When most people think of a loan, they focus on a single number: the interest rate. But for small business owners, borrowing should be a much more strategic decision. A term loan is a versatile tool. Whatever its purpose, the true value of a loan comes down to protecting cash flow and scaling the business. Matching the Loan to the Need Business owners often treat an … [More]
How Arizona Utilities are Planning for a Future with Less Colorado River Water
With federal cuts reducing Arizona’s Colorado River allocation by 27 percent each year through 2028, many people are coming to us concerned and asking: “Will I still have water?” “Will my tap run dry?” “What should we do?” The short answer is that Arizona faces serious long-term water challenges, but these cuts do not mean customers should expect their taps to suddenly run … [More]
Small Business Confidence Cools despite Above-Average Optimism
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index dipped in August to 98.7, just 1.1 points below July’s highest level since August 2025, but remaining above the 52-year average of 98.0. The Uncertainty Index fell 2 points to 89, remaining above the historical average of 68. “Uncertainty remains elevated among small business owners as they face a mixed set of challenges with weakened … [More]
Arizona’s Growth Engine is Cooling but Still Outpacing the Nation
Arizona’s economy remains resilient as it navigates evolving conditions, but it is increasingly characterized by mixed labor market conditions and slower growth. The labor market improved from dismal job growth in late-2025, but job gains were concentrated in a few sectors as employers stayed cautious about hiring. Elevated gasoline prices due to conflict in the Middle East … [More]
Phoenix Retail Demand Leads U.S. with 90% of New Space Committed
The Phoenix retail market recorded approximately 1.1 million square feet of net absorption during the first half of 2026, the highest total among major U.S. markets, according to Marcus & Millichap’s third-quarter Phoenix Metro Retail Market Report. The strong absorption reflects continued demand from major retailers, which are leasing newly delivered space and selectively … [More]
Water Grants Offer Valley Businesses up to $10K for Conservation Upgrades
After two successful years of saving more than 81 million gallons of water, Friends of the Verde River, in partnership with Salt River Project, are once again supporting local water conservation projects through the River Friendly Living Grants Program. This initiative provides funding for innovative water-saving projects that benefit homes, businesses, and crucial water … [More]
Smart Steps to Position a Business for Mergers & Acquisitions
Ensure that financial, legal and operational perspectives remain in focus
Mergers and acquisitions activity remains strong across industries. Many M&A opportunities stem from a combination of strategic repositioning and succession planning. Whether exploring current M&A activity as a buyer or a seller, working closely with a trusted team of professional partners as early as possible helps mitigate risk and ensure agreements will honor an … [More]
Economic Security Is the New Language of Trade. Arizona Should Learn It
The core question is about trust
When American and Mexican negotiators closed their third round of USMCA review talks in Mexico City in late July, the agenda read the way these agendas always read. Steel and aluminum. Automobiles. Agriculture. Labor. Electronic payments. And one item that would not have appeared on a trade agenda ten years ago: economic security. I grew up on this border and worked it … [More]
SRP Completes Five-Year Pipeline Project to Secure Valley’s Water Future
As communities across the Southwest face ongoing drought conditions and increasing water supply challenges, SRP announced the completion of the Gilbert Road Pipeline project — a major infrastructure investment designed to enhance water reliability and operational flexibility throughout the Valley. The new system will enable SRP to move water from south of the Salt River to … [More]
Arizona Targets Growth in $42M Export Market with Dominican Republic Partnership
To strengthen economic and international ties between Arizona and the Dominican Republic, Arizona hosted a visiting delegation of government and business leaders on August 24 and 25, 2026. The delegation marked the first visit to Arizona by key leaders from the Dominican Republic. Led by Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, Minister of Industry, Trade and MSMEs of the Dominican Republic, … [More]
APS Draws a Line on Arizona’s Data Center Boom: Growth Must Pay for Growth
Arizona Public Service President and CEO Ted Geisler outlined APS’s Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth this week as part of broader remarks shared with Arizona community leaders gathered for the 2026 League of Arizona Cities & Towns Conference. The pledge reaffirms APS’s longstanding principles for protecting customers while serving new companies and industries investing … [More]
Small Business Confidence Surges as Hiring Plans Reach Four-Year High
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.4 points in July to 99.8, rising above its 52-year average of 98.0. This marks the highest level since August 2025. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, eight increased, and two decreased. Hiring plans improved substantially and contributed most to the rise in the Index. Real sales expectations and reports of inventory levels as … [More]
Small Businesses Prepare to Hire at Fastest Pace in Nearly Four Years
NFIB’s July Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index rose after four consecutive months of decline, registering 102.1 in July after measuring 100.2 in June. The current reading is above the 2025 average of 101.2 and the historical average of 100.0. In July, 36% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill, up 4 … [More]
Arizona Sees 51% Increase in Job Losses over Two Decades
New research reveals which states have seen the biggest increase in businesses cutting jobs since 2000, with only three states actually seeing a reduction in the number of job losses since 2000. The study, conducted by DOKKA, an accounting automation software company, tracked the number of private sector establishments losing jobs from the BLS Business Employment Dynamics … [More]
$927M Impact Underscores Goodwill’s Role in Arizona’s Economy
Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona and Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona released the findings of a new economic and social impact study highlighting the organizations’ wide-ranging contributions to Arizona’s economy, workforce, and communities. The study, completed by Viable Insights and the Economic Policy Institute at Northern Arizona University, underscores … [More]
Small Business Hiring Stays Flat as Unfilled Openings Rise
NFIB’s June Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index remained essentially flat, registering 100.2 in June after measuring 100.3 in May. This is the fourth consecutive month the Index declined. The current reading is below the 2025 average of 101.2 but still slightly above the historical average of 100.0. In June, 32% (seasonally adjusted) of small business … [More]
City of Phoenix
“On the consumer side, people are gravitating toward places that feel authentic, welcoming, walkable, safe and community oriented. Downtown Phoenix delivers on all of that,” says Devney Majerle, president and CEO of Downtown Phoenix Inc. (DTPHX), speaking of the interest behind the growth of downtown Phoenix. “The level of creativity in the environment is increasing every … [More]
Town of Gilbert
The Town of Gilbert eschews the generic term “downtown” for a designation that not only identifies the area but encapsulates its personality: The Heritage District. “We’re seeing strong interest in the Heritage District because both residents and businesses are seeking places that encourage people to stay longer and do more,” says Jennifer Graves, MPA, CEcD, MEDP, the Town’s … [More]
