Avondale’s Holistic Approach to Economic Development

littletaller

March 2023

Higher education, digital platforms, and government services are all tools that local business owners can use to start, retain, and expand their enterprise. The Avondale EDGE team works hard to connect local entrepreneurs to all the resources they need to be successful. When it comes to utilizing every tool in their toolbox, MAE Fine Foods in a prime example.

Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) is one of Avondale’s local, higher education institutions. Through their degree programs, they help boost their graduates’ earning potential and prepare them to join the workforce, both in new and reemerging industries. With the creation of the Avondale EDGE Culinary Scholarship, the City of Avondale has helped EMCC build a local, qualified workforce pipeline. MAE Fine Foods is able to offer this scholarship as an employee incentive, providing formal workforce training and an employee attraction and retention tool at no cost to them.

Regardless of the industry, technology is imperative for any business to reach their maximum potential. Online platforms can provide local business networking opportunities, a forum for feedback, and a free marketplace for technical assistance. By registering for the Avondale EDGE HUUB platform, MAE Fine Foods has access to educational workshops, a list of current grant opportunities, and expert advisors that offer custom business feedback, all free of charge. Whatever question a business owner has, or challenge they are facing, there is an expert advisor ready to help and provide best-in-class business planning assistance.

WeRIDE, Avondale’s public rideshare service that launched earlier this year, offers low-cost transportation to residents and visitors alike. At two dollars per ride, WeRIDE offers trips to and from fixed points within a 10-minute walk to all North Avondale neighborhoods and stops at shopping centers, recreation facilities, businesses, and community spaces, with some stops south of I-10. The Avondale EDGE team worked with transit staff to have a stop added to Fairway Commerce Center, where MAE Fine Foods is located. With the addition of the new designated stop, employees now have a low-cost way to commute to and from work at local businesses.

The Avondale EDGE team wants to help your business thrive and strives to holistically support the business community. If you need assistance, check out our website for resources or reach out to learn what resources are available to assist your venture.

Let’s build together,

Adam Shipley
Business Development Manager
AShipley@AvondaleAZ.gov

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Phoenix Raceway

Avondale, Arizona, is home to an exhilarating event that captures the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts from around the world—the NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway. This high-speed showdown, featuring races from the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series, marks the climax of the NASCAR season and is an unmissable event for racing fans. But the excitement doesn’t stop there; Phoenix Raceway offers a diverse range of entertainment options throughout the year, making it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and entertainment lovers alike.

The NASCAR Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway is the zenith of the motorsport calendar. It is where champions are crowned and motorsport history is made. Avondale proudly hosted the Championship Race in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, solidifying its place in NASCAR history. This event attracts racing enthusiasts from far and wide, who gather to witness the thrilling races and experience the electric atmosphere that permeates the raceway.

Phoenix Raceway is not just a racetrack; it transcends the realm of racing to become a versatile entertainment venue. Throughout the year, the raceway hosts a myriad of events, including Relentless Beats concerts, Spartan races, unique weddings, thrilling race-driving experiences, and captivating track tours. Whether you’re a music lover, an adrenaline junkie, or simply seeking a unique experience, Phoenix Raceway has something to offer.

Avondale’s commitment to the success of Phoenix Raceway is evident through significant infrastructure investments made during major renovations. The city has revamped the area surrounding the track, enhancing the overall visitor experience. Welcoming street banners, distinctive checker flag crosswalks, and streets named after racing legends create an inviting atmosphere that ensures every visitor feels at home.

No matter the reason for your visit, Phoenix Raceway guarantees an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re attending the Championship Weekend, catching a race during the season, savoring a concert under the stars, or embarking on a thrilling race-driving adventure, the raceway offers a diverse range of entertainment options for all. It’s a place where motorsport legends are born, the competitive spirit thrives, and diverse entertainment unfolds.

Avondale’s Phoenix Raceway is more than just a racetrack; it’s a place where racing legends are made and diverse entertainment thrives. From the NASCAR Championship Weekend to a year-round lineup of exciting events, Phoenix Raceway offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, Avondale’s Phoenix Raceway should be at the top of your must-visit destinations. To learn more about upcoming events, scan the QR code or visit PhoenixRaceway.com and DiscoverAvondale.com. Get ready to immerse yourself in the thrill and excitement that awaits at Phoenix Raceway.

Big Wins for Small Biz – Tools to Help You Succeed

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.