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Fund your business in Arizona

Arizona's small business money mostly works through lenders, the same way SBA loans do. Who to ask, the state programs to ask about, and where to get free help.

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General information, not legal or tax advice. Requirements vary and change, so confirm current instructions with the official source before you act, and ask a CPA or attorney about your situation.

When your own money isn’t enough, Arizona’s options work like the federal ones: a lender makes the loan, and a government program backs or funds it.

What’s different in Arizona

  • One SBA district covers the whole state, with offices in Phoenix, Show Low and Tucson.
  • State programs back lenders, too. The Arizona Commerce Authority’s loan guarantee program guarantees part of a participating lender’s loan to a business that may not qualify for conventional financing. The Office of Economic Opportunity’s Microbusiness Loan Program funds loans made through regional lending partners. You apply through a lender either way.
  • Neither is a grant. Be wary of anyone selling access to a guaranteed grant.

Do this

  1. Write down what you need and what it’s for. Equipment, inventory and rent are different asks, and programs are sorted by use.
  2. Talk to a free advisor first. The SBA’s Arizona District Office offers counseling and connects you to partner organizations that help with loan applications.
  3. Understand who lends. SBA loans come from participating lenders, not the SBA. The SBA loans guide explains who makes each kind.
  4. Ask your lender about Arizona programs by name: the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Arizona Loan Guarantee Program, and, for a business with five or fewer employees, the Microbusiness Loan Program. Not every lender participates.
  5. Find your SBA office for questions about SBA loans: Phoenix, Show Low and Tucson. The district page shows which counties each serves.

What you get back

A loan offer from a lender, with rate, term and collateral. Any state guarantee is between the lender and the state; your agreement is with the lender.

Common questions

Can I get an SBA loan directly from the SBA in Arizona?

Not for its regular small business loans, such as 7(a) loans. You apply and work with a participating lender. SBA disaster loans are the exception; the SBA makes those directly. The SBA's Arizona District Office, with offices in Phoenix, Show Low and Tucson, answers questions and connects you to lenders.

Does Arizona have loans for very small businesses?

The state's Microbusiness Loan Program funds loans to businesses with five or fewer employees, made through regional lending partners. Check the Office of Economic Opportunity's page for current lenders and terms.

Where can I get free help with a business plan or loan application in Arizona?

Start with the SBA's Arizona District Office. It offers counseling and connects you to partner organizations, lenders and community groups.

Sources

  1. SBA, Arizona District Office
  2. SBA, district offices
  3. SBA, disaster assistance
  4. SBA, 7(a) loans
  5. Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Microbusiness Loan Program

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