Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) recently received $600,000 in state funding for its new Live Local program created to help businesses cope with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Arizona Small Business Association is dedicated to helping small businesses in need of guidance during this pandemic,” ASBA CEO Jess Roman said in a press release from Gov. Doug Ducey’s website. “Our Live Local program will help businesses build their networks, get back on their feet and thrive. Thank you to Governor Ducey for your work to support small and family owned businesses.”
The $600,000 in funding for ASBA’s Live Local program is part of the state’s Crisis Contingency and Safety Net Fund. The program will assist small businesses in a number of ways, including providing training on how they can improve their operations, financial stability and customer attraction and retention. The program will also involve the Business Education Foundation researching the impact of small businesses to determine best practices and policies, and growth trends.
“We want small businesses to have the support and guidance they need during COVID-19,” Ducey said in the press release. “The Live Local program will help small businesses facing economic hardship, as well as the employees and families that rely on them. My thanks to the Arizona Small Business Association for its continued support to Arizona’s businesses and communities.”
In addition to the Live Local program, ASBA has teamed up with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce to offer the CARES Act Readiness Program for Small Businesses. The CARES Act Readiness Program's website said the free training program helps businesses access relief funds. The ASBA has also created an information hub on its website consisting of coronavirus-related resources, including health tips, small business funding and employment opportunities.
“During these trying times, your health, safety and continued viability is our top priority,” the ASBA said on its website. “We have created this Information hub to make it easy for you to find the relevant, reliable and credible resources you need. Please know you have our wholehearted commitment to supporting you and your business.”