SSBCI Technical Assistance Grant Program

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) manages the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance (TA) Program for small businesses that have previously applied or are applying for capital from a SSBCI supported program or other eligible federal or state program.

This is not a loan program; the program’s outcome is to prepare Arizona businesses for either debt or equity funding by providing legal, accounting and financial advisory services. Technical Assistance is funded through group or one-on-one assistance depending on the progression of the business.

For accurate service, please review what stage your business is in to help determine next steps:

Small businesses who have operated 0 years:

I am thinking about starting a new business and want GENERAL information to begin.

The ACA has resources and partners that can help educate you on the general requirement of starting a business in Arizona:

The ACA's Small Business Checklist is a free interactive checklist designed to provide Arizona business information (Licensing, Taxes, Business formation).
SCORE Arizona offers no-cost mentors that share wisdom, expertise and knowledge to help you start your business.
BBB Blueprint is a free, online course dedicated to help entrepreneurs develop their business. The course will cover ideation, value propositions, banking and sales, legal preparedness, branding, and web development.

Small businesses who have operated 0-1 years:

I have started a business AND would like HELP GROWING AND expandING.

The ACA has resources and partners that can help you grow and expand a business in Arizona:

SCORE Arizona offers no-cost mentors that share wisdom, expertise and knowledge to help you develop and grow your business.
The AZ Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers no-cost, one-on-one business counseling for small business owners. This can be for business plan creation, contracting and more.
Prestamos’ Women's Business Center and YWCA of Southern Arizona's Women's Business Center (WBC) offer financial literacy training and one-on-one business counseling for women business owners.
The ACA hosts weekly Small Business Boot Camps that cover an array of topics for small businesses.
The ACA's Small Business Digital Academy helps business owners with the knowledge and skills to take control of their business’ digital presence.

Small businesses who have operated 1-2+ years:

I would like to prepare for BUSINESS funding.

The ACA has resources and partners that can assist in preparing for the funding process:

Prestamos CDFI hosts Financial Literacy & Funding courses virtually and in-person throughout Arizona to prime business owners for the funding process. View their schedule to start preparing.
The Funding Readiness Checklist provides the documentation needed from business owners that may be requested by a lender. The AZ Small Business Development Center, SCORE Arizona, Prestamos’ Women's Business Center and YWCA of Southern Arizona's Women's Business Center provide one-on-one assistance if needed when completing the checklist.

Small businesses who have operated 2+ years:

I am fully prepared to apply for a loan and need Technical Assistance, OR was previously denied for a business loan and need Technical Assistance.

If Prepared

Make sure the Funding Readiness Checklist has been completed in its entirety.
Contact one of the three partnering loan institutions for a business loan inquiry (Clearinghouse CDFI, Lendistry or Prestamos CDFI) OR another loan institution.

If Previously Denied

Contact the institution that denied your application and obtain information regarding the denial.
Contact Prestamos CDFI to request a Technical Assistance Consultation, please make sure to bring the information about your denial with you for your consultation.

Small businesses who are seeking venture capital:

I am Currently participating in a venture program such as venture ready accelerator.

If you are working with an expert business coach, such as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) or mentor, please have them email [email protected] for a technical assistance request.