Tempe Supports Small Businesses - The Heartbeat of Our Local Economy

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From family-run shops to food trucks and salons, Tempe provides the tools, resources, and community support local business owners need to start strong and grow with confidence.

Tempe has a long tradition of supporting local business owners who help shape the character of our community. Whether you’re running a neighborhood restaurant, launching a family-owned shop, or operating a food truck or home-based business, Tempe is here to help you start, grow, and thrive.

Small businesses are the heart of Tempe’s economy. That’s why the City of Tempe and its partners offer free resources to help you with everything from finding a location and getting permits to improving your business plan or accessing financial assistance. Support is available through various programs and partners including the Tempe Chamber of Commerce and Local First Arizona, as well as through workshops, mentoring, and community-based programs tailored to food, retail, service, and independent businesses.

If you are just getting started, need help managing growth, or are looking for guidance during tough times, Tempe’s small business ecosystem is designed to meet you where you are, with real support, not red tape.

Tempe’s Small Business and Start-Up Resources:

Tempe360 - City of Tempe Economic Development – Business Services
Offers concierge-level assistance with site selection, permitting, market data, planning support, and introductions to local partners

Tempe Chamber of Commerce
Provides guides for starting a business, networking opportunities, mentor connections, and member services. Supports business development through networking, advocacy, professional development programs, and access to local business services.

Tempe Tourism
Promotes local businesses through destination marketing, event partnerships, and support for hospitality, retail, and service-based entrepreneurs.

Local First Arizona
Statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting locally owned businesses through promotions, education, advocacy, and sustainability-focused programs.

SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives)
Provides a large variety of small business resources, mentoring and assistance, all free of service no matter what industry sector.

SBA (Small Business Administration)
Is an amazing resource with tools, guides, funding options and guidance for Minority-Owned Business Certification including a step-by-step guidance for obtaining MBE certification, opening access to contracts, funding, and supplier diversity programs.

Prestamos CDFI (part of Chicanos Por La Causa)
Provides advisory and funding services through the SBA. One-on-one support serving small and micro businesses.

Home-Based Business Information

A home-based business might be the best solution for your entrepreneurial dreams, but there are codes to help you and your neighbors. Find out the rules and codes for operating a business from your home.

Position Your Business to Sell to Public Entities

Tempe’s Procurement Resource Page is designed to support businesses looking to register with public procurement entities across Arizona. This page is a centralized hub to find registration links for state agencies, school districts, cities, counties, and cooperative purchasing groups.

More Business Development Tools and Training

Dozens of local, state and national organizations operate in the Tempe area to help businesses connect with each other and operate smoothly.