• Small businesses make up the overwhelming majority of companies in Arizona according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. The state has a fast growing economy and its largest city, Phoenix, has federal and nonprofit agency resources to help small business owners get their ideas off the ground. Free resources include seminars and help with writing business plans.
  
  

U.S. Small Business Administration District Office

• The Arizona branch of the U.S. Small Business Administration is located in Phoenix. The office provides many services to area residents. In addition to financial assistance via loans and special services for veterans, free counseling is available for those who need advice on starting and growing a small business. The office has an in-house Veterans Affairs Office to help former members of the military. The office also gives advice to small business owners who want information on how to become a government contractor. Small businesses owners needing information on compliance with the American Disabilities Act also receive assistance in understanding implementation of the law's requirements. The Arizona SBA office maintains an online event calendar that lists its seminars and clinics. It is open Monday through Friday.
  
  U.S. Small Business Administration
  
  Arizona District Office
  
  2828 N. Central Ave.
  
  Suite 800
  
  Phoenix, AZ 85004
  
  602-745-7200
  
  sba.gov
  
  

National Association of Women Business Owners

• The Phoenix chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) provides women who are business owners with networking, mentoring and community involvement opportunities. All types of business owners are represented including sole proprietors. New members are mentored in NAWBO's buddy program through which they are paired with an established member of the organization. Members can take advantage of NAWBO's marketing resources, attend monthly luncheons and join its speakers bureau. NAWBO raises money for grants and scholarships for women business owners. The organization keeps members informed of its events and opportunities with an e-mail newsletter and through its online social media activities.
  
  NAWBO, Phoenix Metro Chapter
  
  4600 E. Washington St., #300
  
  Phoenix, AZ 85034
  
  602-772-4985
  
  nawbophx.org
  
  

Greater Phoenix Urban League

• The Greater Phoenix Urban League is an organization dedicated to assisting minorities and the disadvantaged in attaining social and economic equality. It provides free seminars to small business owners on starting a business, writing a business plan, understanding business taxes and acquiring licenses and permits. Small business owners can visit the organization's small business assistance center and take advantage of its free services including access to computers, fax machines and copiers.
  
  Greater Phoenix Urban League
  
  1402 S. Seventh Ave.
  
  Phoenix, AZ 85007
  
  602-254-5611
  
  gphxul.org