The Best Places to Access Free Business Support Near You

Arizona Looking to Start or Grow Your Business? Here’s Where to Find Free Help Locally

Whether you're just launching your dream or trying to grow what you’ve built, one thing is clear — you don’t have to do it alone.

Arizona is filled with amazing free local resources for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and freelancers. From mentorship to marketing advice, funding tips to workshops — there’s a support system right in your backyard.

Here’s a guide to the best places to find free business resources near you in Arizona.

1. Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

SBDCs are a goldmine for any entrepreneur. Funded in part by the SBA, they offer completely free one-on-one advising and training workshops.

They can help you with:

Writing a business plan

Marketing and branding

Financial forecasting

Licensing and compliance

Finding funding or grants

Find your local SBDC:

Maricopa SBDC (serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and Gilbert)

Pima Community College SBDC (Tucson area)

Yavapai SBDC (Prescott and Northern Arizona)

Pro tip: These advisors are often former business owners themselves.

2. SCORE Arizona

SCORE is a nonprofit organization offering free business mentoring — both in-person and online. They also host free webinars and local workshops throughout Arizona.

You can:

Get matched with a mentor

Attend workshops on everything from legal tips to digital marketing

Access free downloadable business tools

Find local chapters in:

Greater Phoenix

Southern Arizona

Northern Arizona

Who it’s for: New business owners, solopreneurs, and even side hustlers.

3. Local Chambers of Commerce

Many Arizona chambers offer free networking events, lunch-and-learns, and small business resources, especially for members — and some open events to the public.

Here’s what to look for:

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce – Offers workshops and “Small Biz Council” resources

Chandler Chamber – Hosts local business education events

Mesa Chamber – Offers free marketing and HR seminars

Tempe Chamber – Runs mentorship and local business support programs

Even if you're not a member yet, it’s worth reaching out — many chambers offer a free trial or event guest passes.

4. Public Libraries with Business Centers

Don’t underestimate your local library! Many offer free access to tools, spaces, and programs designed for entrepreneurs.

You can:

Use business databases for market research

Join free business plan workshops

Book meeting rooms for client presentations

Attend networking and startup events

Great examples:

Mesa Main Library Business Resource Center

Phoenix Public Library – hive @ central

Scottsdale Civic Center Library

And yes — free WiFi, too.

5. City or County Economic Development Offices

Most Arizona cities have departments focused on supporting local business growth. While not always widely advertised, they offer:

Help with permits and zoning

Guidance on local tax incentives

Info on small business grant programs

Free promotional opportunities through city websites

Start by checking the economic development page of your city’s website:

Gilbert Economic Development

Tempe Business Resources

Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives

6. Business Incubators and Co-Working Spaces with Free Resources

While many coworking spaces require a membership, they often host free events open to the public. These include:

Pitch nights

Networking mixers

Guest speaker sessions

Free business classes

Examples:

Gangplank (Chandler) – A collaborative space that offers free coworking and events

Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (Phoenix) – Offers public resources for startup founders

The Idea Farm (Gilbert) – Hosts educational meetups for creatives and small biz owners

7. Local Universities and Community Colleges

Colleges are more than classrooms — they’re innovation hubs. Many offer free programs or public access to entrepreneurship resources.

Look into:

ASU Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Offers free online courses and startup programs

Maricopa Community Colleges – Host events, pitch contests, and business bootcamps

University of Arizona Center for Innovation – Offers business tools and events for startups

8. Nonprofit Organizations Supporting Entrepreneurs

There are many Arizona nonprofits working to support small businesses, women-owned businesses, veterans, and underrepresented founders.

Look into:

Local First Arizona – Offers free small biz support, especially for rural or minority-owned businesses

Better Business Bureau – Ignite Program – Offers educational tools and marketing help

Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) – Offers free business training and financing resources