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Community Partners |
| Starting a New Business |
City of Tucson Finance Department Business License Section
(520) 791-4566
Information regarding operating a business in the City of Tucson including Online Tax Forms, Business Privilege/Occupational License Applications.
Pima County Health Department
How to start a food establishment
The guide to starting a food business is a document provided by the Pima County Health Department to help a food establishment first-time owner or independent operator complete the licensing process or plan review for food establishments in Pima County.
Tucson-Pima Public Library
(520) 791-4010
Small Business Information Center providing services and resources that promote the development of successful businesses.
Arizona Corporation Commission/Partnership or Corporation
(520) 628-6560
All corporations and some partnerships must register with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
Arizona Department of Commerce/Arizona Business Connection
(800) 542-5684
Some business activities such as an auto dealer, cosmetologist/barber, home inspector, security guard, etc. require State of Arizona licensing or certification. Arizona DOES tax certain "service" businesses such as amusements, contracting activities, real property rentals, street and sidewalk vendors, some transportation activities, etc.
Arizona Department of Revenue
(520) 352-4090
Tax information.
Arizona Registrar of Contractors
(520) 628-6345
Provides information about contractor licenses including license classification, bonding status, complaint history and more.
Arizona Secretary of State/Trade Name/Doing Business As (DBA)
(800) 458-5842
To protect your business name and to ensure you are not using an existing business name. To protect a trademark in Arizona, which is any work, name, symbol, or device (or combination thereof). For information on Trademarks outside of Arizona, contact the United States Patent Office at (703) 308-4357.
Internal Revenue Service – Federal Income Tax Division
(800) 829-1040
Technology Research & Development Institute (TDRI)
(520) 546-2492
Established as a Southern Arizona high-tech cluster initiative, the TDRI is in process of providing product-related services such as: development, protoyping and testing; consulting; facilities; training; contracting; and grant writing. It has been specially designed to enable small and mid-sized companies to quickly modify and create new processes, technologies and products by providing innovative, "best-in-class" manufacturing and business solutions.
University of Arizona Office of Economic Development(UAOED)
(520) 621-4088
UAOED utilizes the expertise and resources of the University of Arizona to: provide economic development assistance to businesses, economic development organizations, communities and government; facilitate and support connections between the University and the business community; and promote the development of technology and its transfer to the marketplace. It also works to promote the prosperity of Tucson, Southern Arizona, the US/Mexico border region and Arizona with the Arizona-Sonora, Industry Relations, Business Relations and Regional Development programs.
University of Arizona Office of Technology Transfer
(520) 621-5000
The mission of the University of Arizona Office of Technology Transfer is to assist the faculty in matters related to intellectual property, including interactions with commercial partners, and to bring the inventions and discoveries developed within the University to market for the public good. It works closely with the high-tech clusters in Southern Arizona on a broad range of tech transfer matters.
University of Arizona Science and Technology Park
(520) 621-5287
One of the nation’s premier research facilities. A unique environment dedicated to the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the market place.
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| Development, Expansion, Relocation |
City of Tucson Development Services Center (DSC)
(520) 791-5550
Building Permits, Zoning, Parking and Paving - The City of Tucson is a one-stop planning and construction center that promotes quality land development and facilities plan reviews. This department serves as the first point of contact for anyone seeking assistance with development-related issues within the City of Tucson.
City of Tucson Urban Planning and Design
(520) 791-4505
Area and Neighborhood Plans, Design Guidelines, Planned Area Developments, Redevelopment Plans, Subregional Plans, Plan Amendments, Retail Recruitment, etc.
City of Tucson Environmental Services (Solid Waste)
(520) 791-3272
Small Business Recycling Programs.
Pima County Central Permits
(520) 740-6510
Find out about Pima County Building Codes, Development Review, Planning & Zoning, and search for permit activities here.
Tucson Fire Department
(520) 791-4010
The Business Assistance Program was created to help small to medium sized businesses understand and follow the International Fire Code as adopted by the City of Tucson. In addition to these regulations, the Business Assistance Program team has arranged to act as a liaison with the various agencies that may have an impact on your business.
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| Business Support |
Better Business Bureau of Tucson (BBB)
(520) 888-5353
Provides reports on business firms that will be helpful to you before making a purchase; Information about charity groups and organizations; help to resolve consumers' disputes through conciliation, mediation and arbitration; and promote ethical business standards and voluntary self-regulation of business practices.
City of Tucson Business Index
Microbusiness Advancement Center and Tucson/Pima County Women’s Business Center
(520) 620-1241
Small business plan consultation, one-on-one support, seminars, business wellness services and loan packaging assistance. Services and training in English and Spanish.
Pima Community College Small Business Development Center
(520) 206-6404
With an entrepreneurial spirit, Pima Community College's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides high-impact consulting and training to start-up entrepreneurs and small business owners. SBDC business analysts provide assistance in business planning, market assessment, technology commercialization, capital acquisition and strategic planning. Most services are provided at no or minimal cost due to generous support from the Small Business Administration and Pima Community College. SBDCs work with community organizations and local, state and federal agencies to create a broad network of resources at the community level.
SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business
(520) 670-5008
Free, confidential, one-on-one business counseling to meet the needs of business startup, expansion or problem solving assis-tance, low-cost tax seminars and other workshops.
Tucson-Pima Public Library
(520) 791-4010
This site contains powerful resources and services to help grow your business. Includes an Information Center for WWW links and the EBSCOhost magazine database for full text coverage of over 1,000 magazines.
Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
(520) 792-2250
Free consultation in accounting, marketing and other areas. Chamber membership not required.
Tucson Urban League
(520) 791-9522
Small business assistance program provides business readiness training, business plan development, small business loans and ongoing technical assistance for new and expanding small businesses.
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| Financing |
Business Development Finance Corporation (BDFC)
(520) 623-3377
BDFC, Arizona’s #1 SBA 504 Premier lender, offers a wide range of business loans that can range from $10,000 to $3,000,000. The SBA 504 program offers financing for businesses acquiring fixed assets. Eligible projects include acquiring, constructing or expanding business real estate or buying machinery and equipment. Project size can range from $125,000 to over $5,000,000. Long term financing is available for up to 90% of the project cost with affordable fixed rates. BDFC’s Small Loan Program is available to finance term loans for any business purpose. These loans can range from $10,000 to $100,000, and have an attractive fixed interest rate and no prepayment penalty. Contact the Business Development Finance Corporation at 520-623-3377.
The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Tucson
(520) 623-3377
("Tucson IDA") is a quasi-public enterprise which provides a range of financing alternatives for community projects. For example, the Tucson IDA has established a community investment fund that actively seeks to fund Tucson-based projects that have economic development, affordable housing, or downtown, neighborhood or community development objectives. Loans can be made between $5,000 and $75,000. Larger size loans may also be made in participation with other lenders. For more information on the Industrial Development Authority, contact the Business Development Finance Corporation at (520) 623-3377 or www.bdfc.com.
Chicanos por la Causa
(520) 882-0018
Offers programs that were established to address the problems encountered by small business entrepreneurs seeking financing and provides alternatives for existing and emerging micro-enterprises in the Tucson community. Loan funds may be used for working capital or the purchase of equipment, machinery, furniture, fixtures, supplies and/or inventory.
PPEP Microbusiness and Housing Development Corporation, Inc.
(520) 806-9513
Opening doors for people in Rural Arizona who want to open their own business or provide affordable housing. Financial services and technical assistance to small home-based business and many small businesses; provides technical assistance and training, business planning and bookkeeping referral services.
Tucson/Pima Public Library
This page has links to useful web sites about finance and loans including venture capital, and government procurement.
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| Workforce Programs and Information |
AZ Department of Commerce / Unemployment Taxes
(520) 628-6820
Any business with employees (other than the owner) must register with the Employer Accounts Office of the Arizona Department of Economic Security, for Unemployment tax contributions.
Pima County One-Stop Centers
(520) 243-6703 or (520) 798-0500
One-Stop Centers connect businesses with job seekers. The Centers provide universal access to career and labor market information and services for job seekers. Services available to help Southern Arizona companies include job development for job seekers, customized training for both job seekers and employers, on-the-job training dollars for eligible companies, incumbent worker training, (such as H1B monies), and incentives and tax credits for employers. Additionally, an interactive web site (PimaWorks.com) is available where employers can post open positions and job seekers post resumes. For employers facing plant closures or layoffs, the Center provides technical assistance and pre-layoff services to assist in the transition. For employers seeking qualified workers, the Center provides assessment, customized training, pre-screening and recruitment services.
Pima County Workforce Investment Board (PCWIB)
Results-oriented, employer-focused and a commitment to effective workforce solutions are the hallmarks of the PCWIB. A dynamic partnership of private and public resources, PCWIB assures the availability of a trained labor force by working directly with the businesses in Pima County.
State Compensation Fund/Worker's Compensation Insurance
(520) 292-4000
All companies with at least one employee must provide insurance for workers to compensate for job related injuries. You may obtain workers compensation coverage from any insurance company.
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| Training & Education |
Cochise Community College
Cochise Community College programs include the Center for Professional Development, Small Business Development Center, Career Services Center, Conferences and Elderhostel Program, Prison Education Programs, Adult Education, Binational Education Programs and Fort Huachuca Military Education Programs. It is committed to serving Southern Arizona citizens by offering classes in Wilcox, Benson, Bisbee, Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista, Douglas and outlying areas.
Metropolitan Education Commission
(520) 670-0055
New Horizons Computer Learning Center
(520) 290-5600
New Horizons Computer Learning Center is Southern Arizona’s only Microsoft Certified Gold Partner in training. We provide application training from any Microsoft application to Adobe products, Macro Media and Web design. We also offer a full line of Technical training on all Microsoft Products, CompTIA, Sun/Solaris, Security, and many others. We are also the only authorized center in Southern Arizona to deliver Crystal Report Training and CISSP security Training. We can provide training in one of our classrooms in Tucson, Sierra Vista, or at your location.
Pima Community College
Small Business Development Training Center – Pima Community College
(520) 206-6404
With an entrepreneurial spirit, Pima Community College's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides high-impact consulting and training to start-up entrepreneurs and small business owners. SBDC business analysts provide assistance in business planning, market assessment, technology commercialization, capital acquisition and strategic planning. Most services are provided at no or minimal cost due to generous support from the Small Business Administration and Pima Community College. SBDCs work with community organizations and local, state and federal agencies to create a broad network of resources at the community level.
Tucson Urban League
(520) 791-9522
Offers Jobs Training Program consisting of GED preparation, basic education, life skills support, career exportation, and on the job training.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona is a student-centered university with over 34,000 students. Its more than 150 academic units are organized into 12 schools and 18 colleges, offering more than 300 degree programs.
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix makes it possible for busy adults to earn their college degree while maintaining their career and personal life. Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees, as well as professional certificate degrees, are offered including: business, administration, accounting, management, technology management, information systems, education, counseling and nursing.
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| Procurement Programs |
City of Tucson Procurement
(520) 791-4217
Register to participate as a vendor to do business with the City of Tucson.
City of Tucson Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
(520) 791-4593
The City of Tucson's Equal Opportunity Office administers the City Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program and implements and enforces equity policy for the City of Tucson. Eligible businesses will be listed in the City's MWBE Directory, which is distributed to City departments and prime contractors.
Pima County Procurement Department/ MWBE Program
(520) 740-8161
Procurement's Vendor Relations/MWBE Division is designed to facilitate the procurement process and to respond to the needs and concerns of Pima County vendors
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| Associations & Networking |
Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA)
(520) 327-0222
A membership driven, not-for-profit Arizona corporation of small business owners, providing a forum for networking, informative workshops, seminars and classroom training. Actively representing members with legislation affecting small businesses at the state and federal levels of government.
Tucson's Young Professionals
Tucson's Young Professionals (TYP) is a group of young business and community leaders focused on the promotion, attraction and retention of young professionals in Tucson.TYP is a quality group of diverse young professionals working together to showcase Tucson as a place for growth, prosperity, and an engaging environment to live, work and play. TYP seeks to work hand-in-hand with current community and business leaders to learn from their experiences and to create a young professional-friendly atmosphere.
Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
(520) 792-2250
Free consultation in accounting, marketing and other areas. Chamber membership not required.
Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
(520) 620-0005
Offers connections to other businesses interested in the Hispanic market to establish business contacts that can help your company. THCC encourages you to become part of this growing business organization.
Benson/San Pedro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Graham County Chamber of Commerce
Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce
Greater Green Valley Chamber of Commerce
Greater Sierra Vista Area Chamber of Commerce
Marana Chamber of Commerce
Mexican American International Chamber of Commerce
Nogales-Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce
Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce
Tucson GLBT Chamber of Commerce
Tucson-Southern Arizona Black Chamber of Commerce
Yuma County Chamber of Commerce
Pima Association of Governments (PAG)
(520) 792-1093
Pima Association of Governments’ mission is to address regional issues through cooperative efforts and pooled resources. Elected officials of the eight local jurisdictions and a governor-appointed member of the Arizona Department of Transportation Board serve on PAG’s Regional Council. PAG’s primary purpose is to build consensus with member jurisdictions and the public on regional issues such as transportation, population growth, and air and water quality. PAG has three divisions: Transportation Planning, Environmental Planning and Technical Services. PAG also manages the Regional Transportation Authority.
Arizona Association of Economic Development
AAED is the leading advocate for responsible economic development for all of Arizona.
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| Hi-Tech Links/Information |
Arizona Hi-Tech Connect
Website of Hi-Tech Business Connections.
Community Information and Telecommunications Alliance
(520) 321-1309
CITA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to Building Links To the Electronic Future that will support Arizona's educational, economic and community development.
Southern Arizona Technology Council
A non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and implement high-tech industry economic development and competitiveness in Tucson and Southern Arizona.
Technology Research & Development Institute (TDRI)
(520) 546-2492
Established as a Southern Arizona high-tech cluster initiative, the TDRI is in process of providing product-related services such as: development, protoyping and testing; consulting; facilities; training; contracting; and grant writing. It has been specially designed to enable small and mid-sized companies to quickly modify and create new processes, technologies and products by providing innovative, "best-in-class" manufacturing and business solutions.
University of Arizona Office of Technology Transfer
(520) 621-5000
The mission of the University of Arizona Office of Technology Transfer is to assist the faculty in matters related to intellectual property, including interactions with commercial partners, and to bring the inventions and discoveries developed within the University to market for the public good. It works closely with the high-tech clusters in Southern Arizona on a broad range of tech transfer matters.
University of Arizona Science and Technology Park
(520) 621-5287
One of the nation’s premier research facilities. A unique environment dedicated to the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the market place.
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| Tourism & Attractions |
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Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau
(520) 624-1817
Tourism is the largest economic industry in the state of Arizona, and the second-largest in Tucson, contributing almost $2 billion annually to the local economy.
Tucson Association of Museums
The Tucson Association of Museums (TAM) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the educational and cultural value of member museums to the community; work to increase support for these institutions from a private sector; and to provide a mechanism for communication and collaboration between member museums.
Tucson Attractions
The Southern Arizona Attractions Alliance is a nonprofit organization of regional attractions dedicated to cooperatively promote tourism and visitation in southern Arizona.
Tucson-Pima Arts Council
Founded as a nonprofit 501(C)3 Organization in 1984, the Tucson-Pima Arts Council (TPAC) is the designated local arts council of the City of Tucson and Pima County. Their mission is to make the arts integral to lives of our citizens. TPAC is committed to the artistic expression, educational development and economic growth of our diverse community through the support, promotion and advocacy of the arts and culture. TPAC services and programs support the nonprofit arts and culture community through grants, technical assistance, marketing and promotion, and organizational development. They administer the public art program for the city and county and advance the arts throughout the region through community arts development initiatives. They advocate for public and private support of the arts and raise funds through special events, sponsorships and grant solicitation for our programs and services.
Tucson Downtown Alliance
Downtown Tucson is the historic and cultural heart of Tucson, Arizona, the Old Pueblo. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from the grandeur of St. Augustine Cathedral to the funkiness of Congress Street.
City of Tucson Parks & Recreation
Pima County Arts & Recreation
University of Arizona Arts & Performances
Vamos a Tucson
In Spanish, vamos means let's go and bienvenidos means welcome. These are two complementary committees aimed at promoting Tucson's tourism and retail business community.
Virtual Tucson Magazine
Virtual Tucson magazine is a guide of the most interesting people, places, businesses, and desert locations in the Tucson Valley. The virtual experience part of this site comes from the Quick Time panoramas, outstanding local photography, and the personal points of view of their Virtual Tucson Experts. Click on a link and become a Virtual Tucson Visitor.
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| International Business |
US Export Assistance Center (Tucson Office)
(520) 670-5540
Find answers to your exporting questions; Match international buyers with Arizona suppliers; Locate trade events and seminars; Make contacts and connections around the world; Learn how to be successful in exporting.
Global Advantage
Global Advantage is a website dedicated to Tucson's economic alliances and international network of cities. This site contains key reports, headlines, highlights, newsletters, local links about International Business and Trade opportunities. The site also contains a calendar of events that also include listings entered by our partners in Berlin and Manchester. There is also a Business Forum where business, academic, research needs can be posted for review by constituents of member regions in an effort to spur cross border business activity among the partner cities.
International Trade Development Center (ITDC)
ITDC is a self-sustaining non-profit learning laboratory where international trade initiates hands-on education and economic development in Southern Arizona. Services provided include helping to bring buyers/sellers together, consulting, capital sourcing and training.
National Law Center for Inter-American Free Trade
(520) 622-1200
Tucson Mexico Trade Office
(520) 791-5199
Enhancing the relationships between Tucson and Mexico via a public-private effort that seeks to recapture and strengthen economic, social and cultural ties.
Sunbelt World Trade Association
(520) 744-0430
The Sunbelt World Trade Association promotes Tucson and Southern Arizona as a gateway to global trade, world wide promotions of Tucson and Arizona and to promote better relationships between countires - by providing a valuable forum for ideas and discussions pertaining to foreign trade.
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