Starting up a new small business isn’t easy.
It takes dedication, a work ethic and above all, a good idea.
There are groups in the Verde Valley that are working to help small business owners, groups like the Northern Arizona Sustainable Economic Development Initiative, the Cottonwood Economic Development Department and the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization.
It may sound like a lot of word soup at first, but the results these groups are trying to achieve can help local business owners and by extension, the overall local economy.
Last week, the groups came together at the Cottonwood Business Assistance Center to talk about exactly what they have to offer.
The group has several thousand dollars to lend to help people start out or even expand their businesses.
“There’s a revolving loan fund,” said Casey Rooney, with the Cottonwood Economic Development Department.
The Northern Arizona Sustainable Economic Development Initiative operates in four counties throughout the region and is able to give out loans up to $5,000.
It’s a good deal for some, said Eric Marcus, SEDI executive director.
“If I walked into the bank and asked for a $5,000 loan, it might cost the bank $4,000 just to give me that,” Marcus said. “It’s just not that attractive.”
To read the full story, see the Wednesday, Feb. 4, edition of the Cottonwood Journal Extra.
