As we begin a new year, it’s a good time to reflect on accomplishments and to forecast the year ahead for how Coconino County hopes to enhance and support economic vitality for local businesses. Last year was a story of economic resilience for our community. After a difficult year in 2020 responding and adapting to the pandemic, our business and non-profit community were focused on recovery. According to Northern Arizona University’s Economic Policy Institute survey from April 2020, 54% of … [Read more...] about Community, Economic Resilience in the New Year
Chris Pasterz
Economic Development Progress Continues on County Projects
This month, we are proud to share updates on several projects now coming to fruition. Each of these projects has potentially wide-ranging economic implications and will serve as catalysts for businesses and organizations to further define their business models and explore development opportunities. For-profits and non-profits alike can benefit from these projects and the resulting opportunities and resources they provide. Equitable Economic Recovery Plan Coconino County was recently … [Read more...] about Economic Development Progress Continues on County Projects
County Leaders Deciding How to Invest American Rescue Plan Funds
Now that the first tranches of ARPA money have been deposited in municipal and county treasury’s bank accounts, community leaders are putting their best eligible projects forward for funding, some throwing every under-funded idea out there, hoping it will stick with decision makers. This month’s articles are focused on helping to provide a context and framework to help get your project successfully funded in partnership with your local government. This article will provide an overview of the … [Read more...] about County Leaders Deciding How to Invest American Rescue Plan Funds
Coconino County and Partners Face the Challenge of Broadband
Internet service. For most of us it is either too slow, too spotty, too expensive, or too far out of reach. Reliable internet service has become increasingly important to life and work in last 18 months. In this month’s article, we are going to share some of the solutions that are out there and what is happening at the county to bring forth those solutions, especially for those not-connected or under-connected to the internet. A quick disclaimer here: we are not going to be talking about what … [Read more...] about Coconino County and Partners Face the Challenge of Broadband
Growing Need for Forestry Products, Operations in Northern Arizona
In this month’s article, we explore how healthy forests support a healthy economy by providing opportunities for work, enhancing tourism and enabling us all to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Coconino County, in partnership with the Coconino, Kaibab, Apache-Sitgreaves and Prescott National Forests, have enacted Stage Fire Restrictions to mitigate the public safety risk of catastrophic fire and subsequent disastrous flooding, which pose a possible threat for years post-wildfire. It is … [Read more...] about Growing Need for Forestry Products, Operations in Northern Arizona
Positioning Your Business for Economic Recovery Investment Plans
It is extremely likely that another $2 trillion will be invested under the upcoming Infrastructure Plan, also known as the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. In this article, we continue to look at where the federal money is going, so that our local businesses can be in position to benefit (directly and indirectly) from the economic stimulus spending that will significantly shape the U.S. economy for the next decade. Knowing where the money is flowing is the first step in … [Read more...] about Positioning Your Business for Economic Recovery Investment Plans
Preparing for an Influx of Federal Stimulus Dollars
Last month, we shared how businesses can obtain access to business stimulus dollars through programs such as the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, the expanded Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This month, we are thinking bigger and sharing where the bulk of the federal stimulus dollars are going, and how your business can be prepared to benefit from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which has released a flood of cash into the … [Read more...] about Preparing for an Influx of Federal Stimulus Dollars
What is in the American Rescue Plan for Your Business?
This month, we are going to unpack how the American Rescue Plan Act, the most recent law passed by the federal government, impacts you and your business. The economy is being flushed with cash, $1.9 trillion, and it is good to know where it is flowing so you can figure out how to benefit. There are seven major categories for where the money is going: people, health care, Native American Tribes, education, veterans, state and local allocations, and small businesses. It is helpful to know the … [Read more...] about What is in the American Rescue Plan for Your Business?
Programs Available Offering Financial Assistance
Coconino County businesses want to know what is available to them now, as the news focuses on vaccination rollouts and new executive orders. This article shares some of the most discussed topics. New and second round PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans are being made now, with a portion set aside ($25 billion) for smaller businesses with under 10 employees, or for loans of $250,000 or less. This is good news for Coconino County businesses. An eligibility prerequisite for these loans is … [Read more...] about Programs Available Offering Financial Assistance
Finding County Economic Development Resources
January brings new options to businesses and employees, albeit some for a limited time only. Coconino County’s dedicated staff continues to guide and assist business owners, employees and all residents to access resources as they become available. This article targets the resources that are most asked about, and often the most complex and ever-changing: forgivable business loans, the eviction moratorium, Unemployment Insurance and the COVID-19 vaccine. Please take a few moments to familiarize … [Read more...] about Finding County Economic Development Resources
