This year is your time to take the leap into your business that may change lives and improve the environment at the same time.
Have the idea and looking for the next step? Take a look at partners to discuss your business idea. Here are three of the larger business development partners in the area who provide the lion’s share of the resources and a partner that covers the state: Coconino Small Business Development Center, Moonshot@NACET and the Arizona Commerce Authority.
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by Coconino Community College, is Arizona’s largest and most accessible statewide source of assistance for small businesses. Since 1988, the SBDC has opened their doors to opportunity in Arizona. The Coconino Small Business Development Center provides advising, training, online courses and resources for businesses throughout the Northern Arizona region. SBDC registered clients have access to free, confidential business consulting services provided by experienced small business experts. Their statewide network collaborates to provide expertise in finance, marketing, government procurement, operations and human resources. https://www.coconino.edu/SBDC
Moonshot@NACET is another powerhouse in the entrepreneurial space in terms of the network they deliver to the business incubator and accelerator campus in Flagstaff known as NACET, Chandler Innovations Chandler Campus and the AZ Stitch Lab Tucson Campus. Moonshot provides a suite of services to assist scalable business ideas (think unique solutions to familiar questions) to grow from concept/ideation to proof of concept and generating revenue. https://www.moonshotaz.com/
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state office that focuses on all things economic development including startups and entrepreneurship. Visit their startup webpage (https://www.azcommerce.com/start-up/) to find all of their resources for the startup and small business owner. Resources include incubators and accelerators around the state, co-working spaces, and capital resources (think funding!).
Gain Support Through Shark Tank-Like Competition
Events and their related activities are opportunities for entrepreneurs to take what they have learned and compete in a Shark Tank-like environment, a challenge that could infuse $30,000 into a project.
This third annual Pioneer Pitch event is being held across the state of Arizona with the final winners to be announced at a larger APS sponsored event in Flagstaff in June. Events are scheduled in the Verde Valley, Flagstaff, Globe, Prescott Valley/Quad Cities and Winslow/Holbrook/Joseph City. If you have ideas about a new product, an improved process or a new business, go to the Pioneer Pitch webpage (https://www.moonshotaz.com/az-pioneer-pitch-2122.html) for more information, including the application and all of the workshops. There will be cash prizes, scholarships, mentors, connections and great experiences!
Compete in Waste/Carbon Neutrality Challenge
The third annual Innovate Waste/Carbon Neutrality Challenge invites people to divert materials from the landfill and to convert those materials into a product or service that creates a new business, or to develop innovative ideas to reduce or remove the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The Innovate Waste/Carbon Neutrality Challenge recognizes that independent businesses and entrepreneurship create the greatest resilience and sustainability for all communities. The City of Flagstaff is putting money where its mouth is and offering up to $30,000 to the winner to support their business growth. This is a chance for a business to prosper while solving community issues.
The City of Flagstaff Economic Development and Sustainability offices have partnered with Moonshot to ensure that the program feeds into the larger network to set up the winners for greater success. Go to the Innovate Waste/Carbon Neutrality Challenge webpage (https://www.moonshotaz.com/innovate-waste-challenge-2021.html) for more information and how to apply. Applications are being accepted until April 21. The winner will be announced on Saturday, April 23 at the Earth Day Celebration.
This year is your time to take the leap into your business that may change lives and improve the environment at the same time. Explore the resources listed above or feel free to email or call the City of Flagstaff Economic Development team directly at EconDevInfo@flagstaffaz.gov or 928-213-2906. FBN
By John Saltonstall
