Studies show the two main reasons small businesses fail are lack of planning and a lack of capital. Our Empowerment Services address both:

• Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) | Business planning 9-week, online training
• Save then Spend More | Capital saving match grant program

BBE business plan development trainings held virtually via Zoom

It has been estimated that over 70 percent of Americans have considered starting their own business at one time or another, but most don’t know where to begin. Coconino County residents can start here, with BBE business plan development training facilitated by Coconino Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a program of Coconino Community College.

You will learn how to:

• Create a viable business plan and structure
• Clearly define your product or service and the “why”
• Analyze your market and competitors
• Develop your sustainability value proposition and pricing
• Project costs, income, cash-flow, and profit/loss

Click here for course outline

The course costs:

• $125/person (50% scholarship for income qualifiers)

The next 9-week course via Zoom is:

• Registration for the current session is not closed. Check back soon for the next 9-week class.

To enroll:

• Complete this application form and save it to your computer
• Complete this entrepreneurial self-assessment and copy your scores
• Email the program manager
  • Attach the following items to the email:
    • The completed application form
    • A photo or scanned copy of your Arizona Driver License
    • If your license does not have your current Coconino County address, please also attach a photo or scan of a utility bill, voter registration card, or other document or official mail showing your name and Coconino County residential address
  • In the body of the email:
    • Indicate you have adequate computer and Internet access to login to our Zoom-based, online classes
    • Include your self-assessment total score and sub-scores

If you need help enrolling or have questions, please contact us via e-mail or fill out this form, and we will contact you.

For individuals looking to start or expand a small business, the Save then Spend More program may be the hand-up you need. This program helps small business owners and those wanting to start a small business access two match grant dollars. Generally, the process is as follows:

Qualify and enroll in the Save then Spend More program Create a business plan (see our Building Businesses and Entrepreneurs (BBE) training above) Save money monthly in a Save then Spend More account for at least six months, up to $2,000 Request saving and match grant withdrawals to purchase items listed in your approved business plan Your Save then Spend More savings, up to $2,000, plus a match grant, up to $4,000, funds your purchases. Eligibility Requirements Proof of Coconino County residency Have discretionary income sufficient to make monthly Save then Spend More saving deposits Have household liquid net-worth (owned liquid assets minus owed liabilities) less than $10,000 (home and primary vehicle excluded) Have household annual adjusted gross income, not exceeding 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline. (Note: For a household of one the maximum eligible income is $27,180. For larger households add $9,440 for each additional household member.)

Those eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) typically qualify for this program.

Save then Spend More Application Process

• Complete the Pre-Screening Tool
• Read and sign page 11 of the IDA Guidelines
• Complete the IDA Application
• Complete the Participant Agreement
• Email program manager and attach:
  1. The pre-screening tool
  2. Signed page 11 of the IDA Guidelines
  3. The IDA application
  4. The Participant Agreement
  5. Proof of Coconino County residency (copy of utility bill with name and address)
  6. Photocopy of government-issued photo identification (driver license)
  7. Photocopy of last two months of pay stubs
  8. Photocopy of last two months of bank statements
  9. Photocopy of most recent federal tax return

Typically, Save then Spend More program staff will contact you within two weeks to request any missing documentation or schedule an appointment. If you need help enrolling or have questions, please contact us.

Contact Us Scott Neuman Empowerment Program Manager

2625 King St Flagstaff, AZ 86004 Phone: (928) 679-7463 Hours Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Email: sneuman@coconino.az.gov