By Philip Haldiman, Independent Newsmedia

Huntington University will soon house two tenants that bring valuable services to the Peoria business community.

Maricopa Small Business Development Center Network (SBDCN) and the Peoria Chamber of Commerce finalized their new lease contracts last week with Huntington University, 8385 W. Mariners Way.  The offices will open to the public March 13.

Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat stated in a press release, the SBDCN, in partnership with Maricopa County Community Colleges in Peoria, will provide numerous services to business, including onsite one-on-one counseling for business owners, networking opportunities, educational workshops and virtual counseling, as well as resource assistance and training.

The goal is to preserve and create small business jobs and revenue, and facilitates capital formation, she stated.

“Small business plays a critical role in Peoria’s economy and it is through their efforts that we realize true innovation and growth,” Ms. Carlat stated. “Peoria’s Small Business Development Center satellite office is a great step forward to ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. I am thrilled to see this program come to life.”

Center workers will survey the local business community and offer classes on topics identified by area business leaders. Class topics range from assistance with launching and growing, to ways on sustaining a small business. Services to all business in Peoria will include, but not be limited to: Old Town Peoria, BioInspire incubator companies, small manufacturers, and service oriented firms.
The program is anticipated to be fully operational in the next few months.

The SBDCN will be located inside the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, which is relocating from 16165 N. 83rd Ave., Suite 101, to Huntington University, 8385 W. Mariners Way, Suite 3.
President and CEO Guy Erickson said the chamber is very pleased and excited to be part of this strategic partnership.

“The synergy created between the chamber and the SBDCN will be an enormous benefit to the entire Peoria business community and all individuals looking to start or move their business to Peoria,” he stated in an email. “Having the  SBDCN housed within the Peoria chamber offices offers an additional benefit to our chamber members looking for a tremendous resource to provide the business knowledge and assistance they need to drive their businesses to greater success.”

Editor’s note: Publisher Charlene Bisson serves on the board of directors of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce.

 

New business center
The Maricopa Small Business Development Center Network is staffed by Kristin Slice. Business owners can email her at kristin.slice@domail.maricopa.edu or call 480-784-0599.
Related LINKS
www.americassbdc.org
www.peoriachamber.com
www.huntington.edu/peoria