Across Arizona, closely held companies are rethinking how — and to whom — they will eventually sell. Common M&A paths don’t always align with the complex goals of founders, families and management teams, especially when legacy, culture and continuity are chief concerns. In response, more local businesses are embracing employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) as transition … [More]
Why Arizona Companies Are Turning to ESOPs
Employee stock ownership plans transform business transitions from endpoints into evolutions
Arizona Leads Nation in Foreign Investment as Global Partnerships Expand
Amid record international investment and trade, Arizona welcomed leaders from around the world for the 21st Annual International State of the State on March 26. Highlighting Arizona’s strong international partnerships and central role in the global economy, Governor Hobbs delivered a keynote address to over 300 attendees, including dignitaries from more than 40 … [More]
Housing Market Moves toward Equilibrium as Inventory Rises
Cotality, a global property information, analytics, and data-enabled solutions provider, released its latest list on the 10 things to know about the property market for March 2026. The U.S. housing market is finding its equilibrium. Home price growth has stabilized. Unsold inventory is growing. Rental price growth is decelerating. However, there are still distinct regional … [More]
Middle Market Outlook: Strategy, Investment and Talent
As we enter 2026, U.S. middle market companies are doing more than turning the page on last year—they are repositioning for growth. According to the National Center for the Middle Market’s Q4 2025 Middle Market Indicator, the sector closed the year with renewed momentum, posting year-over-year revenue growth of 11.7% and seeing 85% of companies report higher revenues for the … [More]
Phoenix Emerges as Top Market for Women Entrepreneurs
Greater Phoenix is gaining national recognition as one of America’s best metros for women entrepreneurs. The Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler metropolitan area has earned the 19th spot among large U.S. metros in a new study published by CoworkingCafe in honor of International Women's Month. The study analyzed more than 200 metropolitan areas across three key pillars — Women's … [More]
Business Growth Slows Across Southwest as Focus Turns to Execution
BMO released its BMO Business Outlook for the Southwest, showing companies across Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Utah shifting from rapid post‑pandemic expansion to a more measured, execution‑focused phase as growth normalizes and planning visibility improves. Across the Southwest, business leaders are emphasizing disciplined capital allocation, margin protection and … [More]
Phoenix Housing Affordability Rises as Inventory Expands
More families are finding homes in their price range, as the Greater Phoenix housing affordability index increased from 71 to 77 in February, and the number of homes in inventory rose 8.3%. This means that 77% of households with an income equal to the region’s median can afford the median-priced home, according to home sales data from Phoenix REALTORS. “March until May are … [More]
What SMBs Tell Us About the Economy That Wall Street Can’t
New research from GoDaddy and UCLA Anderson Forecast finds that small business data offers earlier and stronger indication of upcoming U.S. economic performance than traditional measures such as the stock market. Last quarter's data captures digital business activity rising year-over-year. By bringing digital small businesses into the picture for the first time, the research … [More]
SRP Board to Vote on Summer Power Rate Decrease
To help provide bill relief to customers during the hottest time of the year, Salt River Project management will propose a temporary overall 3 percent summer price decrease through a reduction in its Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment Mechanism. If approved by the SRP Board Finance and Budget Committee, the entire Board will vote on the proposal at the Special Board of … [More]
Small-Business Optimism Improves as Supply Chain Concerns Persist
The NFIB Research Center released an industry-specific quarterly Small Business Economic Trends survey highlighting the construction, manufacturing, retail, and services industries. According to the report, the Optimism Index increased from the previous quarter for all reported industries except for construction. “Small business optimism rose in all reported industries … [More]
Powering the Next Wave of Development in Arizona
Why energy strategy is now a core investment decision
Power demand from semiconductor fabs and data centers in Arizona is growing at a staggering pace. Utility resource plans across the state project roughly two to three times growth in generation capacity over the next decade — a dramatic shift after nearly 25 years of relatively stable peak demand. That level of expansion presents real challenges for developers, utilities and … [More]
Top Business Insurance Trends Reshaping Risk Management in 2026
Tension between progress and caution continues to shape insurance conversations
The past few years have conditioned business leaders to stay braced for impact. Pandemic disruption, supply chain breakdowns, inflation shocks and labor volatility forced constant recalibration, while wildfires and storms of all kinds left little time to catch a breath. As 2026 approaches, economic indicators suggest improvement in several areas, yet decision-making still … [More]
Grants: Creating & Securing Grants in Today’s Climate
And emerging concepts of trust and collaboration
Philanthropy is a broad subject that takes many forms. Our Social Impact feature every month spotlights for-profit businesses (some of whom who are included in this cover story) and the varied forms of philanthropy they practice. This article is focused solely on grants. We reached out to a select sample of both philanthropist-funded foundations and nonprofit arms of … [More]
Guest Editor: Steve Zabilski, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Grants, Growth and Future Grants represent more than funding for recipients — they are investments that empower communities to adapt and become stronger. Philanthropy at its finest can result in ripple effects far beyond its original intention. Phoenix is home to a robust network of private foundations as well as nonprofit arms of for-profit businesses. Each tends to focus … [More]
Expanding SaaS Tax Laws Create Hidden Liability, and Refund Potential
In 2026, as Federal subsidies and grant funding continue to decline for state and local governments, many are turning to sales taxes on business services as a key method for raising revenue. At one time, sales taxes were derived only from sales of physical products bought and sold within a state. However, since the Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision of 2018, definitions of … [More]
Arizona Ranks No. 1 in International Investment Nationwide
Arizona’s strong international ties fueled record-breaking trade and investment in 2025, creating thousands of new jobs and driving more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment. Exports by Arizona companies surged from $32.4 to $44.4 billion – a 37% increase and the second fastest growth in the nation. By comparison, U.S. exports grew by 5.7%. Key Trade Highlights: … [More]
Small Businesses Face Rising Energy Costs, Limited Flexibility
The National Federation of Independent Business released its new Small Business Energy Survey. The report is based on a nationwide survey of small business owners, providing insight into the types of energy used and how energy costs impact business operations. The survey shows that small businesses are deeply impacted by energy use and its costs. Owners use a variety of … [More]
Middle Market Performance Reflects Measured Optimism
Middle market performance in 2025 reflects a year of stability and incremental improvement following earlier fluctuations. Revenue growth dipped mid‑year but rebounded modestly in Q4, demonstrating resilience despite softer hiring trends. Most companies continued to report year‑over‑year revenue gains, with expectations for future growth trending upward. Average revenue growth … [More]
