Avondale’s Holistic Approach to Economic Development

In recent years, the City of Avondale has emerged as an entrepreneurial oasis with an influx of small businesses breaking ground, opening their doors, and proudly switching the sign to say “OPEN”. So, what is it about Avondale that has sparked a small biz boom?

While the city’s rich culture and thriving business climate certainly contribute to Avondale’s allure, the support system built around the small business community is what’s setting the tone for long-term success. Avondale has made significant investments in tools and resources for both aspiring and existing small business owners. With an expansive portfolio of programs and partnership opportunities, the city has assembled a comprehensive toolkit, largely free of charge, to support the thriving small business community.

While the complete list is everchanging (and growing), we’ve highlighted a few tools below:

Arizona Small Business Association

ASBA’s membership provides countless values and benefits, including connections to business leaders and entrepreneurs statewide, business development opportunities, mentorship, peer exposure, access to data, discounted business benefits, and advocacy for a pro-business political environment. Avondale small businesses are eligible for a FREE two-year membership if they register by October 31, 2023.

Avondale EDGE HUUB

The online platform combines community and collaboration, offering guidance and assistance to Avondale’s new, emerging, or decades-old businesses while also focusing on meeting the needs of minority-owned businesses; something that is particularly important given Avondale’s minority-majority makeup. By providing a library of on-demand, local-focused webinars, a Spanish-translated website, and a Technical Assistance Grant that provides 15 hours of free one-on-one advising to Avondale business owners, the platform is a one-stop-shop that can meet the needs of business owners, no matter where they are on their journey.

Avondale EDGE EMCC Scholarship

In 2022, the City of Avondale announced a groundbreaking scholarship opportunity in partnership with Estrella Mountain Community College, a higher education institution located in Avondale’s very own backyard. Designed to focus on industries hit hardest by the pandemic, the scholarship provides a pathway for students, or working professionals, to pursue degrees in Nursing or Culinary Arts. Whether someone is entering the workforce for the first time, or looking to expand their existing skillset, the scholarship can help you get there. 

Green Business Program

As an eco-conscious city, Avondale businesses are at the forefront of reducing their environmental footprint. From adopting water-wise landscaping and low-flow water fixtures, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, upgrading to EnergyStar appliances, installing rooftop solar panels, sourcing supplies locally and regionally, and creating products from recycled materials, Avondale businesses are certified green! Businesses interested in learning about sustainable practices and becoming a certified green business are encouraged to apply.

SizeUp

SizeUp offers a menu of tools designed to help small business owners assess how they measure up to their competitors, be added to a directory encouraging customers to shop local in their community, and to provide assistance in making strategic decisions in the business’ lifecycle, increase acquisition of new customers, and retain existing customers.

With these tools, along with many more that can be found here, the City of Avondale has committed to providing a pathway for small business success. Becoming a small business owner requires an immense amount of sacrifice, resilience, and perseverance. If you bring the hard work and big dreams, Avondale will bring the rest.