Description

Join us in Maricopa County, Arizona, in December for an inspiring stop on ASBA’s Strategic Coaching for Advancing Local Entrepreneurs (SCALE) Roadshow, created to empower and accelerate small business growth across Arizona.

 From interactive workshops and insightful panels to meaningful networking, this event is designed to equip entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders with the tools and connections they need to thrive in today’s fast-changing economy. 

We welcome entrepreneurs from Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and surrounding communities to join us for a day of learning, connection, and opportunity.

Agenda

9:00 - 9:30 am | Coffee & Networking

9:30 - 9:45 am | Opening Remarks

9:45 - 10:45 am | 'SBA Loan essentials, what you need to know!' by National Bank of Arizona

In this session you will hear from Chris, a Small Business Manager from National Bank of Arizona. This session provides a clear overview of SBA loans, including what they are, how they are used, and who may qualify. We will also cover the different types of SBA loan programs, what borrowers need to apply, and walk through the overall process so you know what to expect from start to finish.

10:45 - 11:30 am | 'Your Brand in an Afternoon: Using AI to Build Your Marketing Without an Agency' by Moe Issa (Inverse AI)

Most small business owners know marketing matters. What is usually missing is the design expertise, or the budget to hire it. In this session, we will take a fictitious local business from no brand to a complete, consistent identity using AI: a design system, logo, website, marketing materials and newsletter, all matching. We will finish with a simple marketing plan and budget, and a dashboard to track which efforts bring in customers. Attendees will see what AI does well, where their own judgment still matters, and how to keep everything on-brand without paying agency rates every time they need a new flyer.

11:30 - 12:00 pm | Lunch Break

12:00 - 1:00 pm | Lunch & Learn: Small Business Resource Panel

Connect with experts from leading small business support organizations as they share the programs, resources, and services available to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Learn where to find guidance on business planning, access to capital, certifications, technical assistance, and other local, state, and federal programs designed to support your business at every stage.

1:00 pm | Roadshow Ends