Business Organizations  

Dozens of local, state and national organizations operate in the Tempe area to help businesses connect with each other and operate smoothly. Some of these include:

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council is a one-stop resource for economic development contacts and demographic, economic, and related information about Maricopa County and the 14 communities that comprise the metropolitan area. Company executives searching for a place to expand or relocate business, or real estate consultants researching potential properties for a client will receive help to find information. GPEC’s research associates are also available to provide free, customized data and answer questions. For details, call (800) 421-GPEC.

Tempe Tech Oasis offers technology buffs and venture capitalists a chance to exchange ideas, seek customers and work out technical problems. The City of Tempe, Arizona Technology Council and members of Arizona Internet Professional Association support Tech Oasis.

Techie Tuesdays, hosted at the Owl’s Nest the second Tuesday of each month, bring people together socially. To learn more, call (480) 350-8812.

The Arizona Bioindustry Association guides biotechnology companies from bench to boardroom with networking opportunities, educational events, job banks and lobbying efforts. Call (480) 752-2016.

The Arizona Technology Council is committed to driving the success of member companies across technology fields and building recognition of the state as a global leader in a knowledge-based economy. Representing over 30,000 employees across its more than 400 member companies, the Council champions technology and a common agenda for supporting the State's economic growth through a stronger technology industry. Along with member programs and events, the Council provides leadership on the issues vitally important to the technology community. Call (602) 343-TECH.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses. NFIB was ranked the most influential business organization (and 3rd overall), in "Washington's Power 25" survey conducted by Fortune magazine. NFIB's purpose is to influence public policy at the state and federal level and be the resource for small and independent business in America. NFIB also provides timely information designed to help small businesses succeed. Call (602) 263-7690.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. It is a group of both working and retired executives and business owners who donate their time and expertise as business counselors. SCORE was formed in 1964 and there are now about 12,400 volunteers in 389 chapters throughout the country. SCORE operates under the sponsorship of the U.S. Small Business Administration and in cooperation with a variety of local institutions. Call (480) 833-9020.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) promotes a better understanding of the U.S. economy by providing the most timely, relevant, and accurate economic data in an objective and cost-effective manner. BEA produces economic accounts statistics that enable government and business decision-makers, researchers, and the American public to follow and understand the performance of the Nation's economy. To do this, BEA collects source data, conducts research and analysis, develops and implements estimation methodologies, and disseminates statistics to the public. For details, call (202) 606-5556.

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce offers business support, lobbying, education and networking. Committees include: Business Development Council, Tempe Manufacturers Council, Government Relations, Small Business Council, Women In Business Council, Transportation, Business/Education, and the Tempe Tech Task Force, among others. Call (480) 967-7891.

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce promotes a business climate that enhances economic vitality and improves the quality of life for all Arizonans. Call (602) 771-1100.

Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is a non-profit corporation organized to provide services, benefits, information and legislative representation to its members and to contribute to the growth and success of its members’ businesses. For additional information, contact the organization at (602) 265-4563.

Economic Development Information Centers (EDIC’s) located throughout Arizona offer a core collection of business and economic development information, statistics, and demographics for Arizona and other areas. For location nearest you, check out the Economic Development Directory at Arizona Department of Commerce.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC’s) Arizona’s Small Business Development Center Network is an innovative partnership between the state’s ten community college districts and the U.S. Small Business Administration. One-on-one confidential counseling is at the heart of SBDC work. Programs and seminars often complement the counseling customized to meet the needs of business owners in metropolitan and non-urban areas of the state.

The Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (GPBCC) is an organization of business owners and professionals. The GPBCC promotes the growth, development and creation of Black-owned small businesses plus provides a higher level of visibility for the Black population in the Greater Phoenix area. Their mailing address is 201 E. Washington, Suite 350,  Phoenix, AZ 85004. Call (602) 307-5200.

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC) has considerable resources on small business. Along with business planning sources and classes in both English and Spanish, they can also provide you with information on opportunities with the United States Department of Transportation such as construction bonding, short term lending and procurement. Resources on international trade can also be obtained. They are located at 255 East Osborn Road, Suite 201, Phoenix, AZ 85012. The phone number is (602) 279-1800.

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Arizona provides support opportunities for American Indian business people in Arizona. The Chamber provides a mentoring environment for those individuals beginning a new business and is a resource for education, networking, and growth opportunities for existing businesses. For additional information, contact the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development at (480) 545-1298.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) represents the interest of businesses before city, county, state and federal government through legislation and governmental activities. They are located at 1219 East Glendale Avenue, #25, Phoenix, Arizona 85020. The telephone number is (602) 222-2009

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Arizona is an excellent source of information and assistance for anyone wishing to do business with the Chinese community in the U.S. or internationally. The mailing address is P.O. Box 36972, Phoenix, AZ 85067-6972. The telephone number is (602) 955-6665.

The Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce of Arizona (PACCA) is a professional networking organization that helps Filipino businesses and American Nationals and companies doing business with Filipinos in Arizona, within the United States and in the Philippines. Their address is P. O. Box 43338, Phoenix, Arizona 85080-3338. Call (602) 549-1011.


Related Links