Entrepreneur and Small Business Training Program

Goal: Promote sustainable healthy economic development through direct assistance to local entrepreneurs in learning the tools of the trade required to successfully launch and grow their small business concepts.

Funding

Made possible by a United States Department of Agriculture grant with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the City of Maricopa is pleased to offer local entrepreneurs and businesses with the opportunity to receive targeted training and assistance to grow their local enterprises.

Program Overview

According to Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation in a statement in October of 2008, “More than 70 percent of voters say the health of the economy depends on the success of entrepreneurs, and a full 80 percent want to see the government use its resources to actively encourage entrepreneurship in America.” The Maricopa Small Business Training Program will provide for the deployment of training sessions, a spring series and a winter series, that make up a comprehensive program for entrepreneurial growth. The curriculum will help entrepreneurs and existing small business owners learn the steps needed to achieve their business development goals with training in strategic planning, legal issues, market research and analysis, financial documents and cash flow management. In addition, the training agency will offer direct counseling. Pre-screened and suitable volunteer resources will be brought into the classroom to explain how their disciplines contribute to the success of a growing business. Grant funding will cover all program costs for participants.

Training Firm

Executive Leadership Institute LLC is a Maricopa-based organization and skilled provider of customized executive and team development training. Clients include Fortune 500 financial service organizations, Arizona corporations such as Arizona State Credit Union, the Maricopa Unified School District and local Maricopa firms. ExLI weaves best practices with practical applications to produce winning combinations. Personalized individual coaching supplements the classroom experience.

Timeline and Updates

Ongoing: Program applications being accepted for Spring Session.
November 19: Winter session to begin.
Training dates for Winter Session (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.):
- November 19; December 3, 10, 17; January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11.
Training dates for Spring Session (6 p.m. - 9 p.m.):
- February 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Program Applicants

Download the application form.
Email the training provider with questions, or to submit application via email.
Need more information from the City? Contact the Economic Develoment Office at economicdevelopment@maricopa-az.gov or call 520/316.6812.

Click here to return to the main information page for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding in Maricopa.