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. |