There’s really no need for small business owners to feel like they have to go it alone in Arizona, not with the variety of programs, organizations and resources available to provide help.

There are obvious places to start. The Arizona Department of Commerce has an online resource center that is filled with links and information. Be sure to download the free resource guide. Also, go to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Arizona District Office Web site to find out about the many resources, services and tools available there.

The Arizona Small Business Association is an organization that serves as an advocate for small businesses and is dedicated to helping them grow. There is a modest $125 annual membership fee that provides access to various services, networking opportunities and value-added programs such as a group health care plan. A worker’s compensation program, in association with SCF Arizona, may lead to bonus dividends based on the safety success of association members.

“Small business is big business in Arizona and small businesses need to understand how to partner, how to connect, how to access resources in a cooperative mode,” says Joan Koerber-Walker, ASBA’s chief executive officer. “And that’s what ASBA gives them.”

The SCORE Association is well-represented in Arizona with chapters across the state. Successful retired executives and business owners provide free one-on-one counseling and stage low-cost seminars that deal with virtually all issues, including raising capital. In fact, according to Chet Ross, chairman of SCORE’s Phoenix chapter, a team of counselors will actually visit a client’s place of business.

Another place to turn for answers is the Arizona Small Business Development Center Network, a partnership between community college districts and the SBA. The AZSBDC offers free business counseling, workshops, programs, and help with technology development and commercialization.

These resources are in place to help businesses of all types, so take advantage of their offerings throughout the start-up process and beyond.

For more information visit the following websites:

sba.gov/localresources/district/az
asba.com
azsbdc.net