Contact: Chris Chesrown
Media Relations Manager
480-731-8503

For Immediate Release

SMALL BUSINESSES TO GET EXPANDED SERVICES
Small Business Development Center moves to new headquarters

May 1, 2002 – 99-percent of all businesses in Maricopa County are considered “small businesses,” according to the Arizona Department of Commerce. Although the number is surprising to most people, a majority of those businesses also fail.

But small and mid-sized businesses can get more help than ever as they work to succeed, now that the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has moved its headquarters to a larger and centralized location.

“Starting a business is never easy, but in today’s economy there are other uncertainties, so the need for help is even greater,” explains Michael York, State Director for the Arizona Small Business Development Center. “We serve as a resource to start-up and existing businesses, helping them plan for growth and success. Some businesses need counseling on bookkeeping while others have no business plan. It’s about providing help where it’s needed.”

The SBDC is now located at 2400 N. Central Avenue, Suite 104, in downtown Phoenix. The office space is considerably larger, allowing the addition of new business analysts to work with clients.

“This move signifies growth for our program,” according to Richard Senopole, Center Director. “We are working diligently to reach minority and women-owned businesses, address the needs of high-tech businesses more effectively and strengthen the link with our ten community colleges and two skill centers to the small business community.”

The Small Business Development Center is funded by the Maricopa Community Colleges and the Small Business Administration. The SBDC helps small business owners manage change and plan for the future by providing low-cost training and one-on-one counseling at no charge.

The new headquarters also has a classroom/conference space for up to 35 participants so the SBDC can provide seminars, workshops and conferences onsite.

For more information about the SBDC or their services call 480-784-0590.

The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges – Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes and serves more than 277,000 students annually. For more information: 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu

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March 13, 2002