Who has the most powerful influence on a politician? Is it the lobbyist? Is it the special interest group? Is it another more powerful politician? It is none of those. The most powerful influence on a politician is an informed constituent. Even better is an informed small business owner constituent. I want to help teach you how to harness your power to influence elected … [More]
The Age of Answers: Is Your Business Ready to Be Recommended by AI?
For years, businesses focused on the “Age of Search.” They optimized websites, chased keywords and worked to appear on Google’s first page. But consumer behavior is shifting. We are entering the “Age of Answers.” Instead of typing fragmented keywords into a search bar, potential customers are asking complex, conversational questions to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and … [More]
Building the Next Generation of Arizona Suppliers
Building the Next Generation of Arizona Suppliers Arizona’s semiconductor industry is growing quickly, and small businesses have an important role to play. Since 2020, more than $200 billion has been invested in semiconductor projects across the state, creating opportunities not only in manufacturing but also in the services needed to build, operate and maintain these … [More]
The Power of Local Banking, Built on Relationships
In today’s global economy, financial relationships can easily feel distant and transactional. Yet for businesses across Arizona, where you choose to bank can play a meaningful role in longterm success and in the overall health of local communities. Local banking remains a powerful way to support growth, build trust and reinvest in the places where businesses and families live … [More]
Driving the Future: How Quality Training Fuels Arizona’s Supply Chain
At Roadmaster Drivers School, we do more than fill empty truck seats — we help students train to launch stable, life-changing careers. As a premier national commercial truck driving school, we serve individuals looking to train for a solid future and the carriers who need safe, reliable talent. While some of the industry struggles with volume-driven “CDL mills,” we stand out by … [More]
Structuring a Lead Generation Strategy
A verbatim excerpt from ASBA’s Forge Ahead curriculum
Small business owners often focus on getting more leads, but an effective lead generation strategy starts with understanding where a potential customer is in the buyer’s journey. The following excerpt from ASBA’s Forge Ahead: How to Generate Leads & Grow Your Business explains how to think through the awareness, consideration and decision stages. “The Awareness Stage At … [More]
Should You Do It Yourself or Hire an Accountant?
Editor’s note: The following is a verbatim excerpt from ASBA’s “Forge Ahead: Building an Accounting System for Your Business.” Hiring Help Versus Doing It Yourself: The Small Business Dilemma When it comes to your small business, it’s personal—and for good reason. You brought your small business to where it is today, from concept to execution. So, when it comes to things … [More]
Tax Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law, marking one of the most comprehensive tax reforms in recent history. While the legislation encompasses a broad array of fiscal policies, its implications for small and mid-sized businesses are particularly significant. For entrepreneurs and business owners navigating today’s economic landscape, the … [More]
Affordable Healthcare Option for Small Businesses
Health insurance is one of the biggest financial challenges facing small businesses today. Premiums continue to rise, options are limited, and many plans simply aren’t designed with entrepreneurs, independent contractors or sole proprietors in mind. Recognizing this growing concern, the Arizona Small Business Association has partnered with CapCare to introduce a new ASBA member … [More]
2025 Holiday Freight Shipping
Challenges Every Shipper Faces This Peak Season
The 2025 peak season will be particularly complex due to rising holiday shipping volumes, mounting expenses and evolving tariff pressures. These factors create a fragile shipping environment where minor disruptions can cause significant delays and costs. With compressed timelines and heightened delivery expectations, effective management is crucial to maintaining margins and … [More]
The Insider’s Edge
Why the Smartest Business Plan Is the One You Keep
So, you’ve got the big idea. It’s the thing that keeps you up at night and gets you out of bed in the morning. Your first instinct is probably to crack open your laptop and start drafting that official, polished business plan for the bank, potential partners and investors. With 25-plus years of business experience, I’m here to ask you to slow down, just for a minute. The … [More]
The Future of Grant Consulting: Expansion and Growth
Over the next 5–10 years, the grant consulting industry is expected to experience significant growth, fueled by funders’ increasing focus on equity, measurable impact and strategic capacity-building. Since 2020, more than $16.8 billion has been committed to racial equity initiatives, reflecting a sector-wide shift toward more outcomes-driven and inclusive funding strategies … [More]
Customer Loyalty Management Is a Must
On the critical importance of service marketing to be competitive
In today’s hyper-competitive marketplace, customer loyalty management is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity for every firm. As markets become increasingly saturated and products become harder to differentiate, businesses must shift their focus from customer acquisition to the deliberate cultivation of long-term customer relationships. Service marketing plays a central role … [More]
The Importance of Business and Community Resources for Small Businesses
Small businesses face numerous challenges, from financial struggles to competition and market fluctuations. During tough times, having access to business and community resources can be the difference between failure and survival and even growth. These resources provide essential support, helping entrepreneurs navigate obstacles and scale their businesses toward … [More]
Boosting Business Value: What Buyers Really Look For
For many business owners, exiting their company is a once-in-a-lifetime event — yet far too few prepare for it early enough to maximize value. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply want to build a stronger company, understanding what buyers look for is essential to achieving a successful transition. Key Value Drivers Buyers are most focused on profitability, … [More]
Automation and Efficiency, The Perfect Match
Small Business Advertising & SIMPLI.FI (simpli.fi): Whether you’re a local boutique owner, a neighborhood coffee shop guru or a hopeful entrepreneur turning ideas into reality, we understand the journey small business owners go through. Running a small business means wearing multiple hats, from CEO to marketer to customer service rep. It’s exhilarating, but let’s face it — … [More]
Year-End Insurance Considerations for Small Business Owners
As the year winds down, the fourth quarter brings not only the busy holiday season but, for business owners, busy year-end tasks. If you offer health insurance coverage to your employees, you’re likely going through your annual open enrollment process and preparing for 2025 changes. Below, find a few things to be aware of as you work through these year-end tasks and prepare … [More]
The Corporate Transparency Act
When people hear about the “Corporate Transparency Act,” the first two questions tend to be “What is that?” and “What do I have to do?” What is it? The Corporate Transparency Act became effective on January 1, 2024. Under this law, all required companies are subject to new reporting requirements. Specifically, private companies that meet the CTA criteria of a “Reporting … [More]






























