and comply with Department rules.

 

 

Services Provided   (all services can be reached by calling (602) 506-5102)

• Permit Assistance Helpline
• Courtesy Site Visits
• Industry Seminars and informal “Brown Bag” discussions
• Technical Information Presentations
• Permitting and Compliance Technical Guidances

 

Permit Assistance Helpline

Starting or expanding a new small business or buying an existing small business? Many small business owners may not have the technical expertise and financial resources to hire a consultant to help them through the regulatory process. The MaricopaCountyAirQualityDepartmentBusinessResourceCenter ’s Permit Assistance Helpline provides small businesses with valuable assistance in understanding and preparing air quality permit applications and complying with regulations. A call to the Helpline connects you to a technical advisor who will get you the answers you need quickly and efficiently. The technical advisor will answer questions about permitting requirements for your particular operation, including applicable regulations, record keeping, and more. If you need additional technical assistance, a Courtesy Site Visit by a technical advisor can be arranged.

 

Courtesy Site Visits

If you would like one-on-one attention, an Air Quality technical advisor will visit with you and review your permit conditions, or assist you in completing permit applications. The site visit provides an opportunity to discuss regulations and policies, and to receive assistance in setting up your own self-inspection program. We will work with you to resolve questions or issues arising from applicable regulations or permit conditions.  You will be made aware of Department expectations and how to achieve and maintain compliance.  Courtesy site visits are advisory and do not replace regular compliance inspections. 

 

Industry Seminars and informal “Brown Bag” discussions

MaricopaCountyAirQualityDepartmentBusinessResourceCenterholds monthly IndustrySeminars and informal “Brown Bag” discussion for selected industry categories and topics. The seminars provide business operators with extensive information on how to comply with air quality regulations in an informal atmosphere conducive to frank give-and-take discussions outside of the regulatory arena.

 

Technical Information Presentations

Maricopa County Air Quality Department Staff will make technical presentations to Trade Associations and Source Category Groups who want to know more about air quality matters and requirements. Topics can be tailored to your specific industry or business.  You can request a presentation for your group function by calling the Compliance Assistance Program.

 

Permitting and Compliance Technical Guidances

The Department offers a series of technical guidances and simplified “Q & A” documents to assist small businesses in understanding regulatory requirements

 

WarrenKosters

Division Manager

BusinessResourceCenter

MaricopaCounty

Air Quality Department

602 506-5102

Fax  602 372-0997

 

NAWBO – Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter

 

The Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is building a legacy for women-owned businesses.   The chapter was established in 1985 and has quickly emerged to place among the top 10 national chapters. 

 

As part of a national organization, our Chapter is the voice representing our local share of America 's 10.6 million women-owned businesses.   NAWBO was first founded in 1975 with a mission to help women evolve their businesses by sharing resources and providing a single voice to shape economic and public policy. NAWBO is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses.

 

The organization is unique in the way it connects people.  Because there are chapters of NAWBO in almost every metropolitan area, members benefit from relationships across the United States .  Additionally, NAWBO is also represented in 33 countries across the world through its affiliation with Les Femmes Chefs d' Enterprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs) providing members with the remarkable opportunity to make global connections. 

 

NAWBO's strength comes from the diversity of its membership – all sizes from sole proprietorship to hundreds of employees; every industry from construction, importers, retailers to service providers-and in all areas of the country.

 

With more than 300 members, the Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter is raising the bar in creating distinctive programs and benefits.   Under dedicated leadership, our Chapter strives to bring prosperous business opportunities and educational resources to its members.   With monthly luncheons and numerous networking events, our members are constantly presented with opportunities to connect with each other and grow as professionals and leaders.   The results of our programs, such as the Mentoring Program, are receiving national attention and praise. 

 

Some of the key Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter benefits include:  Awards & Recognitions, Monthly Meetings, Bi-Weekly E-communications and Quarterly Printed Newsletters , Advertising Discounts, Committee Involvement and Leadership Development, Increase Circle of Influence, Community Alliances & Diversity Connection, Corporate Partner Participation, Education, Marketing Opportunities, Marketplace Tables at Monthly Luncheons, Directory, Website Resource and Online Directory, Mentor Program, NAWBOards Small Group Networking, Social Networking, Public Policy Participation. NAWBO also has a 501C(3) charitable arm, Women’s Enterprise Foundation (WEF) to raise fund and provide various educational grants and scholarship for women.

 

To learn more visit online www.nawbophx.org.   A comprehensive calendar of events and activities is listed on our we