Small Business
Business Resources
Tools for Developing Your Early Stage Business
If you are still in the early stages of your business, you may find these tools useful in developing your ideas or taking the next step in growth.
develop your business idea
If you have a business idea and don’t know where to start, we highly recommend connecting with Startup Tucson‘s business fundamentals course, or your local SBDC office if you are in a rural area.
Lean Canvas
For early stage entrepreneurs still developing their ideas, we recommend spending time with the Lean Canvas. You can find more on the Lean Stack website and in this video.
Business Plan
Traditionally, entrepreneurs will develop a business plan to help them grow their business. For a very comprehensive template, please check out the business plan provided by SCORE.
crowD-funding resources
CIC works with local partners to help Tucson-area businesses fundraise through two alternative funding platforms, Kiva Tucson and WeFunder. Click here to learn more.
Registering Your Business
Want to become more formal? You’ll eventually need to register your business. Indeed, most financial institutions and lenders (like us), require it!
We recommend you always consult with an attorney if you have questions on how to structure your business. It’s a worthwhile expense, as you can rest assured your business is set up right and that you are protected.
With that said, we encourage you to poke around on the following websites to familiarize yourself with the topic.
The ACC has a very useful page laying out 10 steps to starting your business. From there, you will find the link where you can register an LLC, corporation, etc.
If you are a sole proprietor, you don’t need to register with the Arizona Corporation Commission. However, you may want to secure a Trade Name, which is done through the Arizona Secretary of State.
Local Support Organizations
There are a number of local organizations that focus specifically on providing support to businesses in the early stages of development.
COT provides general information and links for the following services: business license, business name registration, IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), permits, etc.
The ACA leverages existing programs, provides technical assistance and develops strategic partnerships to help Arizona’s companies grow their revenues, create jobs and increase capital investment in the state. Relevant insights, tips, resources, and facilitate discussions about developing and growing a business.
WHAT TYPE OF LOAN IS FOR ME?
If you are interested in applying for financing, please fill out our inquiry / pre-application form. This will help us learn more about which product offerings might apply to you, and will ensure you don’t waste your time by filling out the wrong application.
For more information
If you are not ready to apply but would like to discuss the possibility of a loan or have questions, we are here to help!
Contact us at lending@cictucson.org or 520-529-1766 x206.