Home

Arizona community business financing guide

Reference URL

To link to this object, paste this link in email, IM or document
To embed this object, paste this HTML in website

Arizona community business financing guide

View Description

Page Flip View

View PDF & Text

Download

Small

Medium

Large

Extra Large

Full-size

Full-size archival image

PDF
Text

search this item

Text Search...

Arizona Community and Business Financing Guide

This Guide has been produced by the Commerce and Economic Development Commission, the Arizona Department of Commerce, more than 15 state and federal agencies and private investment banks as an implementation tool for Moving Arizona Forward, Arizona's ten-year economic strategy. It contains descriptions and contact information for federal, state, and many private loan, grant and financing programs related to community, economic and workforce development and planning. It is generally organized according to the entities eligible to apply for the programs: � Financial Assistance for Communities � generally, eligible applicants are state, local and tribal governments, non-profits, universities, economic development organizations, and sometimes, individuals and businesses. � Financial Assistance for Business � generally, eligible applicants are for profit businesses, tribal governments, and industry groups. The Guide is intended to help address the challenges and opportunities facing Arizona's economy as a result of global business and economic trends: US population will continue to move west and south. An accelerated pace of product development is driving the need for constant research and development. Capital markets will need to be increasingly flexible and responsive to these rapid changes, and Arizona's workforce will need to be increasingly well-trained and productive to stay competitive. Physical infrastructure such as telecommunications, utilities and transportation needs to be developed or improved to support the increasing needs of a growing population. Arizona's export and foreign direct investment markets will shift as the economies of other nations grow and develop. Arizona's population is expected to more than double in the next 40 years, placing incredible stress on state and local governments to provide the physical, social and business infrastructure needed to accommodate this growth. As Arizona grows, so do the challenges of building sustainable economies � those that respect natural and cultural resources and balance the needs of business, communities and people. The "Financial Assistance for Communities" section focuses on these challenges. Arizona businesses must also operate in a fiercely competitive global economy in which bold innovation and development of new technologies will account for an increasing share of economic growth. This places even greater emphasis on the need for a quality workforce to generate the ideas, develop and commercialize the technologies and produce the resulting products and services. The "Financial Assistance for Businesses" section is dedicated these goals. For additional information or to report corrections or provide feedback about this Guide, please contact the Commerce and Economic Development Commission, Arizona Department of Commerce at 602-771-1100, or send an email to bettyc@azcommerce.com.

This guide is intended as a reference only. Although every attempt has been made to provide accurate information, programs and funding are subject to change. Users should contact the program office directly to ensure they have the most current information.

Participating Arizona State Agencies

AZ Department of Revenue AZ Department of Administration Governor 's Office for Children, Youth and Families

inancial Assistance

Financial Assistance for Communities Table of Contents

Arts/Culture, Historic Preservation and Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Arts and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Historic Preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Planning and Capacity Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Community Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Capacity Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Energy Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Infrastructure Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Environmental and Pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Municipal Facilities, Public Safety and Other Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Telecommunications/Braodband . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Militar y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Arts/Culture, Historic

Arts Link to Tourism and the Economy Grant Program

Provides grants to ethnic-run or rural arts organizations or tribal communities for projects that promote a community's artistic resources through economic development and cultural tourism strategies. Up to 6 grants of up to $10,000 maximum are awarded annually. Eligible applicants include collaborative projects between rural economic development or tourism organizations, ethnic arts organizations, rural arts organizations and/or tribal communities in Arizona. A Letter of Intent to Apply is required for all applicants, and must be postmarked by February 22, 2007. Application deadline is March 21, 2007.

Preservation and To

For more information: Arizona Commission on the Arts

417 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-229-8229 http://www.azarts.gov

Arts Project Grants

Assists a wide variety of organizations in providing quality arts programming. Grants are generally awarded for the costs of connecting artists (or their artistic work) with the community. Projects include exhibits; festivals; artist residencies of any length; series of readings, performances or lectures; workshops and master classes; production of literary publications; and, the creation of public art and design projects. Activities that expand/diversify participation to new people and groups or which deepen the artistic experience for current audiences/participants are especially encouraged. Applicants may receive up to 50% of artist fees including travel, lodging and per diem. Eligible activities include projects and organizations in rural areas, ethnic-run organizations, and projects and organizations representing and serving people with disabilities. The application deadline is March 21, 2007.

For more information: Arizona Commission on the Arts

417 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-229-8229 http://www.azarts.gov

Arts and Culture

urism

rts/Culture, Historic

Information Center Enhancement Grant for Tourism Education and Development

Assists designated Local Visitor Information Centers (LVICs) to enhance the visual and service quality of their visitor centers to better market and promote the area's attractions, recreational opportunities, and tourism and hospitality amenities. Direct funding of up to $2,000 for projects is available in nine categories: ADA compliance; brochure racks; display cases; local visitor center beautification (interior and exterior); outdoor kiosks; special tourism promotions; signage; uniforms; and local visitor information center design plan and implementation. Applicants may apply for only one category per year. Eligible applicants are LVICs designated by the Arizona Office of Tourism through its LVIC Program.

For more information: Arizona Office of Tourism

1110 West Washington Street, Suite 155, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-3700 http://www.azot.com

Rural Tourism Development Grant Program

Provides coordinated funding for rural economic development to strengthen the regional and local economies and expand tourism in rural communities throughout Arizona. Projects must be tourism development, designed to initiate economic growth and enhance future tourism development. Applications must demonstrate a need for the grant to complete the tourism projects. Projects must produce tangible assets and should be identified as a local priority arrived at through a planning or a public meeting process that shows broad community support and commitment. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible applicants include any Arizona nonprofit organizations located outside Maricopa and Pima Counties; a local, county or tribal unit of government; tribal governments located in Maricopa and Pima Counties; destination marketing organizations, regional tourism organizations or multiple jurisdictions coordinating their efforts for maximum regional benefits; the communities of Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Wickenburg and Buckeye in Maricopa County; and, the communities of Oro Valley or Green Valley in Pima County.

For more information: Arizona Office of Tourism

1110 West Washington Street, Suite 155, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-3700 http://www.azot.com

Also see the following programs - Airport Capital Improvement Program

Tourism

Arts/Culture, Historic

Teamwork for Effective Arizona Marketing (TEAM) Grant Program

Provides financial assistance to develop effective tourism promotion projects at the local and regional level and ensure a sustainable tourism industry throughout Arizona. Funds can be used for advertising, internet website development, printed materials, media communications and public relations, strategic planning and research, and other tourism related marketing and promotional activities within the program guidelines. Please note that directories are not allowed. Eligible applicants must be based in Arizona and include destination marketing organizations, statewide tourism associations which represent entities that rely on tourism-related business for a majority of their income, and Tribal tourism entities. Funds are available annually based on AOT's fiscal year. New guidelines are available in January, mandatory workshops are held in February and March, applications are due in April and awards are announced in June.

Preservation and To

For more information: Arizona Office of Tourism

1110 West Washington Street, Suite 155, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 (602) 364-3700 http://www.arizonaguide.com

Historic Preservation Fund Grants-in-Aid

Provides matching grants-in-aid for identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties. Funds may be used to expand the National Register of Historic Places and for historic preservation activities. Funds to Indian Tribes and Alaskan Native Corporations may be used to preserve their culture. Eligible applicants include states, territories, and federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations and Native Hawaiian organizations. They may subcontract to public and private organizations, individuals, and, in some instances, owners of historic properties.

For more information: Arizona State Parks

State Historic Preservation Office 1300 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-542-4662 Historic Preservation Grants National Park Service 1201 "Eye" Street, NW (2256), Washington, DC 20005 202-354-2020 http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/hpf/

Tourism - Historic Preservation

urism

rts/Culture, Historic

Historic Preservation (HP) Heritage Grant Program

Provides funding for historic preservation projects on, or eligible for, the State or National Register of Historic Places. Projects may include acquisition of property, education and preservation program development, interpretive development, purchase of easements, building condition assessment reports, National Register nomination preparation, rehabilitation, restoration, stabilization, and protection. Non-structural alterations such as the installation of fire suppression systems and the improvement of electrical and plumbing systems are eligible only if essential for the protection of the historic resource. Grant awards are limited to $150,000 per project, and applicants must provide at least 40% of the total project cost (cash or in-kind). Eligible applicants include cities, towns, tribal governments, and the state agencies. Private property owners, religious institutions, and for-profit organizations may not apply directly, but may receive funds as a third party through an eligible applicant. Projects occurring on lands managed by federal agencies are not eligible. Applications are due on the last working day of May and December; attendance at a Historic Preser vation Grant Application Workshop is required for funding eligibility.

For more information: Arizona State Parks

Partnerships/Grants 1300 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-542-4662 http://www.pr.state.az.us

Trails Heritage Grant Fund Program

Provides funding for non-motorized trail projects that have been nominated into the State Trails System, including urban, cross-state, recreational, interpretive, or historic trails. Eligible projects can include: trail development and reconstruction activities; trail support facilities; acquisition or lease of future trail alignments; design and engineering (limited to 10% of grant award); one-time non-routine, volunteer trail clean-up activities or events; and renovations. Development of local or regional trail plans is not eligible. Funds cannot be used for administrative or overhead costs. Applicants must provide at least 50% (cash or in-kind) of the total project cost. No entity may receive more than 20% of the funds available in any fiscal year. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, tribal governments, and state and federal agencies; private or non-profit organizations may apply only through an eligible sponsoring organization as a third party. Application deadline is no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last working day in February.

For more information: Arizona State Parks, Partnerships/Grants

1300 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-542-7160 http://www.pr.state.az.us

Historic Preservation

Community Planning

Growing Smarter Planning Grants

Assist small Arizona counties, communities and tribes in community planning, including public participation, research and analysis, completion of general/comprehensive plan elements, maps and graphics, updating zoning ordinance, etc. Approximately 6 grants of $10,000 each are available each year to assist rural communities and counties in meeting their basic planning needs and to meet state statutory (Growing Smarter/Growing Smarter Plus) requirements. A 100% match is required, and 50% must be cash match of dedicated general fund dollars. Priority consideration is given to those communities/counties mandated to meet Growing Smarter requirements, although communities/counties and tribes developing general/comprehensive plans are also eligible. Only one grant will be awarded per applicant per year, and previous awardees are eligible to compete for grants only if any previously awarded grants have been completed. Applicants not previously awarded take priority.

and Capacity Build

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Community Planning 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.commerce.state.az.us/CommuityPlanning/default02.asp

Partnership Planning Program Grants

Provides grant funding to support local organizations with long-term planning efforts and outreach to the economic development community on EDA's programs and policies. Grants are intended to enhance economic development planning capability, support the formulation of development policies, and assist in building local institutional capacity. Ongoing planning grant assistance supports formulation and implementation of local economic development programs, and strategies to create and retain permanent jobs and increase income for the unemployed and underemployed in areas of economic distress. Planning grants are awarded to establish and implement effective economic development programs at local and regional levels.

Eligible activities under this program include the preparation and maintenance of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process; implementation of the elements of the strategy; and the provision of planning and technical assistance services to communities and local governments within the organization's jurisdiction. Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit national, state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private colleges and universities, Indian tribes; local governments; state agencies. Grants are normally awarded on an annual basis and priority consideration is given to currently funded grantees with satisfactory performance. Contact the EDA regional office prior to making application.

For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 (206) 220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml

Also see the following program - North American Development Bank (border projects only)

Community Planning

ing

ommunity Planning

AmeriCorps State � Community Grants

Helps address unmet community needs by engaging AmeriCorps members in direct service and capacity building. Projects include tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, fighting illiteracy, improving health ser vices, building affordable housing, teaching computer skills, cleaning parks and streams, managing or operating after-school programs, helping communities respond to disasters, and building organizational capacity. A 15% non-federal cash and 33% in-kind and/or cash match is required. Eligible applicants include: local units of government; Native American Tribes recognized by the Secretary of the Interior with law enforcement capabilities; and non-profit agencies coordinating with the local unit of government.

For more information: Governor's Division for Community and Youth Development

1700 West Washington Street, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-542-3482 http://www.volunteerarizona.org

Rural Capacity Development Initiative Grants

Provides grants to develop the capacity and ability of nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations and low-income rural communities to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Intermediaries to provide technical assistance to qualified organizations. Funds are used to develop the capacity of recipients to conduct community development programs and initiatives, to leverage and access alternative funding, to develop successful community facilities, and to assist recipients in completing pre-development requirements for housing and community facilities. Eligible intermediaries must be private nonprofit organizations and must have at least three years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Applicants must provide matching funds from non-federal sources in an amount at least equal to the federal grant.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Capacity Building

Community Planning

Research and National Technical Assistance Program

Supports research of leading edge, world class economic development practices through grants for developing a comprehensive base of information about economic development issues; disseminating information to local, state, and national economic development practitioners; and, measuring the performance of economic development programs. Three types of grants are available: Information Dissemination Grants - make critical information about economic development programs, projects and emerging issues available to practitioners through different means, such as targeted newsletters, web sites, and conferences. Research Grants - examine in depth important existing and emerging issues in economic development, and document the results for practitioners and policy makers. Evaluation Grants - systematically assess the economic impact of funding under the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) programs to measure each program's effectiveness, and to make recommendations for improving the program.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher learning, for-profit entities, and private individuals. Research and National Technical Assistance funds may not be used to start or expand a private business. Contact the regional EDA office prior to making application.

and Capacity Build

For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 206-220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml

Capacity Building

ing

conomic

Business and Industry Loans

Provides direct and guaranteed loans for the purpose of improving, developing, or financing business, industry and employment, and improving the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. Existing business applicants must provide a minimum of 10 % tangible balance sheet equity. For new businesses, at least 20 % is required for guaranteed loans. For direct loans, new businesses and those businesses that cannot offer personal or corporate guarantees, or for energy-related businesses, 20-25 % equity is required. Eligble applicants are a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other legal entity organized and operated on a profit or nonprofit basis; an Indian tribe; a municipality, county, or other political subdivision of a state; or an individual. Applicants must be located in areas other than cities (population of more than 50,000) or immediately adjacent to areas with population density of more than 100 persons per square mile. Preference is given to loans in open country, rural communities, and towns with populations of 25,000 or less, and on applications of equal priority, to veterans.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Commerce and Economic Development Commission (CEDC) Loans and Grants

Provides loans and grants to support economic development projects and initiatives that result in job retention or creation with salaries at or above the average county wage. Projects include development of a multi-county forestry financial stewardship fund, TGen, the Arizona Water Institute, biopark facilities planning, matching funds to leverage federal grants, and firefighting equipment. Projects must demonstrate local financial participation (cash match) in an amount equal to or greater than the CEDC funding request. Eligible applicants include communities, counties, economic development organizations, public and private universities, tribal nations and private companies in operation at least 2 years with good credit.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Commerce and Economic Development Commission 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/prop/cedc/default01.asp

Economic

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

Provides federal funding to communities in rural Arizona to address pressing community development and revitalization needs. Projects and activities must either principally benefit low and moderate income persons, aid in the elimination or prevention of slum and blight, or meet urgent needs of the community. Loan guarantees are also available. Eligible applicants are communities located in the 13 rural counties, excluding Flagstaff, Prescott and Yuma. Examples of projects funded include public works, facilities, infrastructure, flood drainage, parking facilities, fire protection facilities, various public and economic development services, neighborhood watches, crime reduction and low income homebuyer assistance.

Development Progra

For more information: Arizona Department of Housing

1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1041 http://www.housingaz.com

Community Development Financial Institutions Program (CDFI)

Provides financial and technical assistance to certified CDFIs to enhance their ability to make loans or development investments and provide development services that will promote economic revitalization and community development. Financial assistance can be equity investments, loans, grants, or deposits. Recipients must match funds dollar for dollar with non-federal monies. Eligible organizations for CDFI certification include private nonprofits, other private organizations, and for-profit organizations. For a listing of CDFIs in Arizona and their missions, see Community Development Financial Institutions in Arizona in the Business Section of this guide.

For more information: US Department of the Treasury

1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20220 202-622-2000 http://www.cdfifund.gov

conomic

Community Services Block Grant

Periodically provides discretionary grants to eliminate poverty in rural and urban communities, with funds disbursed in priority activity areas. Program priorities are full-time permanent jobs for poverty-level project area residents; income and/or ownership opportunities for low-income community members; a better standard of living for rural low-income individuals; the implementation of special projects for migrants and seasonal farm workers; and national or regional programs designed to provide instructional activities for low-income youth. For economic development projects, eligible applicants are private, locally initiated, nonprofit community development corporations. Direct grants can be made to states, cities, counties, and private nonprofit organizations.

For more information: US Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Children and Families 202-401-5705 http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/index.html

Economic Adjustment Program (EAP)

Assists communities with economic recovery from specific industry or natural disasters by helping state and local interests implement strategies to adjust or bring about change to an economy. The program focuses on areas that have experienced or are under threat of serious structural damage to the underlying economic base. EAP grants are available for strategic planning, project implementation, and revolving loan funds. Strategy Grants help organize and carry out a planning process resulting in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) tailored to the community's specific economic problems and opportunities. Implementation Grants support activities identified in an EDA-approved CEDS, including strategically targeted business development and financing programs, construction of infrastructure improvements, organizational development and market or industry research/analysis. Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants help implement a CEDS by providing the capitalization of a locally administered fund. The fund makes loans to local businesses to help create jobs and leverage other private investment, helping to diversify and stabilize the local economy. Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit national, state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private colleges and universities; Indian tribes; local governments; and state agencies. Applicants must contact the EDA regional office prior to making application.

For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 (206) 220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml

Economic

Fedaeral Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Program (EZ/EC)

Provides a mixture of tax, financing and workforce training incentives designed to support local businesses and encourage the hiring of Zone residents. The federal tax incentives benefit businesses by improving the bottom line and benefit individuals by increasing job opportunities and income. In Arizona, an empowerment zone has been designated in Tucson. Eligible applicants for EZ or EC status include state and local governments, tribes, regional planning organizations, nonprofits, and other locally based organizations. Specific criteria may vary from one funding round to another. The area must have a strategic plan identifying the vision for change, details of proposed programs and services, roles of the various partners, and availability and source of other resources. Unsuccessful applicants may be designated "Champion Communities," eligible for some assistance.

Development Progra

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Intermediary Relending Program

Provides financing for business facilities and community development projects in rural areas through loans made by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) of the USDA to intermediaries. Intermediaries establish revolving loan funds so collections from loans made to ultimate recipients in excess of necessary operating expenses and debt payments will be used for more loans to ultimate recipients.

Eligible intermediaries may be private non-profit corporations, public agencies, Indian groups, or cooperatives. Intermediaries must also have legal authority to carry out the proposed loan purposes and to incur and repay the debt and have a record of successfully assisting rural business and industry, normally including experience in making and servicing commercial loans. Intermediaries must also provide adequate assurance of repayment.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/irp.htm

conomic

Local Technical Assistance Program

Provides grants to assist in solving specific economic development problems, respond to developmental opportunities, and build and expand local organizational capacity in distressed areas. Projects must result in job creation and may focus on military base and industrial plant closures, deteriorating commercial districts, and technical or market feasibility studies. Funds are available on a reimbursable basis upon approval. For technical assistance and planning projects, funds are available immediately or as soon as the work begins. For construction projects, funds are usually not disbursed until all construction contracts are awarded. Eligible applicants are public or private nonprofit organizations; public and private colleges and universities, Indian tribes; local governments; and state agencies. Priority consideration for funding is given to proposals designated as high priority by local economic development agencies and that benefit areas of severe economic distress; lead to near-term (1-5 years) generation or retention of private sector jobs; are consistent with the OEDP; document strong local support; and support EDA's special initiatives. Contact the EDA regional office prior to making application.

For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 206-220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml

Main Street Program � Grants and Technical Assistance

Fosters economic activity and vitality of small downtowns within the context of historic preservation. Arizona Main Street Communities can receive assistance with a wide range of needs including organizational formation and start-up, work plan preparation, economic feasibility assessment, structural assessment, marketing plan development and implementation in addition to business assistance workshops, resource materials and grants. Grants of up to $15,000 are made semi-annually, and are made to Arizona communities that seek designation from the Arizona Main Street program. Communities must match 10%-30% and leverage of funds from other programs.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Main Street Program 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.commerce.state.az.us/MainStreet/default02.asp

Economic

Public Works and Economic Development Program

Empowers distressed communities to revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure to attract new industry, encourage business expansion, diversify local economies, and generate or retain long-term, private sector jobs and investment. Projects include technology-led development, business incubators, natural disaster mitigation, cluster-based development, aquaculture facilities, diversification of natural resource dependant economies, distance learning facilities, export programs, commercialization and deployment of innovative technologies, redevelopment of Brownfields sites, and business/industrial development. The average grant is approximately $2 million and requires a matching requirement from the receiving entity. Eligible applicants are: public or private nonprofit national, state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private colleges and universities, Indian tribes; local governments; and, state agencies. Contact the regional EDA office prior to making application.

Development Progra

For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 206-220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml

Rural Business Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (1890 Land Grant Colleges and Universities Initiative)

Encourages business entrepreneurship as a viable occupational alternative for students in all academic disciplines. These grants promote entrepreneurial practices with existing businesses located in underserved communities through creative thinking, information and technology utilization, strategic alliances, use of research and development planning, and expanding global and international market relationships.

The types of assistance include sponsoring business conferences and workshops; financing rural businesses; providing business technical assistance; assisting communities in leveraging other resources; offering courses in business development; providing computer labs where community members can have access to other rural economic development sources on the Internet; and establishing business incubator services. Eligible applicants are 1890 institutions and historically black colleges and universities.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/oa/1890.htm

conomic

State Community Development Block Grant (Small Cities) Program

Promotes economic development in communities of 50,000 or less. Projects include capital access or formation; downtown revitalization; facility/site location; housing construction and rehabilitation; and infrastructure improvement. At least 51% of CDBG grant funds must be used for activities that benefit lowand moderate-income persons. Eligible applicants are communities with a population of 50,000 or less.

For more information: Arizona Department of Housing

1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1041 http://www.housingaz.com

Trade Adjustment Assistance Program

Assists manufacturers and producers injured by increased imports with completing and submitting a petition to EDA for certification of eligibility and ultimately, to apply for assistance under the program. After EDA approves the adjustment plan, the firm can receive cost-share assistance from the TAAC, typically from a private sector consultant. EDA funding normally pays 50% or $75,000, whichever is less, while the firm pays the remaining share. Types of technical assistance provided under the program include: market research; development of new marketing materials including e-commerce; identification of technology, computer systems, and software to meet specific needs of the firm; and completion of a quality assurance program such as ISO-9000. Technical assistance is also available for industry-wide projects, where an entire industry has been injured by increased imports. Eligible applicants for industry wide projects include trade associations, unions, and other appropriate organizations with an understanding of the industry and its problems. Eligible applicants include economic development districts; states, cities or other political subdivisions of a state or a consortium of political subdivisions; Indian tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes, an institution of higher learning or a consortium of such institutions; or a public or private nonprofit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. Contact the EDA regional office prior to making application.

For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 206-220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml

Energy

Clean Cities Grant

Provides competitive federal grants for projects to develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and advance alternative fuel infrastructure development, alternative fuel vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction. Grants may be used to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance the usefulness of public transportation systems, protect the environment and speed the deployment of alternative fuel technology. Eligible applicants include state, local governments and metropolitan transportation authorities. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details.

Programs

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/financial.html

Community Energy Grants for Planning and Audits

Community Energy Grants (formerly MEMP grants) are designed to encourage the development of energy management programs by facilitating the planning process and providing the necessary basic tools, staff training and technical assistance. Funds may be available to assist communities with incorporating energy into their planning process and implementing energy audits of the community's facilities. All incorporated Arizona cities, towns, counties, improvement districts, and Indian tribes with populations under 70,000 are eligible to apply. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.azcommerce.com/Energy/default.asp

nerg y

Federal Rural Economic Development Loans (Utilities)

Provides zero-interest loans to electric and telephone utilities financed by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to promote sustainable rural economic development and job creation projects. Examples of projects include business expansions and business startups; community infrastructure; community facilities and services; medical facilities and equipment to provide medical care to rural residents; educational facilities and equipment to provide training and job enhancement skills to rural residents to facilitate economic development; and business incubator projects to assist in developing emerging enterprises. Eligible borrowers are any RUS electric or telephone utility that is not delinquent on any Federal debt or in bankruptcy proceedings. Priority is given to financing third-party recipient projects that are physically located in rural areas having a population of less than 2,500 people.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Solar Powers America Grants for Renewable Energy

Offers competitive federal grants for the development and implementation of strategies and programs to address barriers that inhibit local market penetration of solar technologies. Eligible applicants include industry, universities, cities, state agencies, non-profits, tribal organizations and other potential partners. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/index.html

Energy

Special Project Grants for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Technologies

Provides competitive grants from technology programs in the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Grants provide funding to adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Eligible applicants are non-profits, universities, cities and towns. Funding, project priorities and deadlines var y annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details.

Programs

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.azcommerce.com

Tribal Energy Program Grants for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Provides federal financial assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency on tribal lands through passive solar space heat, solar water heat, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, and geothermal heat pumps. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/

Tribal Energy Resource Development Program Grants and Loans

Provides competitive federal grants, low interest loans and technical assistance to promote energy resource development on Indian lands, including the development of generation, transmission and distribution facilities on tribal lands. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/

ousing

Farm Labor Housing Loans (Section 514) and Grants (Section 516)

Provides loans and grants to build, buy, improve, or repair housing for farm laborers, aquiculture workers and those engaged in on-farm processing. Funds can be used to purchase a site or a leasehold interest in a site, to construct housing, daycare facilities and community rooms, pay fees, purchase durable household furnishings, and pay construction loan interest. Eligible applicants for Section 514 loans include farmers, associations of farmers, family farm corporations, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and associations of farm workers. In some instances, farmers unable to get credit elsewhere may obtain loans at a rate of interest based on the cost of federal borrowing. Eligible applicants for Section 516 grants include nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, public agencies, and farm worker associations. A grant may cover up to 90 % of the development cost for a project, and the balance may be (and usually is) a Section 514 loan. Farm labor housing tenants are eligible for the Rural Housing Service (RHS) Rental Assistance (RA) program; a set-aside of RA units is provided annually.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Also see the following program - AmeriCorps State � Community Grants, Rural Capacity Development Initiative Grants, Community Development Financial Institutions in Arizona

Housing

Federal Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Loan Program (Section 538)

Guarantees loans made by private lenders for the development of affordable rural rental housing. Households with incomes below 115% of area median income may live in units developed under this program. The maximum term is the lesser of 40 years or the remaining economic life of the project; interest rates must be fixed and not exceed the rate published in the Rural Housing Service (RHS) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The loan may be prepaid at the determination of the borrower. Rent, including utilities paid by the tenants, cannot exceed 30% of 115% of the area median income. RHS must provide interest credit to reduce the interest to the Treasury rate for at least 20% of the loans made. Tax-exempt financing can be used as a source of capital for the guaranteed loan.

Eligible borrowers include individuals, nonprofit or for-profit corporations, partnerships, state or local public agencies, limited liability companies, trusts, or Indian tribes. The banks or thrifts that receive loan guarantees must be approved by RHS. To obtain that approval, a lender must be approved to make multifamily housing loans by HUD, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac or by the state or local housing finance agency, or it must be a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System with demonstrated multifamily housing loan ability.

Programs

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Homeownership Direct Loan Program

Provides direct and guaranteed loans to purchase, build, repair, renovate, or relocate houses, and to purchase and prepare sites or provide water supplies and sewage disposal for sites. Loans may also be used to refinance debts when necessary to avoid losing a home or when required to make necessary rehabilitation of a house affordable. Loans are up to 33 years (38 years for those with incomes below 60% of the area median and who cannot afford 33-year terms, or 30 years for manufactured homes). No down payment is required. The promissor y note interest rate is set by Rural Housing Service (RHS). Payment assistance subsidy is provided and is directly related to the applicant/borrower's adjusted income as a percentage of area median income. Eligible applicants are individuals with low or very low incomes.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

ousing

Homes for Arizonans Program

Increases homeownership in rural Arizona through counseling and direct financial assistance to first-time homebuyers of low to moderate income. Counseling and financial assistance for down payment and closing costs is available on moderately priced homes. Financial assistance requires the execution of a promissor y note for the amount of assistance due on sale of the property; refinancing and home improvement loan restrictions apply. Eligible applicants must be of low to moderate income, first time home buyers or have not owned a home in the past three years, and must be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage through a private lender.

For more information: Homes for Arizonans Program Coordinator

Arizona Department of Housing 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1000 http://www.housingaz.com

Housing Preservation Grants

Facilitates home repair or rehabilitation for low- and very-low income homeowners and landlords serving these populations. The grants are competitive and made available in areas where there is a concentration of need. Sponsors combine grant funds with other programs or funds and use them as loans, grants, or subsidies for recipient households, based on plans contained in the sponsors' applications. The program may be used on rental properties when landlords agree to maintain the units for low-income use for a minimum of five years. Eligible sponsors include nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, units of local government, or state agencies. Funds must be used within a period of two years. Historic preservation agreements require review by the State Historic Preservation Office.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Housing

Low Income Housing Tax Credit

Provides financing (through sale of tax credits) to enable housing developers to construct or acquire and/or rehabilitate rental units. This financing carries less permanent debt, allowing the owner to offer affordable rents to low to moderate income populations. Program requirements are outlined in the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), updated annually and published on or about January 1st of each year. Application deadlines are generally set for March 15 and application fees apply. Applications are scored through a competitive process utilizing the criteria listed in the QAP. Assisted properties must comply with long-term restrictions on rents charged, tenant incomes, and are subject to other federal requirements. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for-profit housing developers. May not be used in combination with New Markets Tax Credits.

Programs

For more information: Rental Programs Administrator

Arizona Department of Housing 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1000 http://www.housingaz.com

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program

Increases homeownership in Arizona through a federal income tax credit to help first-time homebuyers qualify for higher mortgage limits. Eligible applicants receive a tax credit good for ten years, as long as they remain in residence in the home purchased through the assistance. Eligible applicants include homebuyers of low to moderate income purchasing moderately priced homes in Arizona's 13 rural counties. Individuals apply for a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) directly through the Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AzHFA). Assistance can be combined with down payment and closing cost assistance from the Homes for Arizonans Program.

For more information: MCC Specialist

Arizona Housing Finance Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1000 or toll free 877-771-1006 http://www.housingaz.com

ousing

Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) Program

Increases homeownership in Arizona by providing below market loans for first-time homebuyers of moderate to low income. Assistance can be combined with down payment and closing cost assistance from the Homes for Arizonans Program. Eligible applicants include first-time homebuyers of low to moderate income purchasing moderately priced homes in Arizona's 13 rural counties. Individuals apply for a MRB-backed loan through participating private lender. The participating lender list is available on the Arizona Department of Housing website and is updated regularly.

For more information: AzHFA Programs Administrator

Arizona Housing Finance Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1000 http://www.housingaz.com

Multi-family Private Activity Bond Financing

Issues multi-family housing bonds for the financing of rental properties in the 13 rural counties of the state. These projects provide rental units at reasonable rent levels for low to moderate income households. Projects that qualify for bond financing may also be eligible to receive a non-competitively secured reservation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (see Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program), as well as additional gap financing through the AzHFA in order to construct or acquire and rehabilitate affordable rental properties. Bonding authority must be obtained for specific projects through the Arizona Department of Commerce. Eligible properties must be rental properties to be newly constructed, acquired or rehabilitated for low to moderate income households.

For more information: AzHFA Programs Administrator

Arizona Housing Finance Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1091 http://www.housingaz.com

Housing

Rural Housing and Economic Development Program Grants

Provides grants to rural non-profit community development corporations and Indian tribes to build capacity, develop innovative housing, and create and strengthen economic development programs. There are two funding categories under the program: Capacity Building and Support for Innovative Housing and Economic Development Activities - assists existing organizations to carry out new functions and/or perform more effectively; maximum award is $150,000. Possible activities include hiring and training staff; purchasing software and other tools; obtaining expertise from outside sources; developing strategic plans or an accounting system; conducting asset inventories; seeking technical assistance, improving management capability; and purchasing or leasing office space. Support for Innovative Housing and Economic Development activities - supports other costs for innovative housing and economic development activities; maximum award is $400,000. Possible activities include preparation of plans, architectural drawings, acquisition of land and buildings; demolition; purchase of materials and construction costs; job training and counseling for beneficiaries; homeownership and financial counseling; application of innovative construction methods; financial assistance to homeowners, businesses, and developers; and establishment of CDFIs, lines of credit, revolving loan funds, microenterprises, and small business incubators. Eligible applicants are local rural and nonprofit community development corporations, Indian tribes, state housing finance agencies and state community and economic development agencies.

Programs

For more information: US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development 451 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20410 202-708-2290 http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/economicdevelopment/programs/rhed/index.cfm

Rural Housing Site Loans

Provides loans to purchase and develop building sites and to construct streets and utilities. Loans are for self-help housing sites and other sites for low- and moderate-income families. Sites may be sold to public and nonprofit organizations using other federal, state, or local programs to house low and moderateincome families. All loans are repayable in two years. Eligible borrowers include nonprofit organizations and public agencies.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

ousing

Federal Rural Rental and Cooperative Housing Loans

Provides direct loans to finance construction or rehabilitation of modest rental or cooperatively owned housing designed for very low, low and moderate-income families, elderly people and persons with disabilities. Funds may also be used to buy and improve land and to provide necessary facilities such as water and waste disposal systems. Projects may be on one or more sites. Eligible borrowers for these competitive loans include individuals, trusts, associations, partnerships, limited partnerships, state or local public agencies, Indian tribes, consumer cooperatives, and profit or nonprofit corporations. Borrowers must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere that will result in rents affordable to low and moderate-income tenants.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/mfh/brief_mfh_rrh.htm

Rural Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants

Lowers the cost of housing and provides skills enhancement to participating families through administrative funding to organizations sponsoring self-help housing development. Under the program, a group of families jointly contribute labor to build their own homes, under guidance from a qualified construction super visor. A family participating in a self-help program can lower the amount of the Section 502 loan by 20% or more. Public and nonprofit groups must demonstrate the ability to directly supervise a project or assistance from a group having this ability.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Housing

State Housing Fund (Federal HOME and State Housing Trust Funds)

Provides funding for assistance or activities that benefit low to moderate income households. Eligible activities include construction, acquisition and/or rehabilitation of housing for rent, homeownership, transitional or homeless shelters, counseling and financial assistance for first-time homebuyers, substantial housing rehabilitation and emergency repair programs, fair housing education, homeless prevention programs, and other innovative housing activities. Activities must ultimately benefit homeowners with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income or rental households with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income. Eligible applicants include housing developers, public housing authorities, local units of government, tribal entities and others. For most activities, applications are accepted quarterly; application fees apply for requests for gap-financing for Low Income Housing Tax Credit financed properties.

Programs

For more information: Arizona Department of Housing

1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1010 http://www.housingaz.com

Very Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants

Provides financing to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their dwellings, remove health and/or safety hazards, or make dwellings accessible for household members with disabilities. Loans up to $20,000 and grants up to $7,500 (loans and grants can be combined up to $27,500). Loans are for a period of up to 20 years at 1% interest.Grant funds may be used only to pay for repairs and improvements resulting in removal of health and/or safety hazards. If an applicant can pay part of the cost, a combination grant and loan is made. Eligible homeowner-occupants are homeowners age 62 or older who cannot repay part or all of Section 504 loans, have incomes below 50% of area median and are unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere. Applicants must need to make repairs and improvements to make their dwellings more safe and sanitary or to remove health and safety hazards.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

nfrastructure

Arizona Enterprise Procurement Services (EPS)

Assists state agencies and political subdivisions in making timely and cost effective acquisitions by providing access to existing state contracts. EPS services include: establishing contracts accessible by all Arizona State Purchasing Cooperative members and state agencies; providing technical assistance in matters related to public procurement in the State of Arizona; and training public procurement practitioners and prospective vendors. Examples of contracts include fleets, telecom, energy, construction and more.

For more information: Arizona Enterprise Procurement Services

100 North 15th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-542-5511 http://www.azeps.az.gov or www.spirit.az.gov

Brownfields Assistance Program

Encourages redevelopment or revitalization of sites that have, or may have, environmental contamination by providing funding to identify and define the impact of contamination, conduct remediation and clarify potential liability to small businesses. The program provides funding and technical assistance to assess and cleanup property where reuse or revitalization is complicated by the presence, or potential presence, of hazardous substances, pollutants or petroleum products. Grants are a maximum of $200,000 for each site and can be used for Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) and cleanup activities. The focus of the program is directed toward rural communities within the state. Eligible applicants are governmental entities or non-profit organizations. Superfund sites (CERCLA), federally owned or operated sites and private parties are not eligible applicants.

For more information: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

1110 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 800-234-5677, ext. 771-4401 http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/cleanup/brownfields.html

Also see the following program - North American Development Bank (border projects only)

Environmental and Pollution

Infrastructure

Recycling Grant Program

Provides grants to private enterprises, political subdivisions, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to encourage recycling in Arizona. Matching funds are required; the cash or in-kind match required and maximum available grant varies per program. There are three primary recycling programs: Waste Reduction Assistance: assists in providing recycling opportunities to all Arizonans, in addition to providing funding assistance to projects that divert significant amounts of materials from the solid waste stream, or are a component of a comprehensive program designed to achieve high diversion levels; projects may include a small public awareness component. Waste Reduction Initiative Through Education: provides information and education to increase awareness about solid waste reduction and disposal, and encourage participation in source reduction, reuse and recycling opportunities. Projects should communicate the importance of conserving natural resources and the benefits of reducing, reusing, recycling, buying recycled products, composting and/or properly disposing of solid waste. Recycling Research and Development: provides funding assistance to develop tools, ideas, and knowledge to divert significant amounts of materials from the solid waste stream in the near future. Projects involve research, including feasibility studies, solid waste audits and/or technology development that increase the proper disposal of solid waste, source reduction, recycling, buying recycled content products and/or composting.

Development

For more information: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

1110 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 800-234-5677, ext. 771-4170 http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/solid/funding.html

Community Facilities Loans, Loan guarantees and Grants

Provides direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for community facilities that provide essential services to rural residents, including community centers, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, libraries, schools, and fire protection. Grants are typically used to fund projects under special initiatives, such as Native American community development efforts, federally designated Enterprise and Champion Communities, and others. Direct loans may be made to applicants who are unable to obtain commercial credit. A grant may be used for up to 75% of a project's cost.

Eligible applicants include public entities, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations. The community to be ser ved must be a rural area, town, or incorporated area with less than 20,000 population.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Also see the following programs � Rural Economic Development Loans (Utilities)

Municipal Facilities, Public Safety, and other Infrastructure

nfrastructure

Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA)

Assists Arizona communities with the development of public infrastructure projects. Qualified infrastructure is defined as "any facility located in this state (Arizona) for public use owned by a political subdivision, special district or Indian tribe that retains responsibility for its operation and maintenance." Projects include municipal and county improvements; police, fire, sanitary or county jail facilities; streets and roads; drainage or flood protection/control projects and regional transportation projects. There are three components under GADA: Financial Assistance (bonds) - GADA bonds are insured and sold as AAA rated tax-exempt issues. This allows borrowers with lower investment grade ratings to realize substantial interest savings. GADA also typically subsidizes the costs of bond issuance, providing further savings on fees for underwriters, financial advisors, bond counsel, trustees, bond rating and bond insurance premiums. Technical Assistance Loans - up to $250,000 to help fund infrastructure projects in the final phases of development. Technical Assistance Grants - available periodically for engineering planning, design review, feasibility studies or other infrastructure development elements for early phase project development. Eligible applicants are communities, counties, special districts and tribal governments. GADA generally does two bond rounds each year.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Greater Arizona Development Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/gada/default02.asp

Municipal Facilities, Public Safety, and other Infrastructure

Infrastructure

North America Development Bank (NADB or NADBank)

NADB has a number of different programs: Low Interest Rate Lending Facility - for financial assistance with water, wastewater and solid waste projects. Border Environment Infrastructure Fund - administers grants provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency for water and wastewater projects. Solid Waste Environment Program - supports the financing and construction of municipal solid waste infrastructure projects through loans and grants. It also encourages projects that include private sector participation, waste flow reduction and regional facilities serving more than one community. Institutional Development Cooperation Program - provides grant assistance for achieving effective and efficient operation of utilities, state and local government agencies, and other projects within all NADB sectors. Grants are for a maximum of $250,000. Project Development Program - provides technical assistance to communities, utilities and the private sector to help finance the costs involved in preparing environmental infrastructure projects for submission to the BECC for certification and to the North American Development Bank (NADB) for financing. Grants may be awarded for up to $200,000 per project. In the case of regional projects involving two or more communities, the grant limit per project may be increased to $300,000. PDP assistance is subject to full or partial reimbursement as part of a NADB lending package.

Development

For more information: North American Development Bank

Technical Assistance Coordinator 203 South St. Mary's, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78205 http://www.nadbank.org/english/program_ser vice/PDP/PDP_frame.htm

Municipal Facilities, Public Safety, and other Infrastructure

nfrastructure

Rural Business Enterprise Grants

Enhances economic development through grants for developing, constructing or acquiring land, buildings, plants, equipment, streets, and roads. Building necessary water supply and waste disposal facilities is also an eligible activity. Grant funds can also be used to create, expand, or operate rural distance learning networks or programs that provide educational or job training instruction related to potential employment or job advancement to adult students. State and local government entities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations that serve rural areas are eligible. RBEG grantees must use the funds to assist small and emerging private businesses that will employ 50 or fewer new employees and have less than $1 million in projected gross revenue.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP) � Loans and Grants

Facilitates airport development in Arizona. The ACIP development process allocates money from the State Aviation Fund across three major categories of airport development assistance; the State Transportation Board approves this program annually. Types of assistance include: Airport Development Grants Program - provides two types of grants: 1) Federal/State/Local matching grants for safety and capacity enhancement; maintenance; and environmental, planning and land acquisition. 2) State/Local matching grants for safety and capacity enhancement or environmental, planning and land acquisition purposes only. Airport development grants cannot be used for revenue producing projects; see the Airport Development Loan Program for this type of funding. Airport Preventive Maintenance Services - for projects maintaining and protecting aviation pavement surfaces; cannot be used for capital equipment, routine operating maintenance items or revenue producing projects. Airport Development Loan Program - provides funding to public airports for planning, land acquisition and construction projects. Loan types include revenue generating, matching grant and grant advances. Projects include hangars, utility improvements, fuel farms, terminals, auto parking, office/hangar complexes, terminal restaurants, and recreational improvements. Applicant eligibility and funding varies across these programs.

For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation

Aeronautics Division, Airport Development 255 East Osborn Road, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-294-9144 http://www.azdot.gov/aviation/airports/dev_plan_fiveyear_ov.asp

Also see the following programs - Greater Arizona Development Authority, North American Development Bank (border projects only)

Transportation

Infrastructure

Economic Strength Project (ESP) Grants

Provides funding to communities for highway or road projects to assist businesses creating or retaining jobs and making capital investment. Eligible projects include new road construction, upgrading of existing roads, turn lanes, acceleration/deceleration lanes, reconstruction and paving. At least 10% in matching funding must come from the community or business assisted. There are two competitive grant rounds per year; notification is emailed out in January and July. Eligible applicants are cities, towns, counties or tribal governments.

Development

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Economic Strength Project Program 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/Business/esp%20home%20page.asp

Transportation Formula Grants for Other than Urbanized Areas (Section 5311)

Provides competitive grants for capital, operating, and administration expenses for public transportation programs in rural and small urban areas with less than 50,000 in population that enhance access to services for those in non-urban areas, assist in development and maintenance of public transportation in rural and small urban areas, and to assist in the development and support of intercity bus transportation. Maximum federal share is 50% for operating assistance and 80% for capital and project administration. Eligible applicants are local governments, non-profit organizations, tribal governments, and public transit operators in rural and small urban communities under 50,000 in population. Applications are generally made available in January, and are evaluated on appropriateness, effectiveness and coordination of service, financial and management capability, local commitment to transit and accessibility, safety and training.

For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation

Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-7465 http://www.azdot.gov/PTD/Section5311.asp

Transportation

nfrastructure

Highway Expansion and Extension Loan Program (HELP)

Provides loans and financial assistance to stretch limited transportation dollars and bridge the gap between needs and available revenues. This funding mechanism is also commonly referred to as the State Infrastructure Bank. Eligible projects are highway projects meeting both of the following requirements: the project must be on the Federal Aid System, National Highway System, State Highway System, or be designated as a state route; and the project must be included in the State Highway Construction Program, State Transportation Improvement Plan or the Transportation Improvement Plan of the Regional Association of Governments (i.e. Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Council of Governments). Construction projects, including design, right-of-way, and construction, are eligible for financial assistance; studies will not be funded under this program. The minimum amount of financial assistance that will be awarded for a project is $250,000. Eligible borrowers are cities, towns, counties, special taxing districts, the state or its agencies or tribal nations. Borrowers may submit a joint application for a project that involves multiple jurisdictions. Applications are solicited on a semi-annual basis, require approval by the appropriate governing body (e.g., city council or county board of supervisors, etc.), and must identify proposed sources of repayment.

For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation

HELP 206 South 17th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-8036 http://www.azdot.gov/Inside_ADOT/HELP/Index.asp

Transportation

Infrastructure

Job Access and Reverse Commute (Section 5316) Grants

Provides financing for capital projects and operating costs of equipment, facilities, and maintenance related to providing access to jobs, promoting use of transit and transit vouchers for welfare recipients and eligible low income individuals, and promoting use of employer-provided transportation. Emphasis is placed on projects that use mass transportation services. Funds are allocated on a discretionary basis as follows: 60% to areas over 200,000 population; 20% to areas of under 200,000 population; and 20% to non-urbanized areas. Metropolitan Planning Organizations administer the program in the large urbanized areas and ADOT administers the program in the small urban and rural areas. All projects funded must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. The maximum Federal share for capital and project administration is 80%. The maximum Federal share for operating assistance is 50% of the net operating costs. Eligible applicants include local governmental authorities and agencies and non-profit entities that have projects and expenses that relate to the development and maintenance of transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and activities related to their employment.

Development

For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation

Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-6736 http://www.azdot.gov

Transportation

nfrastructure

New Freedom Program (Section 5317) Grants

Provides competitive grants for improved public transportation services and alternatives for people with disabilities beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Examples of projects and activities that might be funded under the program include: purchasing vehicles and support for accessible taxi, ride-sharing, and vanpooling programs; paratransit services beyond minimum requirements; accessibility improvements to transit and intermodal stations not designated as key stations; supporting volunteer driver and aide programs; supporting mobility management and coordination programs. Projects funded must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human ser vices transportation plan. Funds may be used for capital expenses (maximum federal share 80% of the cost of the project), or operating expenses (maximum federal share 50% of the cost of the project). Program funds are apportioned based on a formula that apportions 60% of the funds to designated recipients in urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more in a ratio reflecting the number of individuals with disabilities in each such urbanized area; 20% of the funds are apportioned among the states in a ratio reflecting the number of individuals with disabilities in urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000; and 20% of the funds are apportioned among the states in a ratio reflecting the number of individuals with disabilities in non-urbanized areas in each state. Metropolitan Planning Organizations administer the program in the large urbanized areas and ADOT administers the program in the small urban and rural areas. Eligible applicants include local governmental authorities and agencies and non-profit entities that have projects that are a new public transportation service or provide public transportation alternatives beyond those required by the ADA that assist individuals with disabilities with transportation.

For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation

Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-6736 http://www.azdot.gov

Transportation

Infrastructure

Special Needs for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) Grants

Provides capital funding for the purchase of vehicles and equipment to meet the transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities. Examples include senior centers and programs for the physically, mentally and developmentally disabled populations. Eligible applicants include private non-profit and public agencies that provide transportation to the elderly and disabled. The Section 5310 program funds have a maximum federal share of 80%. Applications are available in January, and are evaluated based on need for service and/or equipment, population served, financial capability to support funding, existing fleet inventories, and previous performance.

Development

For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation

Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-6736 http://www.azdot.gov/PTD/Section5310.asp

Statewide Transportation Planning Program (Section 5304) Grants

Provides financial assistance for statewide transportation planning and other technical assistance activities; planning support for non-urbanized areas; research, development and demonstration projects; fellowships for training in the public transportation field; university research; and human resource development. The maximum federal share for projects is 80%. Eligible applicants must be a government agency and have a population of less than 50,000.

For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation

Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-6790 http://www.azdot.gov/PTD/Section5304.asp

Transportation

nfrastructure

Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA)

Provides financial and technical assistance for drinking water, wastewater, wastewater reclamation and other water quality facilities and projects. Generally, WIFA offers borrowers below-market interest on loans for 100% of eligible project costs. Types of assistance include: Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund - for public wastewater treatment projects. Eligible borrowers include cities, towns, special districts, county improvement districts, sanitary districts and Indian Tribes. Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund - for both public and private drinking water systems. Eligible borrowers include cities, towns, special districts, domestic water improvement districts, co-ops and nonprofit associations. Privately-held community drinking water systems are also eligible. Technical Assistance Competitive Grants - for pre-design and design of eligible wastewater and drinking water systems. WIFA solicits applications each fall for the Clean Water loans and Drinking Water loans, but applications are accepted throughout the year. Technical Assistance grant applications are usually available in March.

For more information: Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona

1110 West Washington Street, Suite 290, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-1310 or 877-298-0425 http://www.azwifa.gov

Water Quality Improvement Grant Program

Provides funding at a local level to implement on-the-ground water quality improvement projects to control nonpoint source pollution. Eligible projects must improve or protect water quality by controlling nonpoint source pollution; demonstrate acceptable water quality management principles, have sound design and appropriate procedures; yield benefits at a level commensurate with project costs for the benefit of the state; have an on-the-ground implementation component within the state; provide for at least 40% of the project costs as non-federal match; and support the mission of the Water Quality Division at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Projects not eligible: those requiring compliance with a permit (grazing or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit), studies or research only projects, education and/or outreach only projects (project MUST have an On-The-Ground component), water quantity projects, monitoring and assessment only, or regular operation and maintenance which is the responsibility of the landowner. This program requires a 40% match of non-federal monies or in-kind. Eligible applicants are individuals and both public and private entities.

For more information: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

Water Quality Division 1110 West Washington Street, Suite 5415A-1, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-4635 http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/watershed/fin.html

Water: also see the following programs - Greater Arizona Development Authority, Rural Business Enterprise Grants, North American Development Bank (border projects only)

Water

Infrastructure

Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants (Section 306C)

Provides loans and grants for water and waste disposal services to colonias along the U.S.-Mexico border. The program can cover 100% of project costs and may be used to construct, extend, or improve a community water or waste system; extend service lines; connect individual residences to a system; install plumbing and related fixtures; or construct bathrooms. Eligible applicants include local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, U.S. territories and possessions, and nonprofit associations.

Development

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

State Telecom Contract Purchasing

Encourages the development of telecommunications and broadband capacity by leveraging the State's purchasing power. This program allows public entities to utilize the State's contracts, including the current carrier services (telecommunications) contracts. Competitive pricing and State-contracted service level agreements are available. Eligible entities include counties, cities, towns, libraries, public schools, authorities, and other political jurisdictions.

For more information: Arizona Department of Administration

Enterprise Procurement Services 100 North 15th Avenue, Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-542- 9121 http://www.azspo.az.gov

Also see Rural Business Enterprise Grants and Rural Economic Development Loans (Utilities)

Water - Telecommunications/Broadband

nfrastructure

Schools and Libraries Program (Commonly known as E-Rate)

Provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries with affordable telecommunications and internet access. This program is geared towards connectivity to the internet and telephony in schools and libraries and expanding the internet to rural and disadvantaged schools. Funding is requested under four categories of service: telecommunications services, Internet access, internal connections, and basic maintenance of internal connections. Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium. Discounts for support depend on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served.

For more information: Universal Service Administrative Company

http://www.universalser vice.org/sl/

Telecommunications/Broadband

Military

Military Installation Fund

Preser ves and enhances military installations by ensuring compatible land use in the vicinity of the installation. Effective FY 05, the Arizona Legislature has authorized funding of $4.825 million per year for 20 years to purchase property from willing property owners within the territory of Arizona's military airports, military facilities and operating areas. Funds can also be used by communities for military installation preservation projects and debt service. Eligible applicants are individual property owners, and Arizona cities, towns and counties.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Militar y Installation Fund Program 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/CommunityPlanning/Militar y_Installation_Fund.asp

Defense Industry Adjustment - Reduction/Realignment Assistance

Assists communities in developing an economic adjustment strategy and implementation plan. Most defense industry adjustment strategies focus regionally on job creation through business development, attraction and expansion, workforce development and community economic diversification. OEA works with the community to create jobs in order to respond to the adverse economic impact as a result of a change in Defense policy. A local organization is identified to assume responsibility and develop an adjustment strategy and action plan with OEA financial and technical assistance. During implementation of the action plan, OEA works with other Federal, state and local resources to coordinate the response in accordance with the approved strategy.

For more information: US Department of Defense

Office of Economic Adjustment 400 Army Navy Drive, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22202-4704 703-604-6020 http://www.oea.gov/oeaweb.nsf/Home?OpenForm

orkforce

Arizona Workforce Connections (AWC) One Stop Career Centers

Provides access to funding for workforce training for youth, adults and businesses. These Centers provide solution based services and skilled business services professionals to identify the right resources to build, upgrade or retain the workforce needed to compete in the global economy. Services for businesses include funding for customized training; wage matches for on the job training contracts; apprenticeship opportunities; and employee recruitment. The One-Stop Career Centers also provide services to Arizona residents to increase their skills, including job search assistance and career counseling; resume reviews; professional communications workshops; and comprehensive skills assessments. Eligible applicants include large and small businesses in Arizona, tribal governments and individuals. One-Stop Career Centers are located in every county; see http://www.arizonaworkforceconnection.com/loc.asp for a listing.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.arizonaworkforceconnection.com/default.asp

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance for Business Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Loans/Lines of Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 General Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 International Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Native American/Tribal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Bonding Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Geographically Based Business Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Tax Credit and Incentive Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 General Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Innovation and Technology Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

for Business

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Grant Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Innovation and Technology Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

Introduction

Grants to start or expand small businesses are not offered by either federal or state government, but there are a wide variety of loan and tax incentive programs available. Entrepreneurs requiring funding for new business ventures may wish to begin by contacting their own bank or financial institution. Other helpful business resources include:

Arizona Economic Development Directory � contains contact information for organizations

working on economic development in your area. http://www.azcommerce.com/webapps/adoc/

Arizona Technology Business Development website �

a collaboration of the Arizona

Department of Commerce, the Arizona Technology Council and the Southern Arizona Tech Council, this site provides convenient access to a wide range of technology business development resources, programs and services. http://www.aztechbizdev.com/

FirstGov.gov �

provides a gateway to all federal government programs, including grant information.

http://www.firstgov.gov/Business/Business_Gateway.shtml

Arizona Minority Business Enterprise Center �

assists minority business entrepreneurs

who have been in business for at least one year and who are entering new markets, seeking government contracts, preparing to apply for financial assistance, or needing assistance in improving their operations and profitability. http://www.azmbdc.org

Arizona Small Business Development Center (AZ SBDC) �

one confidential business counseling. http://www.dist.Maricopa.edu/sbdc

provides free, one-on-

SCORE (Counselors to Small Businesses) �

offers specialized seminars and workshops on

a variety of business subjects and provides free, confidential one-on-one counseling and advice in practically every business and business situation. http://www.scoreaz.org

Center for American Indian Economic Development �

offers training and technical

ser vices to Arizona tribes, their corporations, enterprises, and individual Native American entrepreneurs. Telephone: 928-523-7320 http://www.cba.nau.edu/caied/

Fort Defiance Regional Business Development Office �

sponsored by the Navajo Nation. Telephone: 928-871-7209

small business resource center

ntroduction

Small Business Administration (SBA) �

provides access to a variety of SBA programs and ser vices, such as startup and operational assistance through small business training and counseling, financial assistance for startups, operational and disaster help, business opportunities, such as government contracting, subcontracting, procurement, and much more. See below for targeted SBA programs for women, veterans and Native Americans. Arizona District Office Telephone: 602-745-7200 or 800-3591833 http://www.sba.gov/az/index.html

SBA's MY BIZ for Women �

provides one-stop access to information for women entrepreneurs on starting and growing a small business, gaining access to capital and contracting opportunities and links to other government agencies. http://www.SBA.gov/women or http://www.women-21.gov

SBA Veterans Affairs Officer � provides counseling, resources and assistance to help veterans succeed in business. http://www.sba.gov/vets and http://www.azdvs.gov

provides culturally-tailored business development assistance to reservation-based, prospective and current small business owners Native Americans. http://www.sba.gov/naa/tribes/

Tribal Business Information Centers (TBICs) �

SuperNOFA (Notification of Funding Availability) �

identifies requirements for all

federal Housing and Urban Development programs. HUD SuperNOFA Information Center, Telephone: 1-800-HUD-8929, www.hud.gov

Loans/Lines

Commerce and Economic Development Commission (CEDC)

Provides assistance to existing companies needing expansion capital for projects that create jobs in Arizona. The emphasis is on businesses in export-oriented industries investing in plants and equipment. Projects must be consistent with the CEDC's investment guidelines and must demonstrate project viability. Eligible applicants are businesses with a minimum of two years operating history making capital investment and creating new jobs paying at or above the average county wage; have acceptable credit and support of the local economic development organization.

of Credit

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Commerce and Economic Development Commission 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/prop/cedc/default01.asp

Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) in Arizona

Provides financial assistance for small business development of affordable housing and nonprofits. Financial assistance can be equity investments, loans, grants, or deposits. Recipients must match funds dollar for dollar with non-federal monies. Business and individuals seeking assistance should contact the appropriate Arizona CDFI listed below.

For more information: Arizona MultiBank - provides financing and access to technical assistance for the

advancement of small businesses, low-and-moderate income housing, nonprofit organizations and economic development. 101 North First Avenue, Suite1880, Phoenix, AZ 85003-1910 602-643-0030 http://www.multibank.org/AboutUs.htm First American Credit Union - provides consumer and small business loans, which often support small agricultural ventures and production and distribution of traditional Native-American crafts. Window Rock, AZ 520-871-5428 Hopi Credit Association provides financial services and technical assistance to members of the Hopi Tribe living on the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona. P.O. Box 1259, Keams Canyon, AZ 86034-1259 800-516-9091

General Business

oans/Lines

Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, Inc. - provides a full range of programs and services that encourage, create and support homeownership. 320 East McDowell Road, Suite120, Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-258-1659 http://www.nhsphoenix.org/ PPEP Microbusiness and Housing Development Corporation - provides short and medium term working capital and fixed asset loan products to microenterprises and small businesses; affordable housing projects initiated by non-profit housing developers; and low-income and minority home buyers and homeowner residents of 6 counties in southern Arizona. 820 East 47th Street, Tucson, AZ 85713-5079 520-806-9513 http://www.azsmallbusinessloans.com/

Federal 7(a) Small Business Loans

Guarantees up to 75% of a general business loan, up to a maximum of $2 million, for almost any legitimate business purpose, including real estate acquisition, expansion, machinery and equipment purchases, furniture and fixtures purchases, working capital, and inventory purchases. Maximum loan maturities are 25 years for real estate and equipment, and generally 7 years for working capital. Small businesses go directly to participating banks to apply for a 7(a) loan or for any of the subsidiary programs under 7(a). Businesses should contact the local SBA office to find out which lending institution in their area participates in the 7(a) program. Small businesses are eligible for 7(a) loans if they meet the following criteria: good character; demonstrated record for success; good credit rating; sufficient funds to operate the business at a profit; and pledged personal and/or business assets.

For more information: Small Business Administration

Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/7a.html Arizona Department of Commerce Small Business Services 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/SmallBus/Default.asp

General Business

Loans/Lines

Federal Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans

Provides direct and guaranteed loans for the purpose of improving, developing, or financing business, industr y and employment, and improving the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. Eligble applicants are a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other legal entity organized and operated on a profit or nonprofit basis; an Indian tribe; a municipality, county, or other political subdivision of a state; or an individual. Applicants must be located in areas other than cities (population of more than 50,000) or immediately adjacent to areas with population density of more than 100 persons per square mile. Preference is given to loans in open country, rural communities, and towns with populations of 25,000 or less, and on applications of equal priority, to veterans. Existing businesses applying must provide a minimum of 10 % tangible balance sheet equity. For new/startup businesses, at least 20% is required for guaranteed loans. For direct loans, new businesses and those businesses that cannot offer personal or corporate guarantees, or for energy-related businesses, 20-25% equity is required.

of Credit

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

General Business

oans/Lines

Federal CAPLines Revolving Line of Credit

Provides financing for seasonal working capital needs; direct costs associated with performing construction, service and supply contract(s); direct costs associated with commercial and residential building construction without a firm commitment for purchase; operating capital from obtaining of advances against existing inventory and accounts receivable; and, consolidation of short-term debt. CAPLines features five distinct short-term working capital loan programs for small businesses: Seasonal Line - Assists businesses that experience seasonal sales fluctuations during their peak season(s) with advances against inventory and accounts receivables; the line can be revolving or non-revolving. Contract Line - Finances direct labor and material costs associated with performing assignable contract(s); the line can be revolving or non-revolving. Builders Line - Finances direct labor and material costs for small general contractors and builders that construct or renovate commercial or residential buildings; the building project serves as collateral and lines can be revolving or non-revolving. Standard Asset-Based Line - Assists businesses unable to meet credit standards associated with longterm credit; generally utilized by businesses that provide credit to other businesses. Small Asset-Based Line - An asset based revolving line of credit up to $200,000; similar to standard asset-based line, however, some servicing requirements are waived if the business can consistently show repayment ability from cash flow for the full amount. Eligible applicants are small businesses meeting the qualifications of the applicable loan program.

For more information: Small Business Administration

Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/caplines.html

Federal Certified Development Company (Section 504 Program)

Provides long-term, fixed-rate financing to growing businesses. A Certified Development Company is a nonprofit corporation that works with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses. Loan proceeds must be used for fixed asset projects such as purchasing land and improvements, including existing buildings, grading, street improvements, utilities, parking lots and landscaping; construction of new facilities, or modernizing, renovating or converting existing facilities; or purchasing long-term machinery and equipment. The 504 Program cannot be used for working capital or inventory, consolidating or repaying debt, or refinancing. Eligible applicants are small businesses meeting the following conditions: net worth not exceeding $7 million and average annual net profits after taxes over the proceeding two years not exceeding

General Business

Loans/Lines

$2.5 million; good character; demonstrated record for success; good credit rating; sufficient funds to operate the business at a profit; pledged personal and/or business assets; meet SBA size standards; and not engaged in speculation or investment in rental real estate. The business also must have a first-mortgage type loan for approximately 50% of the funds from a conventional lender at a normal lending rate.

of Credit

For more information: Business Development Financing Corporation

2200 East Camelback Road, Suite 215, Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-381-6292 http://www.bdfc.com Southwestern Business Financing Corporation 3200 North Central Avenue, Suite 1550, Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-495-6495 http://www.swbfc.com

Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov and http://www.sba.gov/gopher/Financial-Assistance/Defin

Federal Low Documentation Loan Program (LowDoc)

Reduces the paperwork currently involved in 7(a) loan requests for loan guarantees of up to $150,000 by utilizing a one-page application. Personal financial statements are required for all guarantors; private sector lenders may require additional information and documentation. Loan approval focuses more on the applicant's character and ability to repay rather than collateral. Eligible businesses must meet most general 7(a) loan criteria, have fewer than 100 employees and average annual sales over the past three years of $5 million or less.

For more information: Small Business Administration

Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/startup/guide5.html#lowdoc

General Business

oans/Lines

Federal MicroLoan Program for Entrepreneurs

Provides very small loans to start-up, newly established, or growing small business concerns. SBA makes funds available to nonprofit community based lenders (intermediaries) which, in turn, make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts from $100 to $35,000 with an average loan of about $13,000 through nonprofit organizations. MicroLoans can be used for the purchase of machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, inventory, supplies and working capital. They cannot be used to pay off existing debts. They must be paid on the shortest term possible, no longer than six years, depending on the earnings of the business. Interest rates vary, but generally are between 8 and 13%. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of lending to small businesses. Each intermediary lender has its own lending and credit requirements. Business owners contemplating application should be aware that intermediaries will generally require some type of collateral, and the personal guarantee of the business owner. Each non-profit organization will have its own requirements about collateral.

For more information: Self-Employment Loan Fund, Inc. (SELF)

1601 North 7th Street, Suite 340, Phoenix, Arizona 85006 602-340-8834 http://www.selfloanfund.org Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/microloans.html

General Business

Loans/Lines

Federal Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Loan Program (Section 538)

Eligible borrowers include individuals, nonprofit or for-profit corporations, partnerships, state or local public agencies, limited liability companies, trusts, or Indian tribes. The banks or thrifts that receive loan guarantees must be approved by RHS. To obtain that approval, a lender must be approved to make multifamily housing loans by HUD, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or by the state or local housing finance agency, or it must be a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System with demonstrated multifamily housing loan ability.

of Credit

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Federal Rural Rental and Cooperative Housing Loans

Provides direct loans to finance construction or rehabilitation of modest rental or cooperatively owned housing designed for very low-, low-, and moderate-income families, elderly people and persons with disabilities. Funds may also be used to buy and improve land and to provide necessary facilities such as water and waste disposal systems. Projects may be on one or more sites. Eligible borrowers for these competitive loans include individuals, trusts, associations, partnerships, limited partnerships, state or local public agencies, Indian tribes, consumer cooperatives, and profit or nonprofit corporations. Borrowers must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere that will result in rents affordable to low and moderate-income tenants.

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/mfh/brief_mfh_rrh.htm

Housing

oans/Lines

Federal Export Working Capital Program (EWCP)

Finances overseas sales of U.S. goods and services by providing working capital loan guarantees for U.S. exporters against the risks of non-payment by foreign buyers for political or commercial reasons, and makes loans to foreign purchasers of U.S. goods. The EWCP covers 90 % of principal and interest on commercial loans to creditworthy small and medium-sized companies needing funds to buy or produce U.S. goods or services for export. The EWCP may be used to cover working capital loans to a U.S. business if the lender shows that the loan would not be made without the guarantee from the Ex-Im Bank. This program is offered in conjunction with the SBA's EWCP program. Ex-Im Bank handles all loans over $833,333, including the non-guaranteed portion. Guarantees may be for a single transaction or a revolving line of credit; there is no minimum loan amount. Eligible borrowers are companies selling products or services with at least 50% U.S. content and no adverse impact on the U.S. economy.

For more information: Export-Import Bank of the United States

San Diego Office Regional Office 6363 Greenwich Drive, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92122 619-557-7091 http://www.exim.gov/products/index.html

Federal International Trade Loans

Provides long-term financing to help small businesses compete more effectively and significantly expand/develop export markets. Loan maturities cannot exceed 25 years, excluding the working capital portion of the loan. Loans may be used to buy land and buildings, build new facilities, renovate, improve or expand existing facilities, and purchase or recondition machinery, equipment and fixtures. The working capital portion of the loan can be in the form of the Export Working Capital Program loan or a portion of the term loan. The loan proceeds cannot be used to pay past debts. For the International Trade Loan, SBA can guaranty up to 85% of loans of $150,000 and less, and up to 75 % of loans above $150,000. The maximum guaranteed amount is $1,250,000. Eligible applicants must meet the general 7(a) loan guarantee requirement and one of the two following criteria: loan proceeds will significantly expand existing export markets or develop new ones; or, the applicant's business is adversely affected by import competition.

For more information: Small Business Administration

Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 Small Business Administration, Office of International Trade 202-205-6720 http://www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/tradeloans.html

International Trade

Loans/Lines

Bureau of Indian Affairs Loan Guaranty Program

Increases Native American entrepreneurship and employment through establishment, acquisition or expansion of Indian-owned economic enterprises. Loans may be made to finance Indian-owned businesses organized for profit, provided that eligible Indian ownership constitutes at least 51%. The business must be located on or near a reservation or recognized service area and contribute to the economy of the reser vation. Maximum loan guarantees are $500,000 for individuals, partnerships and corporations, and $5.5 million for Tribes. Eligible borrowers are federally recognized tribes or Alaska Native groups, members of these tribes or groups; or an Indian-owned organization. A minimum of 20 % equity is required (in cash and unencumbered assets) to be used in the business being financed. Borrowers work directly with lenders for guaranteed loans, and then request a loan guaranty from the Bureau of Indian Affairs office where the business is located.

of Credit

For more information: Phoenix Area Credit Office

P.O. Box 10, Phoenix, AZ 85001 602-379-6624 Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Economic Development 1849 C Street, NW, MS 4640-MIB, Washington, DC 20240 202-208-5324 http://www.doi.gov/bia/Loan%20Guaranty%20Brochure.pdf

Also see the following Loan/Lines of Credit programs: Federal Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans (under General Business); Federal Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Loan Program (under Housing); Federal Rural Rental and Cooperative Housing Loans (under Housing). See Federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds in the Bonds section, and the Arizona Recycling Grant Program in the Grants section

Native American/Tribal

oans/Lines

Federal Defense Loan and Technical Assistance (DELTA) Program

Helps small business contractors transition from defense to civilian markets by diversifying into the commercial market while remaining part of the defense industrial base. Both financial and technical assistance are available to defense-dependent small businesses which have been adversely affected by defense reductions. Program objectives are job retention, job creation, or plant retooling and expansion that modernizes/expands the plant and enables it to remain available to the Department of Defense (DOD). Eligible applicants must be detrimentally impacted by the closure (or substantial reduction) of a DOD installation; or the termination (or substantial reduction) of a DOD program in which the small business was a prime contractor, subcontractor, or supplier at any tier; or is located in a community that has been detrimentally impacted by these same actions. The small business must derive at least 25% of its revenues from DOD or defense-related Department of Energy contracts or subcontracts in support of defense prime contracts in any one of five prior operating years. This program can be used in conjunction with both SBA's 7(a) and 504 Loan Programs and generally follows the provisions of each program.

For more information: Small Business Administration

Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/militar y.html

Federal Pollution Control Loan Program

Provides financing to eligible small businesses for the planning, design, or installation of a pollution control facility. This facility must prevent, reduce, abate, or control any form of pollution, including recycling. Pollution Control Loans are 7(a) loans with a special purpose of pollution control. This program follows the 7(a) guidelines, except that loan proceeds must be for fixed-assets only.

For more information: Small Business Administration

Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/pollution.html

Other

Loans/Lines

Federal Rural Economic Development Loans (Utilities)

of Credit

For more information: US Department of Agriculture

Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov

Other

oans/Lines

North American Development Bank (NADB)

Provides loans and grants to the public and private sectors for infrastructure projects when private sector financing is not available. Projects must be located within 62 miles of the Mexican border and certified by the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC). NADB generally accepts no more than 50% of the total capital costs of projects, and loan maturities are for a maximum of 25 years. Eligible projects include infrastructure for potable water, water pollution, wastewater treatment, water conservation, water and wastewater hookups for housing, municipal solid waste, waste reduction, air quality improvement, public transportation, clean and efficient energy, industrial and hazardous waste projects, recycling, and municipal planning, development and water management. NADB also offers guidance to communities and potential borrowers to assist in the financial design and structure of environmental infrastructure. NADB has a number of different programs: Low Interest Rate Lending Facility - for financial assistance with water, wastewater and solid waste projects. Border Environment Infrastructure Fund - administers grants provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency for water and wastewater projects. Solid Waste Environment Program - supports the financing and construction of municipal solid waste infrastructure projects through loans and grants. It also encourages projects that include private sector participation, waste flow reduction and regional facilities serving more than one community. Institutional Development Cooperation Program - provides grant assistance for achieving effective and efficient operation of utilities, state and local government agencies, and other projects within all NADB sectors. Grants are for a maximum of $250,000. Project Development Program- provides technical assistance to communities, utilities and the private sector to help finance the costs involved in preparing environmental infrastructure projects for submission to the BECC for certification and to the North American Development Bank (NADB) for financing. Grants may be awarded for up to $200,000 per project. In the case of regional projects involving two or more communities, the grant limit per project may be increased to $300,000. PDP assistance is subject to full or partial reimbursement as part of a NADB lending package.

For more information: North American Development Bank

Technical Assistance Coordinator 203 South St. Mary's, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78205 http://www.nadbank.org/english/program_ser vice/PDP/PDP_frame.htm

Other

Bonding Programs

Water Infrastructure Finance Authority 0f Arizona (WIFA)

Provides financial and technical assistance for drinking water, wastewater, wastewater reclamation and other water quality facilities and projects. Generally, WIFA offers borrowers below-market interest on loans for 100% of eligible project costs. Types of assistance include: Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund - for both public and private drinking water systems. Eligible borrowers include cities, towns, special districts, domestic water improvement districts, co-ops and nonprofit associations. Privately-held community drinking water systems are also eligible. Technical Assistance Competitive Grants - for pre-design and design of eligible wastewater and drinking water systems. WIFA solicits applications each fall for the Drinking Water loans, but applications are accepted throughout the year. Technical Assistance grant applications are usually available in March.

For more information: Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona

1110 West Washington Street, Suite 290, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-1310 or 877-298-0425 http://www.azwifa.gov

Federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB)

Offers electric cooperatives the equivalent of an interest-free loan for financing qualified energy products for a limited term through "tax credit" bonds. The electric cooperative or cooperative lender (Issuer) issues the CREB but does not make interest payments. The federal government provides a tax credit to the bondholder in lieu of the issuer paying interest to the bond holder. If the credit is worth $100 and the bondholder is in the 35% tax bracket, the credit provides a $65 benefit to the bond holder. CREBs are taxable. Qualified issuers include governmental bodies (including Indian tribal governments), mutual or cooperative electric companies and clean energy bond lenders--namely the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) and Cobank.

For more information: US Department of Energy

1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585 202-586-5000 or 800-342-5363 http://www.irs.gov/irb/2006-10_IRB/ar07.html

onding Programs

Multi-family Private Activity Bonds

(also see Private Activity Bonds for other financing categories) Provides financing for multi-family rental properties in the 13 rural counties of the state. These projects must provide rental units at reasonable rent levels for low to moderate income households. Projects that qualify for bond financing may also be eligible to receive a non-competitively secured reservation of LowIncome Housing Tax Credits (see Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program), as well as additional gap financing through the AzHFA in order to construct or acquire and rehabilitate affordable rental properties. Bonding authority must be obtained for specific projects through the Arizona Department of Commerce. Eligible properties must be rental properties to be newly constructed, acquired or rehabilitated for low to moderate income households.

For more information: AzHFA Programs Administrator

Arizona Housing Finance Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1091 http://www.housingaz.com

Private Activity Bonds (PAB - formerly called Industrial Revenue Bonds)

Encourages economic development by reducing the cost of investment in industrial property and equipment through tax exempt bond financing. The PAB program allocates the state share of federally tax-exempt financing that can be used for the construction of industrial and manufacturing facilities and the purchase of equipment, utilities, solid waste and other exempt facilities, multifamily and single family housing and student loans. The bonds are an obligation of the private user, not of the issuing authority. Eligible applicants are local industrial development authorities on behalf of local governmental entities for the benefit of private users. Bond capacity is allocated across six categories: Director's Discretion � 10%; Mortgage Revenue Bonds and Mortgage Credit Certificates Programs � 35%; Student Loan Program � 20%; Manufacturing projects � 15% (capital expenditures are limited to $10 million); Multifamily housing projects � 10%; All Other projects � 10%. Allocations from these pools are made on a first-come, firstser ve basis, normally on the first working day of the calendar year. Capacity remaining is repooled at certain points in the year. Application fees and security deposits apply.

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Private Activity Bonds Program 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/business/pab%20home%20page.asp

Geographically Based

Arizona Enterprise Zone Program

Encourages job creation, job rention and private investment in Arizona's 26 active Enterprise Zones (EZ) to improve economies with high proverty or unemployment rates. Zones are designated by the Arizona Department of Commerce (ADOC), and minimum wage and other requirements apply. There are two components to the EZ program: Income or Premium Tax Credits - available to non-retail businesses or insurers creating net new quality jobs at a site located in an enterprise zone. Tax credits may total up to $3,000 per qualified employment position over three years for a maximum of 200 employees in any given tax year. Property Tax Reduction - available to qualified minority, woman owned or small (99 employees or less and $4 million or less in gross sales) manufacturing businesses investing in fixed assets in an EZ. Applicants are eligible for a 5% assessment ratio on all real and personal property at the EZ location for five years. Eligible applicants are business located in an enterprise zone meeting the qualifications of the program. Applications for the property tax reduction must be submitted before October 1st to be eligible for tax reduction in the next valuation year. EZ, Healthy Forest and Military Reuse Zone tax credits cannot be claimed for the same employees.

Business Zones

For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce

Enterprise Zone Program 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/business/ez%20home%20page.asp

eographically Based

Federal Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Program (EZ/EC)

Provides a mixture of tax, financing and workforce training incentives designed to support local businesses and encourage the hiring of Zone residents. In Arizona, an empowerment zone has been designated in Tucson. Eligible businesses for EZ benefits include companies conducting most of their business in the Empowerment Zone with at least 35% of their employees living in the zone. Federal employment tax credits can be taken only on those residing in the zone.

For more information: Tucson Regional

Description

TITLE	Arizona community business financing guide
CREATOR	Arizona. Commerce and Economic Development Commission ; Department of Commerce.
SUBJECT	Business--Arizona--Finance; Infrastructure (Economics)--Arizona.
Browse Topic	Business and industry
DESCRIPTION	88 pages (PDF version). File size: 1810.87 KB. The introduction states "This Guide has been produced by the Commerce and Economic Development Commission, the Arizona Department of Commerce, more than 15 state and federal agencies and private investment banks as an implementation tool for Moving Arizona Forward, Arizona’s ten-year economic strategy."
Language	English
Publisher	Arizona. Commerce and Economic Development Commission ; Department of Commerce.
TYPE	Text
Material Collection	State Documents
Acquisition Note	Publication or link to publication sent to reports@lib.az.us
RIGHTS MANAGEMENT	Copyright to this resource is held by the creating agency and is provided here for educational purposes only. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission of the creating agency. Any attempt to circumvent the access controls placed on this file is a violation of United States and international copyright laws, and is subject to criminal prosecution.
DATE ORIGINAL	[2007]
Time Period	2000s (2000-2009)
ORIGINAL FORMAT	Born digital
Source Identifier	COM 1.2:C 55
Location	185062139
DIGITAL IDENTIFIER	azfincngd.pdf
DIGITAL FORMAT	PDF (Portable Document Format)
REPOSITORY	Arizona State Library. Archives and Public Records--Law and Research Library.
File Size	1810.87 KB
Full Text	Arizona Community and Business Financing Guide This Guide has been produced by the Commerce and Economic Development Commission, the Arizona Department of Commerce, more than 15 state and federal agencies and private investment banks as an implementation tool for Moving Arizona Forward, Arizona's ten-year economic strategy. It contains descriptions and contact information for federal, state, and many private loan, grant and financing programs related to community, economic and workforce development and planning. It is generally organized according to the entities eligible to apply for the programs: � Financial Assistance for Communities � generally, eligible applicants are state, local and tribal governments, non-profits, universities, economic development organizations, and sometimes, individuals and businesses. � Financial Assistance for Business � generally, eligible applicants are for profit businesses, tribal governments, and industry groups. The Guide is intended to help address the challenges and opportunities facing Arizona's economy as a result of global business and economic trends: US population will continue to move west and south. An accelerated pace of product development is driving the need for constant research and development. Capital markets will need to be increasingly flexible and responsive to these rapid changes, and Arizona's workforce will need to be increasingly well-trained and productive to stay competitive. Physical infrastructure such as telecommunications, utilities and transportation needs to be developed or improved to support the increasing needs of a growing population. Arizona's export and foreign direct investment markets will shift as the economies of other nations grow and develop. Arizona's population is expected to more than double in the next 40 years, placing incredible stress on state and local governments to provide the physical, social and business infrastructure needed to accommodate this growth. As Arizona grows, so do the challenges of building sustainable economies � those that respect natural and cultural resources and balance the needs of business, communities and people. The "Financial Assistance for Communities" section focuses on these challenges. Arizona businesses must also operate in a fiercely competitive global economy in which bold innovation and development of new technologies will account for an increasing share of economic growth. This places even greater emphasis on the need for a quality workforce to generate the ideas, develop and commercialize the technologies and produce the resulting products and services. The "Financial Assistance for Businesses" section is dedicated these goals. For additional information or to report corrections or provide feedback about this Guide, please contact the Commerce and Economic Development Commission, Arizona Department of Commerce at 602-771-1100, or send an email to bettyc@azcommerce.com. This guide is intended as a reference only. Although every attempt has been made to provide accurate information, programs and funding are subject to change. Users should contact the program office directly to ensure they have the most current information. i Participating Arizona State Agencies AZ Department of Revenue AZ Department of Administration Governor 's Office for Children, Youth and Families ii inancial Assistance Financial Assistance for Communities Table of Contents Arts/Culture, Historic Preservation and Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Arts and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Historic Preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Community Planning and Capacity Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Community Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Capacity Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Energy Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Infrastructure Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Environmental and Pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Municipal Facilities, Public Safety and Other Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Telecommunications/Braodband . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Militar y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Workforce Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 2 Arts/Culture, Historic Arts Link to Tourism and the Economy Grant Program Provides grants to ethnic-run or rural arts organizations or tribal communities for projects that promote a community's artistic resources through economic development and cultural tourism strategies. Up to 6 grants of up to $10,000 maximum are awarded annually. Eligible applicants include collaborative projects between rural economic development or tourism organizations, ethnic arts organizations, rural arts organizations and/or tribal communities in Arizona. A Letter of Intent to Apply is required for all applicants, and must be postmarked by February 22, 2007. Application deadline is March 21, 2007. Preservation and To For more information: Arizona Commission on the Arts 417 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-229-8229 http://www.azarts.gov Arts Project Grants Assists a wide variety of organizations in providing quality arts programming. Grants are generally awarded for the costs of connecting artists (or their artistic work) with the community. Projects include exhibits; festivals; artist residencies of any length; series of readings, performances or lectures; workshops and master classes; production of literary publications; and, the creation of public art and design projects. Activities that expand/diversify participation to new people and groups or which deepen the artistic experience for current audiences/participants are especially encouraged. Applicants may receive up to 50% of artist fees including travel, lodging and per diem. Eligible activities include projects and organizations in rural areas, ethnic-run organizations, and projects and organizations representing and serving people with disabilities. The application deadline is March 21, 2007. For more information: Arizona Commission on the Arts 417 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-229-8229 http://www.azarts.gov 3 Arts and Culture urism rts/Culture, Historic Information Center Enhancement Grant for Tourism Education and Development Assists designated Local Visitor Information Centers (LVICs) to enhance the visual and service quality of their visitor centers to better market and promote the area's attractions, recreational opportunities, and tourism and hospitality amenities. Direct funding of up to $2,000 for projects is available in nine categories: ADA compliance; brochure racks; display cases; local visitor center beautification (interior and exterior); outdoor kiosks; special tourism promotions; signage; uniforms; and local visitor information center design plan and implementation. Applicants may apply for only one category per year. Eligible applicants are LVICs designated by the Arizona Office of Tourism through its LVIC Program. For more information: Arizona Office of Tourism 1110 West Washington Street, Suite 155, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-3700 http://www.azot.com Rural Tourism Development Grant Program Provides coordinated funding for rural economic development to strengthen the regional and local economies and expand tourism in rural communities throughout Arizona. Projects must be tourism development, designed to initiate economic growth and enhance future tourism development. Applications must demonstrate a need for the grant to complete the tourism projects. Projects must produce tangible assets and should be identified as a local priority arrived at through a planning or a public meeting process that shows broad community support and commitment. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible applicants include any Arizona nonprofit organizations located outside Maricopa and Pima Counties; a local, county or tribal unit of government; tribal governments located in Maricopa and Pima Counties; destination marketing organizations, regional tourism organizations or multiple jurisdictions coordinating their efforts for maximum regional benefits; the communities of Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Wickenburg and Buckeye in Maricopa County; and, the communities of Oro Valley or Green Valley in Pima County. For more information: Arizona Office of Tourism 1110 West Washington Street, Suite 155, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-3700 http://www.azot.com Also see the following programs - Airport Capital Improvement Program Tourism 4 Arts/Culture, Historic Teamwork for Effective Arizona Marketing (TEAM) Grant Program Provides financial assistance to develop effective tourism promotion projects at the local and regional level and ensure a sustainable tourism industry throughout Arizona. Funds can be used for advertising, internet website development, printed materials, media communications and public relations, strategic planning and research, and other tourism related marketing and promotional activities within the program guidelines. Please note that directories are not allowed. Eligible applicants must be based in Arizona and include destination marketing organizations, statewide tourism associations which represent entities that rely on tourism-related business for a majority of their income, and Tribal tourism entities. Funds are available annually based on AOT's fiscal year. New guidelines are available in January, mandatory workshops are held in February and March, applications are due in April and awards are announced in June. Preservation and To For more information: Arizona Office of Tourism 1110 West Washington Street, Suite 155, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 (602) 364-3700 http://www.arizonaguide.com Historic Preservation Fund Grants-in-Aid Provides matching grants-in-aid for identification, evaluation, and protection of historic properties. Funds may be used to expand the National Register of Historic Places and for historic preservation activities. Funds to Indian Tribes and Alaskan Native Corporations may be used to preserve their culture. Eligible applicants include states, territories, and federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations and Native Hawaiian organizations. They may subcontract to public and private organizations, individuals, and, in some instances, owners of historic properties. For more information: Arizona State Parks State Historic Preservation Office 1300 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-542-4662 Historic Preservation Grants National Park Service 1201 "Eye" Street, NW (2256), Washington, DC 20005 202-354-2020 http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/hpf/ 5 Tourism - Historic Preservation urism rts/Culture, Historic Historic Preservation (HP) Heritage Grant Program Provides funding for historic preservation projects on, or eligible for, the State or National Register of Historic Places. Projects may include acquisition of property, education and preservation program development, interpretive development, purchase of easements, building condition assessment reports, National Register nomination preparation, rehabilitation, restoration, stabilization, and protection. Non-structural alterations such as the installation of fire suppression systems and the improvement of electrical and plumbing systems are eligible only if essential for the protection of the historic resource. Grant awards are limited to $150,000 per project, and applicants must provide at least 40% of the total project cost (cash or in-kind). Eligible applicants include cities, towns, tribal governments, and the state agencies. Private property owners, religious institutions, and for-profit organizations may not apply directly, but may receive funds as a third party through an eligible applicant. Projects occurring on lands managed by federal agencies are not eligible. Applications are due on the last working day of May and December; attendance at a Historic Preser vation Grant Application Workshop is required for funding eligibility. For more information: Arizona State Parks Partnerships/Grants 1300 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-542-4662 http://www.pr.state.az.us Trails Heritage Grant Fund Program Provides funding for non-motorized trail projects that have been nominated into the State Trails System, including urban, cross-state, recreational, interpretive, or historic trails. Eligible projects can include: trail development and reconstruction activities; trail support facilities; acquisition or lease of future trail alignments; design and engineering (limited to 10% of grant award); one-time non-routine, volunteer trail clean-up activities or events; and renovations. Development of local or regional trail plans is not eligible. Funds cannot be used for administrative or overhead costs. Applicants must provide at least 50% (cash or in-kind) of the total project cost. No entity may receive more than 20% of the funds available in any fiscal year. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, tribal governments, and state and federal agencies; private or non-profit organizations may apply only through an eligible sponsoring organization as a third party. Application deadline is no later than 5:00 p.m. on the last working day in February. For more information: Arizona State Parks, Partnerships/Grants 1300 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-542-7160 http://www.pr.state.az.us Historic Preservation 6 Community Planning Growing Smarter Planning Grants Assist small Arizona counties, communities and tribes in community planning, including public participation, research and analysis, completion of general/comprehensive plan elements, maps and graphics, updating zoning ordinance, etc. Approximately 6 grants of $10,000 each are available each year to assist rural communities and counties in meeting their basic planning needs and to meet state statutory (Growing Smarter/Growing Smarter Plus) requirements. A 100% match is required, and 50% must be cash match of dedicated general fund dollars. Priority consideration is given to those communities/counties mandated to meet Growing Smarter requirements, although communities/counties and tribes developing general/comprehensive plans are also eligible. Only one grant will be awarded per applicant per year, and previous awardees are eligible to compete for grants only if any previously awarded grants have been completed. Applicants not previously awarded take priority. and Capacity Build For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Community Planning 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.commerce.state.az.us/CommuityPlanning/default02.asp Partnership Planning Program Grants Provides grant funding to support local organizations with long-term planning efforts and outreach to the economic development community on EDA's programs and policies. Grants are intended to enhance economic development planning capability, support the formulation of development policies, and assist in building local institutional capacity. Ongoing planning grant assistance supports formulation and implementation of local economic development programs, and strategies to create and retain permanent jobs and increase income for the unemployed and underemployed in areas of economic distress. Planning grants are awarded to establish and implement effective economic development programs at local and regional levels. Eligible activities under this program include the preparation and maintenance of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process; implementation of the elements of the strategy; and the provision of planning and technical assistance services to communities and local governments within the organization's jurisdiction. Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit national, state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private colleges and universities, Indian tribes; local governments; state agencies. Grants are normally awarded on an annual basis and priority consideration is given to currently funded grantees with satisfactory performance. Contact the EDA regional office prior to making application. For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 (206) 220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml 7 Also see the following program - North American Development Bank (border projects only) Community Planning ing ommunity Planning AmeriCorps State � Community Grants Helps address unmet community needs by engaging AmeriCorps members in direct service and capacity building. Projects include tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, fighting illiteracy, improving health ser vices, building affordable housing, teaching computer skills, cleaning parks and streams, managing or operating after-school programs, helping communities respond to disasters, and building organizational capacity. A 15% non-federal cash and 33% in-kind and/or cash match is required. Eligible applicants include: local units of government; Native American Tribes recognized by the Secretary of the Interior with law enforcement capabilities; and non-profit agencies coordinating with the local unit of government. For more information: Governor's Division for Community and Youth Development 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-542-3482 http://www.volunteerarizona.org Rural Capacity Development Initiative Grants Provides grants to develop the capacity and ability of nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations and low-income rural communities to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Intermediaries to provide technical assistance to qualified organizations. Funds are used to develop the capacity of recipients to conduct community development programs and initiatives, to leverage and access alternative funding, to develop successful community facilities, and to assist recipients in completing pre-development requirements for housing and community facilities. Eligible intermediaries must be private nonprofit organizations and must have at least three years of experience working with nonprofit organizations. Applicants must provide matching funds from non-federal sources in an amount at least equal to the federal grant. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Capacity Building 8 Community Planning Research and National Technical Assistance Program Supports research of leading edge, world class economic development practices through grants for developing a comprehensive base of information about economic development issues; disseminating information to local, state, and national economic development practitioners; and, measuring the performance of economic development programs. Three types of grants are available: Information Dissemination Grants - make critical information about economic development programs, projects and emerging issues available to practitioners through different means, such as targeted newsletters, web sites, and conferences. Research Grants - examine in depth important existing and emerging issues in economic development, and document the results for practitioners and policy makers. Evaluation Grants - systematically assess the economic impact of funding under the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) programs to measure each program's effectiveness, and to make recommendations for improving the program. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher learning, for-profit entities, and private individuals. Research and National Technical Assistance funds may not be used to start or expand a private business. Contact the regional EDA office prior to making application. and Capacity Build For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 206-220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml 9 Capacity Building ing conomic Business and Industry Loans Provides direct and guaranteed loans for the purpose of improving, developing, or financing business, industry and employment, and improving the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. Existing business applicants must provide a minimum of 10 % tangible balance sheet equity. For new businesses, at least 20 % is required for guaranteed loans. For direct loans, new businesses and those businesses that cannot offer personal or corporate guarantees, or for energy-related businesses, 20-25 % equity is required. Eligble applicants are a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other legal entity organized and operated on a profit or nonprofit basis; an Indian tribe; a municipality, county, or other political subdivision of a state; or an individual. Applicants must be located in areas other than cities (population of more than 50,000) or immediately adjacent to areas with population density of more than 100 persons per square mile. Preference is given to loans in open country, rural communities, and towns with populations of 25,000 or less, and on applications of equal priority, to veterans. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Commerce and Economic Development Commission (CEDC) Loans and Grants Provides loans and grants to support economic development projects and initiatives that result in job retention or creation with salaries at or above the average county wage. Projects include development of a multi-county forestry financial stewardship fund, TGen, the Arizona Water Institute, biopark facilities planning, matching funds to leverage federal grants, and firefighting equipment. Projects must demonstrate local financial participation (cash match) in an amount equal to or greater than the CEDC funding request. Eligible applicants include communities, counties, economic development organizations, public and private universities, tribal nations and private companies in operation at least 2 years with good credit. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Commerce and Economic Development Commission 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/prop/cedc/default01.asp 10 Economic Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Provides federal funding to communities in rural Arizona to address pressing community development and revitalization needs. Projects and activities must either principally benefit low and moderate income persons, aid in the elimination or prevention of slum and blight, or meet urgent needs of the community. Loan guarantees are also available. Eligible applicants are communities located in the 13 rural counties, excluding Flagstaff, Prescott and Yuma. Examples of projects funded include public works, facilities, infrastructure, flood drainage, parking facilities, fire protection facilities, various public and economic development services, neighborhood watches, crime reduction and low income homebuyer assistance. Development Progra For more information: Arizona Department of Housing 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1041 http://www.housingaz.com Community Development Financial Institutions Program (CDFI) Provides financial and technical assistance to certified CDFIs to enhance their ability to make loans or development investments and provide development services that will promote economic revitalization and community development. Financial assistance can be equity investments, loans, grants, or deposits. Recipients must match funds dollar for dollar with non-federal monies. Eligible organizations for CDFI certification include private nonprofits, other private organizations, and for-profit organizations. For a listing of CDFIs in Arizona and their missions, see Community Development Financial Institutions in Arizona in the Business Section of this guide. For more information: US Department of the Treasury 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20220 202-622-2000 http://www.cdfifund.gov 11 ms conomic Community Services Block Grant Periodically provides discretionary grants to eliminate poverty in rural and urban communities, with funds disbursed in priority activity areas. Program priorities are full-time permanent jobs for poverty-level project area residents; income and/or ownership opportunities for low-income community members; a better standard of living for rural low-income individuals; the implementation of special projects for migrants and seasonal farm workers; and national or regional programs designed to provide instructional activities for low-income youth. For economic development projects, eligible applicants are private, locally initiated, nonprofit community development corporations. Direct grants can be made to states, cities, counties, and private nonprofit organizations. For more information: US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families 202-401-5705 http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/csbg/index.html Economic Adjustment Program (EAP) Assists communities with economic recovery from specific industry or natural disasters by helping state and local interests implement strategies to adjust or bring about change to an economy. The program focuses on areas that have experienced or are under threat of serious structural damage to the underlying economic base. EAP grants are available for strategic planning, project implementation, and revolving loan funds. Strategy Grants help organize and carry out a planning process resulting in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) tailored to the community's specific economic problems and opportunities. Implementation Grants support activities identified in an EDA-approved CEDS, including strategically targeted business development and financing programs, construction of infrastructure improvements, organizational development and market or industry research/analysis. Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants help implement a CEDS by providing the capitalization of a locally administered fund. The fund makes loans to local businesses to help create jobs and leverage other private investment, helping to diversify and stabilize the local economy. Eligible applicants include public or private nonprofit national, state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private colleges and universities; Indian tribes; local governments; and state agencies. Applicants must contact the EDA regional office prior to making application. For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 (206) 220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml 12 Economic Fedaeral Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Program (EZ/EC) Provides a mixture of tax, financing and workforce training incentives designed to support local businesses and encourage the hiring of Zone residents. The federal tax incentives benefit businesses by improving the bottom line and benefit individuals by increasing job opportunities and income. In Arizona, an empowerment zone has been designated in Tucson. Eligible applicants for EZ or EC status include state and local governments, tribes, regional planning organizations, nonprofits, and other locally based organizations. Specific criteria may vary from one funding round to another. The area must have a strategic plan identifying the vision for change, details of proposed programs and services, roles of the various partners, and availability and source of other resources. Unsuccessful applicants may be designated "Champion Communities," eligible for some assistance. Development Progra For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Intermediary Relending Program Provides financing for business facilities and community development projects in rural areas through loans made by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) of the USDA to intermediaries. Intermediaries establish revolving loan funds so collections from loans made to ultimate recipients in excess of necessary operating expenses and debt payments will be used for more loans to ultimate recipients. Eligible intermediaries may be private non-profit corporations, public agencies, Indian groups, or cooperatives. Intermediaries must also have legal authority to carry out the proposed loan purposes and to incur and repay the debt and have a record of successfully assisting rural business and industry, normally including experience in making and servicing commercial loans. Intermediaries must also provide adequate assurance of repayment. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/irp.htm 13 ms conomic Local Technical Assistance Program Provides grants to assist in solving specific economic development problems, respond to developmental opportunities, and build and expand local organizational capacity in distressed areas. Projects must result in job creation and may focus on military base and industrial plant closures, deteriorating commercial districts, and technical or market feasibility studies. Funds are available on a reimbursable basis upon approval. For technical assistance and planning projects, funds are available immediately or as soon as the work begins. For construction projects, funds are usually not disbursed until all construction contracts are awarded. Eligible applicants are public or private nonprofit organizations; public and private colleges and universities, Indian tribes; local governments; and state agencies. Priority consideration for funding is given to proposals designated as high priority by local economic development agencies and that benefit areas of severe economic distress; lead to near-term (1-5 years) generation or retention of private sector jobs; are consistent with the OEDP; document strong local support; and support EDA's special initiatives. Contact the EDA regional office prior to making application. For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 206-220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml Main Street Program � Grants and Technical Assistance Fosters economic activity and vitality of small downtowns within the context of historic preservation. Arizona Main Street Communities can receive assistance with a wide range of needs including organizational formation and start-up, work plan preparation, economic feasibility assessment, structural assessment, marketing plan development and implementation in addition to business assistance workshops, resource materials and grants. Grants of up to $15,000 are made semi-annually, and are made to Arizona communities that seek designation from the Arizona Main Street program. Communities must match 10%-30% and leverage of funds from other programs. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Main Street Program 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.commerce.state.az.us/MainStreet/default02.asp 14 Economic Public Works and Economic Development Program Empowers distressed communities to revitalize, expand, and upgrade their physical infrastructure to attract new industry, encourage business expansion, diversify local economies, and generate or retain long-term, private sector jobs and investment. Projects include technology-led development, business incubators, natural disaster mitigation, cluster-based development, aquaculture facilities, diversification of natural resource dependant economies, distance learning facilities, export programs, commercialization and deployment of innovative technologies, redevelopment of Brownfields sites, and business/industrial development. The average grant is approximately $2 million and requires a matching requirement from the receiving entity. Eligible applicants are: public or private nonprofit national, state, area, district, or local organizations; public and private colleges and universities, Indian tribes; local governments; and, state agencies. Contact the regional EDA office prior to making application. Development Progra For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 206-220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml Rural Business Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (1890 Land Grant Colleges and Universities Initiative) Encourages business entrepreneurship as a viable occupational alternative for students in all academic disciplines. These grants promote entrepreneurial practices with existing businesses located in underserved communities through creative thinking, information and technology utilization, strategic alliances, use of research and development planning, and expanding global and international market relationships. The types of assistance include sponsoring business conferences and workshops; financing rural businesses; providing business technical assistance; assisting communities in leveraging other resources; offering courses in business development; providing computer labs where community members can have access to other rural economic development sources on the Internet; and establishing business incubator services. Eligible applicants are 1890 institutions and historically black colleges and universities. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/oa/1890.htm 15 ms conomic State Community Development Block Grant (Small Cities) Program Promotes economic development in communities of 50,000 or less. Projects include capital access or formation; downtown revitalization; facility/site location; housing construction and rehabilitation; and infrastructure improvement. At least 51% of CDBG grant funds must be used for activities that benefit lowand moderate-income persons. Eligible applicants are communities with a population of 50,000 or less. For more information: Arizona Department of Housing 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1041 http://www.housingaz.com Trade Adjustment Assistance Program Assists manufacturers and producers injured by increased imports with completing and submitting a petition to EDA for certification of eligibility and ultimately, to apply for assistance under the program. After EDA approves the adjustment plan, the firm can receive cost-share assistance from the TAAC, typically from a private sector consultant. EDA funding normally pays 50% or $75,000, whichever is less, while the firm pays the remaining share. Types of technical assistance provided under the program include: market research; development of new marketing materials including e-commerce; identification of technology, computer systems, and software to meet specific needs of the firm; and completion of a quality assurance program such as ISO-9000. Technical assistance is also available for industry-wide projects, where an entire industry has been injured by increased imports. Eligible applicants for industry wide projects include trade associations, unions, and other appropriate organizations with an understanding of the industry and its problems. Eligible applicants include economic development districts; states, cities or other political subdivisions of a state or a consortium of political subdivisions; Indian tribes or a consortium of Indian Tribes, an institution of higher learning or a consortium of such institutions; or a public or private nonprofit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. Contact the EDA regional office prior to making application. For more information: U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Seattle Regional Office Jackson Federal Building, 915 Second Avenue, Room 1890, Seattle, WA 98174 206-220-7660 http://www.eda.gov/AboutEDA/Regions.xml 16 Energy Clean Cities Grant Provides competitive federal grants for projects to develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and advance alternative fuel infrastructure development, alternative fuel vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction. Grants may be used to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, enhance the usefulness of public transportation systems, protect the environment and speed the deployment of alternative fuel technology. Eligible applicants include state, local governments and metropolitan transportation authorities. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details. Programs For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/financial.html Community Energy Grants for Planning and Audits Community Energy Grants (formerly MEMP grants) are designed to encourage the development of energy management programs by facilitating the planning process and providing the necessary basic tools, staff training and technical assistance. Funds may be available to assist communities with incorporating energy into their planning process and implementing energy audits of the community's facilities. All incorporated Arizona cities, towns, counties, improvement districts, and Indian tribes with populations under 70,000 are eligible to apply. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.azcommerce.com/Energy/default.asp 17 nerg y Federal Rural Economic Development Loans (Utilities) Provides zero-interest loans to electric and telephone utilities financed by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to promote sustainable rural economic development and job creation projects. Examples of projects include business expansions and business startups; community infrastructure; community facilities and services; medical facilities and equipment to provide medical care to rural residents; educational facilities and equipment to provide training and job enhancement skills to rural residents to facilitate economic development; and business incubator projects to assist in developing emerging enterprises. Eligible borrowers are any RUS electric or telephone utility that is not delinquent on any Federal debt or in bankruptcy proceedings. Priority is given to financing third-party recipient projects that are physically located in rural areas having a population of less than 2,500 people. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Solar Powers America Grants for Renewable Energy Offers competitive federal grants for the development and implementation of strategies and programs to address barriers that inhibit local market penetration of solar technologies. Eligible applicants include industry, universities, cities, state agencies, non-profits, tribal organizations and other potential partners. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/solar_america/index.html 18 Energy Special Project Grants for Renewable and Energy Efficiency Technologies Provides competitive grants from technology programs in the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Grants provide funding to adopt emerging renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Eligible applicants are non-profits, universities, cities and towns. Funding, project priorities and deadlines var y annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details. Programs For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.azcommerce.com Tribal Energy Program Grants for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Provides federal financial assistance for renewable energy and energy efficiency on tribal lands through passive solar space heat, solar water heat, photovoltaics, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, and geothermal heat pumps. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/ Tribal Energy Resource Development Program Grants and Loans Provides competitive federal grants, low interest loans and technical assistance to promote energy resource development on Indian lands, including the development of generation, transmission and distribution facilities on tribal lands. Funding, project priorities and deadlines vary annually; contact the Arizona State Energy Office for more details. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1146 http://www.eere.energy.gov/tribalenergy/ 19 ousing Farm Labor Housing Loans (Section 514) and Grants (Section 516) Provides loans and grants to build, buy, improve, or repair housing for farm laborers, aquiculture workers and those engaged in on-farm processing. Funds can be used to purchase a site or a leasehold interest in a site, to construct housing, daycare facilities and community rooms, pay fees, purchase durable household furnishings, and pay construction loan interest. Eligible applicants for Section 514 loans include farmers, associations of farmers, family farm corporations, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and associations of farm workers. In some instances, farmers unable to get credit elsewhere may obtain loans at a rate of interest based on the cost of federal borrowing. Eligible applicants for Section 516 grants include nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, public agencies, and farm worker associations. A grant may cover up to 90 % of the development cost for a project, and the balance may be (and usually is) a Section 514 loan. Farm labor housing tenants are eligible for the Rural Housing Service (RHS) Rental Assistance (RA) program; a set-aside of RA units is provided annually. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Also see the following program - AmeriCorps State � Community Grants, Rural Capacity Development Initiative Grants, Community Development Financial Institutions in Arizona 20 Housing Federal Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Loan Program (Section 538) Guarantees loans made by private lenders for the development of affordable rural rental housing. Households with incomes below 115% of area median income may live in units developed under this program. The maximum term is the lesser of 40 years or the remaining economic life of the project; interest rates must be fixed and not exceed the rate published in the Rural Housing Service (RHS) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The loan may be prepaid at the determination of the borrower. Rent, including utilities paid by the tenants, cannot exceed 30% of 115% of the area median income. RHS must provide interest credit to reduce the interest to the Treasury rate for at least 20% of the loans made. Tax-exempt financing can be used as a source of capital for the guaranteed loan. Eligible borrowers include individuals, nonprofit or for-profit corporations, partnerships, state or local public agencies, limited liability companies, trusts, or Indian tribes. The banks or thrifts that receive loan guarantees must be approved by RHS. To obtain that approval, a lender must be approved to make multifamily housing loans by HUD, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac or by the state or local housing finance agency, or it must be a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System with demonstrated multifamily housing loan ability. Programs For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Homeownership Direct Loan Program Provides direct and guaranteed loans to purchase, build, repair, renovate, or relocate houses, and to purchase and prepare sites or provide water supplies and sewage disposal for sites. Loans may also be used to refinance debts when necessary to avoid losing a home or when required to make necessary rehabilitation of a house affordable. Loans are up to 33 years (38 years for those with incomes below 60% of the area median and who cannot afford 33-year terms, or 30 years for manufactured homes). No down payment is required. The promissor y note interest rate is set by Rural Housing Service (RHS). Payment assistance subsidy is provided and is directly related to the applicant/borrower's adjusted income as a percentage of area median income. Eligible applicants are individuals with low or very low incomes. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 21 ousing Homes for Arizonans Program Increases homeownership in rural Arizona through counseling and direct financial assistance to first-time homebuyers of low to moderate income. Counseling and financial assistance for down payment and closing costs is available on moderately priced homes. Financial assistance requires the execution of a promissor y note for the amount of assistance due on sale of the property; refinancing and home improvement loan restrictions apply. Eligible applicants must be of low to moderate income, first time home buyers or have not owned a home in the past three years, and must be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage through a private lender. For more information: Homes for Arizonans Program Coordinator Arizona Department of Housing 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1000 http://www.housingaz.com Housing Preservation Grants Facilitates home repair or rehabilitation for low- and very-low income homeowners and landlords serving these populations. The grants are competitive and made available in areas where there is a concentration of need. Sponsors combine grant funds with other programs or funds and use them as loans, grants, or subsidies for recipient households, based on plans contained in the sponsors' applications. The program may be used on rental properties when landlords agree to maintain the units for low-income use for a minimum of five years. Eligible sponsors include nonprofit organizations, Indian tribes, units of local government, or state agencies. Funds must be used within a period of two years. Historic preservation agreements require review by the State Historic Preservation Office. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 22 Housing Low Income Housing Tax Credit Provides financing (through sale of tax credits) to enable housing developers to construct or acquire and/or rehabilitate rental units. This financing carries less permanent debt, allowing the owner to offer affordable rents to low to moderate income populations. Program requirements are outlined in the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), updated annually and published on or about January 1st of each year. Application deadlines are generally set for March 15 and application fees apply. Applications are scored through a competitive process utilizing the criteria listed in the QAP. Assisted properties must comply with long-term restrictions on rents charged, tenant incomes, and are subject to other federal requirements. Eligible applicants include nonprofit and for-profit housing developers. May not be used in combination with New Markets Tax Credits. Programs For more information: Rental Programs Administrator Arizona Department of Housing 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1000 http://www.housingaz.com Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program Increases homeownership in Arizona through a federal income tax credit to help first-time homebuyers qualify for higher mortgage limits. Eligible applicants receive a tax credit good for ten years, as long as they remain in residence in the home purchased through the assistance. Eligible applicants include homebuyers of low to moderate income purchasing moderately priced homes in Arizona's 13 rural counties. Individuals apply for a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) directly through the Arizona Housing Finance Authority (AzHFA). Assistance can be combined with down payment and closing cost assistance from the Homes for Arizonans Program. For more information: MCC Specialist Arizona Housing Finance Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1000 or toll free 877-771-1006 http://www.housingaz.com 23 ousing Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) Program Increases homeownership in Arizona by providing below market loans for first-time homebuyers of moderate to low income. Assistance can be combined with down payment and closing cost assistance from the Homes for Arizonans Program. Eligible applicants include first-time homebuyers of low to moderate income purchasing moderately priced homes in Arizona's 13 rural counties. Individuals apply for a MRB-backed loan through participating private lender. The participating lender list is available on the Arizona Department of Housing website and is updated regularly. For more information: AzHFA Programs Administrator Arizona Housing Finance Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1000 http://www.housingaz.com Multi-family Private Activity Bond Financing Issues multi-family housing bonds for the financing of rental properties in the 13 rural counties of the state. These projects provide rental units at reasonable rent levels for low to moderate income households. Projects that qualify for bond financing may also be eligible to receive a non-competitively secured reservation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (see Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program), as well as additional gap financing through the AzHFA in order to construct or acquire and rehabilitate affordable rental properties. Bonding authority must be obtained for specific projects through the Arizona Department of Commerce. Eligible properties must be rental properties to be newly constructed, acquired or rehabilitated for low to moderate income households. For more information: AzHFA Programs Administrator Arizona Housing Finance Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1091 http://www.housingaz.com 24 Housing Rural Housing and Economic Development Program Grants Provides grants to rural non-profit community development corporations and Indian tribes to build capacity, develop innovative housing, and create and strengthen economic development programs. There are two funding categories under the program: Capacity Building and Support for Innovative Housing and Economic Development Activities - assists existing organizations to carry out new functions and/or perform more effectively; maximum award is $150,000. Possible activities include hiring and training staff; purchasing software and other tools; obtaining expertise from outside sources; developing strategic plans or an accounting system; conducting asset inventories; seeking technical assistance, improving management capability; and purchasing or leasing office space. Support for Innovative Housing and Economic Development activities - supports other costs for innovative housing and economic development activities; maximum award is $400,000. Possible activities include preparation of plans, architectural drawings, acquisition of land and buildings; demolition; purchase of materials and construction costs; job training and counseling for beneficiaries; homeownership and financial counseling; application of innovative construction methods; financial assistance to homeowners, businesses, and developers; and establishment of CDFIs, lines of credit, revolving loan funds, microenterprises, and small business incubators. Eligible applicants are local rural and nonprofit community development corporations, Indian tribes, state housing finance agencies and state community and economic development agencies. Programs For more information: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development 451 7th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20410 202-708-2290 http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/economicdevelopment/programs/rhed/index.cfm Rural Housing Site Loans Provides loans to purchase and develop building sites and to construct streets and utilities. Loans are for self-help housing sites and other sites for low- and moderate-income families. Sites may be sold to public and nonprofit organizations using other federal, state, or local programs to house low and moderateincome families. All loans are repayable in two years. Eligible borrowers include nonprofit organizations and public agencies. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 25 ousing Federal Rural Rental and Cooperative Housing Loans Provides direct loans to finance construction or rehabilitation of modest rental or cooperatively owned housing designed for very low, low and moderate-income families, elderly people and persons with disabilities. Funds may also be used to buy and improve land and to provide necessary facilities such as water and waste disposal systems. Projects may be on one or more sites. Eligible borrowers for these competitive loans include individuals, trusts, associations, partnerships, limited partnerships, state or local public agencies, Indian tribes, consumer cooperatives, and profit or nonprofit corporations. Borrowers must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere that will result in rents affordable to low and moderate-income tenants. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/mfh/brief_mfh_rrh.htm Rural Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants Lowers the cost of housing and provides skills enhancement to participating families through administrative funding to organizations sponsoring self-help housing development. Under the program, a group of families jointly contribute labor to build their own homes, under guidance from a qualified construction super visor. A family participating in a self-help program can lower the amount of the Section 502 loan by 20% or more. Public and nonprofit groups must demonstrate the ability to directly supervise a project or assistance from a group having this ability. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 26 Housing State Housing Fund (Federal HOME and State Housing Trust Funds) Provides funding for assistance or activities that benefit low to moderate income households. Eligible activities include construction, acquisition and/or rehabilitation of housing for rent, homeownership, transitional or homeless shelters, counseling and financial assistance for first-time homebuyers, substantial housing rehabilitation and emergency repair programs, fair housing education, homeless prevention programs, and other innovative housing activities. Activities must ultimately benefit homeowners with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income or rental households with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income. Eligible applicants include housing developers, public housing authorities, local units of government, tribal entities and others. For most activities, applications are accepted quarterly; application fees apply for requests for gap-financing for Low Income Housing Tax Credit financed properties. Programs For more information: Arizona Department of Housing 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1010 http://www.housingaz.com Very Low-Income Housing Repair Loans and Grants Provides financing to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their dwellings, remove health and/or safety hazards, or make dwellings accessible for household members with disabilities. Loans up to $20,000 and grants up to $7,500 (loans and grants can be combined up to $27,500). Loans are for a period of up to 20 years at 1% interest.Grant funds may be used only to pay for repairs and improvements resulting in removal of health and/or safety hazards. If an applicant can pay part of the cost, a combination grant and loan is made. Eligible homeowner-occupants are homeowners age 62 or older who cannot repay part or all of Section 504 loans, have incomes below 50% of area median and are unable to obtain affordable credit elsewhere. Applicants must need to make repairs and improvements to make their dwellings more safe and sanitary or to remove health and safety hazards. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 27 nfrastructure Arizona Enterprise Procurement Services (EPS) Assists state agencies and political subdivisions in making timely and cost effective acquisitions by providing access to existing state contracts. EPS services include: establishing contracts accessible by all Arizona State Purchasing Cooperative members and state agencies; providing technical assistance in matters related to public procurement in the State of Arizona; and training public procurement practitioners and prospective vendors. Examples of contracts include fleets, telecom, energy, construction and more. For more information: Arizona Enterprise Procurement Services 100 North 15th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-542-5511 http://www.azeps.az.gov or www.spirit.az.gov Brownfields Assistance Program Encourages redevelopment or revitalization of sites that have, or may have, environmental contamination by providing funding to identify and define the impact of contamination, conduct remediation and clarify potential liability to small businesses. The program provides funding and technical assistance to assess and cleanup property where reuse or revitalization is complicated by the presence, or potential presence, of hazardous substances, pollutants or petroleum products. Grants are a maximum of $200,000 for each site and can be used for Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) and cleanup activities. The focus of the program is directed toward rural communities within the state. Eligible applicants are governmental entities or non-profit organizations. Superfund sites (CERCLA), federally owned or operated sites and private parties are not eligible applicants. For more information: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality 1110 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 800-234-5677, ext. 771-4401 http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/cleanup/brownfields.html Also see the following program - North American Development Bank (border projects only) Environmental and Pollution 28 Infrastructure Recycling Grant Program Provides grants to private enterprises, political subdivisions, tribal governments and nonprofit organizations to encourage recycling in Arizona. Matching funds are required; the cash or in-kind match required and maximum available grant varies per program. There are three primary recycling programs: Waste Reduction Assistance: assists in providing recycling opportunities to all Arizonans, in addition to providing funding assistance to projects that divert significant amounts of materials from the solid waste stream, or are a component of a comprehensive program designed to achieve high diversion levels; projects may include a small public awareness component. Waste Reduction Initiative Through Education: provides information and education to increase awareness about solid waste reduction and disposal, and encourage participation in source reduction, reuse and recycling opportunities. Projects should communicate the importance of conserving natural resources and the benefits of reducing, reusing, recycling, buying recycled products, composting and/or properly disposing of solid waste. Recycling Research and Development: provides funding assistance to develop tools, ideas, and knowledge to divert significant amounts of materials from the solid waste stream in the near future. Projects involve research, including feasibility studies, solid waste audits and/or technology development that increase the proper disposal of solid waste, source reduction, recycling, buying recycled content products and/or composting. Development For more information: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality 1110 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 800-234-5677, ext. 771-4170 http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/solid/funding.html Community Facilities Loans, Loan guarantees and Grants Provides direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants for community facilities that provide essential services to rural residents, including community centers, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, libraries, schools, and fire protection. Grants are typically used to fund projects under special initiatives, such as Native American community development efforts, federally designated Enterprise and Champion Communities, and others. Direct loans may be made to applicants who are unable to obtain commercial credit. A grant may be used for up to 75% of a project's cost. Eligible applicants include public entities, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations. The community to be ser ved must be a rural area, town, or incorporated area with less than 20,000 population. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 29 Also see the following programs � Rural Economic Development Loans (Utilities) Municipal Facilities, Public Safety, and other Infrastructure nfrastructure Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) Assists Arizona communities with the development of public infrastructure projects. Qualified infrastructure is defined as "any facility located in this state (Arizona) for public use owned by a political subdivision, special district or Indian tribe that retains responsibility for its operation and maintenance." Projects include municipal and county improvements; police, fire, sanitary or county jail facilities; streets and roads; drainage or flood protection/control projects and regional transportation projects. There are three components under GADA: Financial Assistance (bonds) - GADA bonds are insured and sold as AAA rated tax-exempt issues. This allows borrowers with lower investment grade ratings to realize substantial interest savings. GADA also typically subsidizes the costs of bond issuance, providing further savings on fees for underwriters, financial advisors, bond counsel, trustees, bond rating and bond insurance premiums. Technical Assistance Loans - up to $250,000 to help fund infrastructure projects in the final phases of development. Technical Assistance Grants - available periodically for engineering planning, design review, feasibility studies or other infrastructure development elements for early phase project development. Eligible applicants are communities, counties, special districts and tribal governments. GADA generally does two bond rounds each year. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Greater Arizona Development Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/gada/default02.asp Municipal Facilities, Public Safety, and other Infrastructure 30 Infrastructure North America Development Bank (NADB or NADBank) Provides loans and grants to the public and private sectors for infrastructure projects when private sector financing is not available. Projects must be located within 62 miles of the Mexican border and certified by the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC). NADB generally accepts no more than 50% of the total capital costs of projects, and loan maturities are for a maximum of 25 years. Eligible projects include infrastructure for potable water, water pollution, wastewater treatment, water conservation, water and wastewater hookups for housing, municipal solid waste, waste reduction, air quality improvement, public transportation, clean and efficient energy, industrial and hazardous waste projects, recycling, and municipal planning, development and water management. NADB also offers guidance to communities and potential borrowers to assist in the financial design and structure of environmental infrastructure. NADB has a number of different programs: Low Interest Rate Lending Facility - for financial assistance with water, wastewater and solid waste projects. Border Environment Infrastructure Fund - administers grants provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency for water and wastewater projects. Solid Waste Environment Program - supports the financing and construction of municipal solid waste infrastructure projects through loans and grants. It also encourages projects that include private sector participation, waste flow reduction and regional facilities serving more than one community. Institutional Development Cooperation Program - provides grant assistance for achieving effective and efficient operation of utilities, state and local government agencies, and other projects within all NADB sectors. Grants are for a maximum of $250,000. Project Development Program - provides technical assistance to communities, utilities and the private sector to help finance the costs involved in preparing environmental infrastructure projects for submission to the BECC for certification and to the North American Development Bank (NADB) for financing. Grants may be awarded for up to $200,000 per project. In the case of regional projects involving two or more communities, the grant limit per project may be increased to $300,000. PDP assistance is subject to full or partial reimbursement as part of a NADB lending package. Development For more information: North American Development Bank Technical Assistance Coordinator 203 South St. Mary's, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78205 http://www.nadbank.org/english/program_ser vice/PDP/PDP_frame.htm 31 Municipal Facilities, Public Safety, and other Infrastructure nfrastructure Rural Business Enterprise Grants Enhances economic development through grants for developing, constructing or acquiring land, buildings, plants, equipment, streets, and roads. Building necessary water supply and waste disposal facilities is also an eligible activity. Grant funds can also be used to create, expand, or operate rural distance learning networks or programs that provide educational or job training instruction related to potential employment or job advancement to adult students. State and local government entities, tribes, and nonprofit organizations that serve rural areas are eligible. RBEG grantees must use the funds to assist small and emerging private businesses that will employ 50 or fewer new employees and have less than $1 million in projected gross revenue. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP) � Loans and Grants Facilitates airport development in Arizona. The ACIP development process allocates money from the State Aviation Fund across three major categories of airport development assistance; the State Transportation Board approves this program annually. Types of assistance include: Airport Development Grants Program - provides two types of grants: 1) Federal/State/Local matching grants for safety and capacity enhancement; maintenance; and environmental, planning and land acquisition. 2) State/Local matching grants for safety and capacity enhancement or environmental, planning and land acquisition purposes only. Airport development grants cannot be used for revenue producing projects; see the Airport Development Loan Program for this type of funding. Airport Preventive Maintenance Services - for projects maintaining and protecting aviation pavement surfaces; cannot be used for capital equipment, routine operating maintenance items or revenue producing projects. Airport Development Loan Program - provides funding to public airports for planning, land acquisition and construction projects. Loan types include revenue generating, matching grant and grant advances. Projects include hangars, utility improvements, fuel farms, terminals, auto parking, office/hangar complexes, terminal restaurants, and recreational improvements. Applicant eligibility and funding varies across these programs. For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division, Airport Development 255 East Osborn Road, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-294-9144 http://www.azdot.gov/aviation/airports/dev_plan_fiveyear_ov.asp Also see the following programs - Greater Arizona Development Authority, North American Development Bank (border projects only) Transportation 32 Infrastructure Economic Strength Project (ESP) Grants Provides funding to communities for highway or road projects to assist businesses creating or retaining jobs and making capital investment. Eligible projects include new road construction, upgrading of existing roads, turn lanes, acceleration/deceleration lanes, reconstruction and paving. At least 10% in matching funding must come from the community or business assisted. There are two competitive grant rounds per year; notification is emailed out in January and July. Eligible applicants are cities, towns, counties or tribal governments. Development For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Economic Strength Project Program 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/Business/esp%20home%20page.asp Transportation Formula Grants for Other than Urbanized Areas (Section 5311) Provides competitive grants for capital, operating, and administration expenses for public transportation programs in rural and small urban areas with less than 50,000 in population that enhance access to services for those in non-urban areas, assist in development and maintenance of public transportation in rural and small urban areas, and to assist in the development and support of intercity bus transportation. Maximum federal share is 50% for operating assistance and 80% for capital and project administration. Eligible applicants are local governments, non-profit organizations, tribal governments, and public transit operators in rural and small urban communities under 50,000 in population. Applications are generally made available in January, and are evaluated on appropriateness, effectiveness and coordination of service, financial and management capability, local commitment to transit and accessibility, safety and training. For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-7465 http://www.azdot.gov/PTD/Section5311.asp 33 Transportation nfrastructure Highway Expansion and Extension Loan Program (HELP) Provides loans and financial assistance to stretch limited transportation dollars and bridge the gap between needs and available revenues. This funding mechanism is also commonly referred to as the State Infrastructure Bank. Eligible projects are highway projects meeting both of the following requirements: the project must be on the Federal Aid System, National Highway System, State Highway System, or be designated as a state route; and the project must be included in the State Highway Construction Program, State Transportation Improvement Plan or the Transportation Improvement Plan of the Regional Association of Governments (i.e. Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Council of Governments). Construction projects, including design, right-of-way, and construction, are eligible for financial assistance; studies will not be funded under this program. The minimum amount of financial assistance that will be awarded for a project is $250,000. Eligible borrowers are cities, towns, counties, special taxing districts, the state or its agencies or tribal nations. Borrowers may submit a joint application for a project that involves multiple jurisdictions. Applications are solicited on a semi-annual basis, require approval by the appropriate governing body (e.g., city council or county board of supervisors, etc.), and must identify proposed sources of repayment. For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation HELP 206 South 17th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-8036 http://www.azdot.gov/Inside_ADOT/HELP/Index.asp Transportation 34 Infrastructure Job Access and Reverse Commute (Section 5316) Grants Provides financing for capital projects and operating costs of equipment, facilities, and maintenance related to providing access to jobs, promoting use of transit and transit vouchers for welfare recipients and eligible low income individuals, and promoting use of employer-provided transportation. Emphasis is placed on projects that use mass transportation services. Funds are allocated on a discretionary basis as follows: 60% to areas over 200,000 population; 20% to areas of under 200,000 population; and 20% to non-urbanized areas. Metropolitan Planning Organizations administer the program in the large urbanized areas and ADOT administers the program in the small urban and rural areas. All projects funded must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human services transportation plan. The maximum Federal share for capital and project administration is 80%. The maximum Federal share for operating assistance is 50% of the net operating costs. Eligible applicants include local governmental authorities and agencies and non-profit entities that have projects and expenses that relate to the development and maintenance of transportation services designed to transport welfare recipients and eligible low-income individuals to and from jobs and activities related to their employment. Development For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-6736 http://www.azdot.gov 35 Transportation nfrastructure New Freedom Program (Section 5317) Grants Provides competitive grants for improved public transportation services and alternatives for people with disabilities beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Examples of projects and activities that might be funded under the program include: purchasing vehicles and support for accessible taxi, ride-sharing, and vanpooling programs; paratransit services beyond minimum requirements; accessibility improvements to transit and intermodal stations not designated as key stations; supporting volunteer driver and aide programs; supporting mobility management and coordination programs. Projects funded must be derived from a locally developed, coordinated public transit-human ser vices transportation plan. Funds may be used for capital expenses (maximum federal share 80% of the cost of the project), or operating expenses (maximum federal share 50% of the cost of the project). Program funds are apportioned based on a formula that apportions 60% of the funds to designated recipients in urbanized areas with a population of 200,000 or more in a ratio reflecting the number of individuals with disabilities in each such urbanized area; 20% of the funds are apportioned among the states in a ratio reflecting the number of individuals with disabilities in urbanized areas with a population of less than 200,000; and 20% of the funds are apportioned among the states in a ratio reflecting the number of individuals with disabilities in non-urbanized areas in each state. Metropolitan Planning Organizations administer the program in the large urbanized areas and ADOT administers the program in the small urban and rural areas. Eligible applicants include local governmental authorities and agencies and non-profit entities that have projects that are a new public transportation service or provide public transportation alternatives beyond those required by the ADA that assist individuals with disabilities with transportation. For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-6736 http://www.azdot.gov Transportation 36 Infrastructure Special Needs for Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310) Grants Provides capital funding for the purchase of vehicles and equipment to meet the transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities. Examples include senior centers and programs for the physically, mentally and developmentally disabled populations. Eligible applicants include private non-profit and public agencies that provide transportation to the elderly and disabled. The Section 5310 program funds have a maximum federal share of 80%. Applications are available in January, and are evaluated based on need for service and/or equipment, population served, financial capability to support funding, existing fleet inventories, and previous performance. Development For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-6736 http://www.azdot.gov/PTD/Section5310.asp Statewide Transportation Planning Program (Section 5304) Grants Provides financial assistance for statewide transportation planning and other technical assistance activities; planning support for non-urbanized areas; research, development and demonstration projects; fellowships for training in the public transportation field; university research; and human resource development. The maximum federal share for projects is 80%. Eligible applicants must be a government agency and have a population of less than 50,000. For more information: Arizona Department of Transportation Public Transportation Division 206 South 17th Avenue, Suite 340B, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-712-6790 http://www.azdot.gov/PTD/Section5304.asp 37 Transportation nfrastructure Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) Provides financial and technical assistance for drinking water, wastewater, wastewater reclamation and other water quality facilities and projects. Generally, WIFA offers borrowers below-market interest on loans for 100% of eligible project costs. Types of assistance include: Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund - for public wastewater treatment projects. Eligible borrowers include cities, towns, special districts, county improvement districts, sanitary districts and Indian Tribes. Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund - for both public and private drinking water systems. Eligible borrowers include cities, towns, special districts, domestic water improvement districts, co-ops and nonprofit associations. Privately-held community drinking water systems are also eligible. Technical Assistance Competitive Grants - for pre-design and design of eligible wastewater and drinking water systems. WIFA solicits applications each fall for the Clean Water loans and Drinking Water loans, but applications are accepted throughout the year. Technical Assistance grant applications are usually available in March. For more information: Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona 1110 West Washington Street, Suite 290, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-1310 or 877-298-0425 http://www.azwifa.gov Water Quality Improvement Grant Program Provides funding at a local level to implement on-the-ground water quality improvement projects to control nonpoint source pollution. Eligible projects must improve or protect water quality by controlling nonpoint source pollution; demonstrate acceptable water quality management principles, have sound design and appropriate procedures; yield benefits at a level commensurate with project costs for the benefit of the state; have an on-the-ground implementation component within the state; provide for at least 40% of the project costs as non-federal match; and support the mission of the Water Quality Division at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). Projects not eligible: those requiring compliance with a permit (grazing or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit), studies or research only projects, education and/or outreach only projects (project MUST have an On-The-Ground component), water quantity projects, monitoring and assessment only, or regular operation and maintenance which is the responsibility of the landowner. This program requires a 40% match of non-federal monies or in-kind. Eligible applicants are individuals and both public and private entities. For more information: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Division 1110 West Washington Street, Suite 5415A-1, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-4635 http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/watershed/fin.html Water: also see the following programs - Greater Arizona Development Authority, Rural Business Enterprise Grants, North American Development Bank (border projects only) Water 38 Infrastructure Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants (Section 306C) Provides loans and grants for water and waste disposal services to colonias along the U.S.-Mexico border. The program can cover 100% of project costs and may be used to construct, extend, or improve a community water or waste system; extend service lines; connect individual residences to a system; install plumbing and related fixtures; or construct bathrooms. Eligible applicants include local governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, U.S. territories and possessions, and nonprofit associations. Development For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov State Telecom Contract Purchasing Encourages the development of telecommunications and broadband capacity by leveraging the State's purchasing power. This program allows public entities to utilize the State's contracts, including the current carrier services (telecommunications) contracts. Competitive pricing and State-contracted service level agreements are available. Eligible entities include counties, cities, towns, libraries, public schools, authorities, and other political jurisdictions. For more information: Arizona Department of Administration Enterprise Procurement Services 100 North 15th Avenue, Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-542- 9121 http://www.azspo.az.gov 39 Also see Rural Business Enterprise Grants and Rural Economic Development Loans (Utilities) Water - Telecommunications/Broadband nfrastructure Schools and Libraries Program (Commonly known as E-Rate) Provides discounts to assist most schools and libraries with affordable telecommunications and internet access. This program is geared towards connectivity to the internet and telephony in schools and libraries and expanding the internet to rural and disadvantaged schools. Funding is requested under four categories of service: telecommunications services, Internet access, internal connections, and basic maintenance of internal connections. Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium. Discounts for support depend on the level of poverty and the urban/rural status of the population served. For more information: Universal Service Administrative Company http://www.universalser vice.org/sl/ Telecommunications/Broadband 40 Military Military Installation Fund Preser ves and enhances military installations by ensuring compatible land use in the vicinity of the installation. Effective FY 05, the Arizona Legislature has authorized funding of $4.825 million per year for 20 years to purchase property from willing property owners within the territory of Arizona's military airports, military facilities and operating areas. Funds can also be used by communities for military installation preservation projects and debt service. Eligible applicants are individual property owners, and Arizona cities, towns and counties. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Militar y Installation Fund Program 1700 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/CommunityPlanning/Militar y_Installation_Fund.asp Defense Industry Adjustment - Reduction/Realignment Assistance Assists communities in developing an economic adjustment strategy and implementation plan. Most defense industry adjustment strategies focus regionally on job creation through business development, attraction and expansion, workforce development and community economic diversification. OEA works with the community to create jobs in order to respond to the adverse economic impact as a result of a change in Defense policy. A local organization is identified to assume responsibility and develop an adjustment strategy and action plan with OEA financial and technical assistance. During implementation of the action plan, OEA works with other Federal, state and local resources to coordinate the response in accordance with the approved strategy. For more information: US Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment 400 Army Navy Drive, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22202-4704 703-604-6020 http://www.oea.gov/oeaweb.nsf/Home?OpenForm 41 orkforce Arizona Workforce Connections (AWC) One Stop Career Centers Provides access to funding for workforce training for youth, adults and businesses. These Centers provide solution based services and skilled business services professionals to identify the right resources to build, upgrade or retain the workforce needed to compete in the global economy. Services for businesses include funding for customized training; wage matches for on the job training contracts; apprenticeship opportunities; and employee recruitment. The One-Stop Career Centers also provide services to Arizona residents to increase their skills, including job search assistance and career counseling; resume reviews; professional communications workshops; and comprehensive skills assessments. Eligible applicants include large and small businesses in Arizona, tribal governments and individuals. One-Stop Career Centers are located in every county; see http://www.arizonaworkforceconnection.com/loc.asp for a listing. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, Arizona 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.arizonaworkforceconnection.com/default.asp 42 Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Business Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Loans/Lines of Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 General Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 International Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Native American/Tribal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Bonding Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 Geographically Based Business Zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Tax Credit and Incentive Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 General Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Innovation and Technology Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 for Business Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Grant Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Innovation and Technology Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 44 Introduction Grants to start or expand small businesses are not offered by either federal or state government, but there are a wide variety of loan and tax incentive programs available. Entrepreneurs requiring funding for new business ventures may wish to begin by contacting their own bank or financial institution. Other helpful business resources include: Arizona Economic Development Directory � contains contact information for organizations working on economic development in your area. http://www.azcommerce.com/webapps/adoc/ Arizona Technology Business Development website � a collaboration of the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Arizona Technology Council and the Southern Arizona Tech Council, this site provides convenient access to a wide range of technology business development resources, programs and services. http://www.aztechbizdev.com/ FirstGov.gov � provides a gateway to all federal government programs, including grant information. http://www.firstgov.gov/Business/Business_Gateway.shtml Arizona Minority Business Enterprise Center � assists minority business entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least one year and who are entering new markets, seeking government contracts, preparing to apply for financial assistance, or needing assistance in improving their operations and profitability. http://www.azmbdc.org Arizona Small Business Development Center (AZ SBDC) � one confidential business counseling. http://www.dist.Maricopa.edu/sbdc provides free, one-on- SCORE (Counselors to Small Businesses) � offers specialized seminars and workshops on a variety of business subjects and provides free, confidential one-on-one counseling and advice in practically every business and business situation. http://www.scoreaz.org Center for American Indian Economic Development � offers training and technical ser vices to Arizona tribes, their corporations, enterprises, and individual Native American entrepreneurs. Telephone: 928-523-7320 http://www.cba.nau.edu/caied/ Fort Defiance Regional Business Development Office � sponsored by the Navajo Nation. Telephone: 928-871-7209 small business resource center 45 ntroduction Small Business Administration (SBA) � provides access to a variety of SBA programs and ser vices, such as startup and operational assistance through small business training and counseling, financial assistance for startups, operational and disaster help, business opportunities, such as government contracting, subcontracting, procurement, and much more. See below for targeted SBA programs for women, veterans and Native Americans. Arizona District Office Telephone: 602-745-7200 or 800-3591833 http://www.sba.gov/az/index.html SBA's MY BIZ for Women � provides one-stop access to information for women entrepreneurs on starting and growing a small business, gaining access to capital and contracting opportunities and links to other government agencies. http://www.SBA.gov/women or http://www.women-21.gov SBA Veterans Affairs Officer � provides counseling, resources and assistance to help veterans succeed in business. http://www.sba.gov/vets and http://www.azdvs.gov provides culturally-tailored business development assistance to reservation-based, prospective and current small business owners Native Americans. http://www.sba.gov/naa/tribes/ Tribal Business Information Centers (TBICs) � SuperNOFA (Notification of Funding Availability) � identifies requirements for all federal Housing and Urban Development programs. HUD SuperNOFA Information Center, Telephone: 1-800-HUD-8929, www.hud.gov 46 Loans/Lines Commerce and Economic Development Commission (CEDC) Provides assistance to existing companies needing expansion capital for projects that create jobs in Arizona. The emphasis is on businesses in export-oriented industries investing in plants and equipment. Projects must be consistent with the CEDC's investment guidelines and must demonstrate project viability. Eligible applicants are businesses with a minimum of two years operating history making capital investment and creating new jobs paying at or above the average county wage; have acceptable credit and support of the local economic development organization. of Credit For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Commerce and Economic Development Commission 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/prop/cedc/default01.asp Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) in Arizona Provides financial assistance for small business development of affordable housing and nonprofits. Financial assistance can be equity investments, loans, grants, or deposits. Recipients must match funds dollar for dollar with non-federal monies. Business and individuals seeking assistance should contact the appropriate Arizona CDFI listed below. For more information: Arizona MultiBank - provides financing and access to technical assistance for the advancement of small businesses, low-and-moderate income housing, nonprofit organizations and economic development. 101 North First Avenue, Suite1880, Phoenix, AZ 85003-1910 602-643-0030 http://www.multibank.org/AboutUs.htm First American Credit Union - provides consumer and small business loans, which often support small agricultural ventures and production and distribution of traditional Native-American crafts. Window Rock, AZ 520-871-5428 Hopi Credit Association provides financial services and technical assistance to members of the Hopi Tribe living on the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona. P.O. Box 1259, Keams Canyon, AZ 86034-1259 800-516-9091 47 General Business oans/Lines Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, Inc. - provides a full range of programs and services that encourage, create and support homeownership. 320 East McDowell Road, Suite120, Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-258-1659 http://www.nhsphoenix.org/ PPEP Microbusiness and Housing Development Corporation - provides short and medium term working capital and fixed asset loan products to microenterprises and small businesses; affordable housing projects initiated by non-profit housing developers; and low-income and minority home buyers and homeowner residents of 6 counties in southern Arizona. 820 East 47th Street, Tucson, AZ 85713-5079 520-806-9513 http://www.azsmallbusinessloans.com/ Federal 7(a) Small Business Loans Guarantees up to 75% of a general business loan, up to a maximum of $2 million, for almost any legitimate business purpose, including real estate acquisition, expansion, machinery and equipment purchases, furniture and fixtures purchases, working capital, and inventory purchases. Maximum loan maturities are 25 years for real estate and equipment, and generally 7 years for working capital. Small businesses go directly to participating banks to apply for a 7(a) loan or for any of the subsidiary programs under 7(a). Businesses should contact the local SBA office to find out which lending institution in their area participates in the 7(a) program. Small businesses are eligible for 7(a) loans if they meet the following criteria: good character; demonstrated record for success; good credit rating; sufficient funds to operate the business at a profit; and pledged personal and/or business assets. For more information: Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/7a.html Arizona Department of Commerce Small Business Services 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/SmallBus/Default.asp General Business 48 Loans/Lines Federal Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans Provides direct and guaranteed loans for the purpose of improving, developing, or financing business, industr y and employment, and improving the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. Eligble applicants are a cooperative, corporation, partnership, trust, or other legal entity organized and operated on a profit or nonprofit basis; an Indian tribe; a municipality, county, or other political subdivision of a state; or an individual. Applicants must be located in areas other than cities (population of more than 50,000) or immediately adjacent to areas with population density of more than 100 persons per square mile. Preference is given to loans in open country, rural communities, and towns with populations of 25,000 or less, and on applications of equal priority, to veterans. Existing businesses applying must provide a minimum of 10 % tangible balance sheet equity. For new/startup businesses, at least 20% is required for guaranteed loans. For direct loans, new businesses and those businesses that cannot offer personal or corporate guarantees, or for energy-related businesses, 20-25% equity is required. of Credit For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 49 General Business oans/Lines Federal CAPLines Revolving Line of Credit Provides financing for seasonal working capital needs; direct costs associated with performing construction, service and supply contract(s); direct costs associated with commercial and residential building construction without a firm commitment for purchase; operating capital from obtaining of advances against existing inventory and accounts receivable; and, consolidation of short-term debt. CAPLines features five distinct short-term working capital loan programs for small businesses: Seasonal Line - Assists businesses that experience seasonal sales fluctuations during their peak season(s) with advances against inventory and accounts receivables; the line can be revolving or non-revolving. Contract Line - Finances direct labor and material costs associated with performing assignable contract(s); the line can be revolving or non-revolving. Builders Line - Finances direct labor and material costs for small general contractors and builders that construct or renovate commercial or residential buildings; the building project serves as collateral and lines can be revolving or non-revolving. Standard Asset-Based Line - Assists businesses unable to meet credit standards associated with longterm credit; generally utilized by businesses that provide credit to other businesses. Small Asset-Based Line - An asset based revolving line of credit up to $200,000; similar to standard asset-based line, however, some servicing requirements are waived if the business can consistently show repayment ability from cash flow for the full amount. Eligible applicants are small businesses meeting the qualifications of the applicable loan program. For more information: Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/caplines.html Federal Certified Development Company (Section 504 Program) Provides long-term, fixed-rate financing to growing businesses. A Certified Development Company is a nonprofit corporation that works with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses. Loan proceeds must be used for fixed asset projects such as purchasing land and improvements, including existing buildings, grading, street improvements, utilities, parking lots and landscaping; construction of new facilities, or modernizing, renovating or converting existing facilities; or purchasing long-term machinery and equipment. The 504 Program cannot be used for working capital or inventory, consolidating or repaying debt, or refinancing. Eligible applicants are small businesses meeting the following conditions: net worth not exceeding $7 million and average annual net profits after taxes over the proceeding two years not exceeding General Business 50 Loans/Lines $2.5 million; good character; demonstrated record for success; good credit rating; sufficient funds to operate the business at a profit; pledged personal and/or business assets; meet SBA size standards; and not engaged in speculation or investment in rental real estate. The business also must have a first-mortgage type loan for approximately 50% of the funds from a conventional lender at a normal lending rate. of Credit For more information: Business Development Financing Corporation 2200 East Camelback Road, Suite 215, Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-381-6292 http://www.bdfc.com Southwestern Business Financing Corporation 3200 North Central Avenue, Suite 1550, Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-495-6495 http://www.swbfc.com Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov and http://www.sba.gov/gopher/Financial-Assistance/Defin Federal Low Documentation Loan Program (LowDoc) Reduces the paperwork currently involved in 7(a) loan requests for loan guarantees of up to $150,000 by utilizing a one-page application. Personal financial statements are required for all guarantors; private sector lenders may require additional information and documentation. Loan approval focuses more on the applicant's character and ability to repay rather than collateral. Eligible businesses must meet most general 7(a) loan criteria, have fewer than 100 employees and average annual sales over the past three years of $5 million or less. For more information: Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/starting_business/startup/guide5.html#lowdoc 51 General Business oans/Lines Federal MicroLoan Program for Entrepreneurs Provides very small loans to start-up, newly established, or growing small business concerns. SBA makes funds available to nonprofit community based lenders (intermediaries) which, in turn, make loans to eligible borrowers in amounts from $100 to $35,000 with an average loan of about $13,000 through nonprofit organizations. MicroLoans can be used for the purchase of machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, inventory, supplies and working capital. They cannot be used to pay off existing debts. They must be paid on the shortest term possible, no longer than six years, depending on the earnings of the business. Interest rates vary, but generally are between 8 and 13%. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations for the purpose of lending to small businesses. Each intermediary lender has its own lending and credit requirements. Business owners contemplating application should be aware that intermediaries will generally require some type of collateral, and the personal guarantee of the business owner. Each non-profit organization will have its own requirements about collateral. For more information: Self-Employment Loan Fund, Inc. (SELF) 1601 North 7th Street, Suite 340, Phoenix, Arizona 85006 602-340-8834 http://www.selfloanfund.org Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/microloans.html General Business 52 Loans/Lines Federal Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Loan Program (Section 538) Guarantees loans made by private lenders for the development of affordable rural rental housing. Households with incomes below 115% of area median income may live in units developed under this program. The maximum term is the lesser of 40 years or the remaining economic life of the project; interest rates must be fixed and not exceed the rate published in the Rural Housing Service (RHS) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The loan may be prepaid at the determination of the borrower. Rent, including utilities paid by the tenants, cannot exceed 30% of 115% of the area median income. RHS must provide interest credit to reduce the interest to the Treasury rate for at least 20% of the loans made. Tax-exempt financing can be used as a source of capital for the guaranteed loan. Eligible borrowers include individuals, nonprofit or for-profit corporations, partnerships, state or local public agencies, limited liability companies, trusts, or Indian tribes. The banks or thrifts that receive loan guarantees must be approved by RHS. To obtain that approval, a lender must be approved to make multifamily housing loans by HUD, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or by the state or local housing finance agency, or it must be a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System with demonstrated multifamily housing loan ability. of Credit For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov Federal Rural Rental and Cooperative Housing Loans Provides direct loans to finance construction or rehabilitation of modest rental or cooperatively owned housing designed for very low-, low-, and moderate-income families, elderly people and persons with disabilities. Funds may also be used to buy and improve land and to provide necessary facilities such as water and waste disposal systems. Projects may be on one or more sites. Eligible borrowers for these competitive loans include individuals, trusts, associations, partnerships, limited partnerships, state or local public agencies, Indian tribes, consumer cooperatives, and profit or nonprofit corporations. Borrowers must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere that will result in rents affordable to low and moderate-income tenants. For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/mfh/brief_mfh_rrh.htm 53 Housing oans/Lines Federal Export Working Capital Program (EWCP) Finances overseas sales of U.S. goods and services by providing working capital loan guarantees for U.S. exporters against the risks of non-payment by foreign buyers for political or commercial reasons, and makes loans to foreign purchasers of U.S. goods. The EWCP covers 90 % of principal and interest on commercial loans to creditworthy small and medium-sized companies needing funds to buy or produce U.S. goods or services for export. The EWCP may be used to cover working capital loans to a U.S. business if the lender shows that the loan would not be made without the guarantee from the Ex-Im Bank. This program is offered in conjunction with the SBA's EWCP program. Ex-Im Bank handles all loans over $833,333, including the non-guaranteed portion. Guarantees may be for a single transaction or a revolving line of credit; there is no minimum loan amount. Eligible borrowers are companies selling products or services with at least 50% U.S. content and no adverse impact on the U.S. economy. For more information: Export-Import Bank of the United States San Diego Office Regional Office 6363 Greenwich Drive, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92122 619-557-7091 http://www.exim.gov/products/index.html Federal International Trade Loans Provides long-term financing to help small businesses compete more effectively and significantly expand/develop export markets. Loan maturities cannot exceed 25 years, excluding the working capital portion of the loan. Loans may be used to buy land and buildings, build new facilities, renovate, improve or expand existing facilities, and purchase or recondition machinery, equipment and fixtures. The working capital portion of the loan can be in the form of the Export Working Capital Program loan or a portion of the term loan. The loan proceeds cannot be used to pay past debts. For the International Trade Loan, SBA can guaranty up to 85% of loans of $150,000 and less, and up to 75 % of loans above $150,000. The maximum guaranteed amount is $1,250,000. Eligible applicants must meet the general 7(a) loan guarantee requirement and one of the two following criteria: loan proceeds will significantly expand existing export markets or develop new ones; or, the applicant's business is adversely affected by import competition. For more information: Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 Small Business Administration, Office of International Trade 202-205-6720 http://www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/tradeloans.html International Trade 54 Loans/Lines Bureau of Indian Affairs Loan Guaranty Program Increases Native American entrepreneurship and employment through establishment, acquisition or expansion of Indian-owned economic enterprises. Loans may be made to finance Indian-owned businesses organized for profit, provided that eligible Indian ownership constitutes at least 51%. The business must be located on or near a reservation or recognized service area and contribute to the economy of the reser vation. Maximum loan guarantees are $500,000 for individuals, partnerships and corporations, and $5.5 million for Tribes. Eligible borrowers are federally recognized tribes or Alaska Native groups, members of these tribes or groups; or an Indian-owned organization. A minimum of 20 % equity is required (in cash and unencumbered assets) to be used in the business being financed. Borrowers work directly with lenders for guaranteed loans, and then request a loan guaranty from the Bureau of Indian Affairs office where the business is located. of Credit For more information: Phoenix Area Credit Office P.O. Box 10, Phoenix, AZ 85001 602-379-6624 Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Economic Development 1849 C Street, NW, MS 4640-MIB, Washington, DC 20240 202-208-5324 http://www.doi.gov/bia/Loan%20Guaranty%20Brochure.pdf Also see the following Loan/Lines of Credit programs: Federal Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans (under General Business); Federal Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Loan Program (under Housing); Federal Rural Rental and Cooperative Housing Loans (under Housing). See Federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds in the Bonds section, and the Arizona Recycling Grant Program in the Grants section 55 Native American/Tribal oans/Lines Federal Defense Loan and Technical Assistance (DELTA) Program Helps small business contractors transition from defense to civilian markets by diversifying into the commercial market while remaining part of the defense industrial base. Both financial and technical assistance are available to defense-dependent small businesses which have been adversely affected by defense reductions. Program objectives are job retention, job creation, or plant retooling and expansion that modernizes/expands the plant and enables it to remain available to the Department of Defense (DOD). Eligible applicants must be detrimentally impacted by the closure (or substantial reduction) of a DOD installation; or the termination (or substantial reduction) of a DOD program in which the small business was a prime contractor, subcontractor, or supplier at any tier; or is located in a community that has been detrimentally impacted by these same actions. The small business must derive at least 25% of its revenues from DOD or defense-related Department of Energy contracts or subcontracts in support of defense prime contracts in any one of five prior operating years. This program can be used in conjunction with both SBA's 7(a) and 504 Loan Programs and generally follows the provisions of each program. For more information: Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/militar y.html Federal Pollution Control Loan Program Provides financing to eligible small businesses for the planning, design, or installation of a pollution control facility. This facility must prevent, reduce, abate, or control any form of pollution, including recycling. Pollution Control Loans are 7(a) loans with a special purpose of pollution control. This program follows the 7(a) guidelines, except that loan proceeds must be for fixed-assets only. For more information: Small Business Administration Arizona District Office 2828 North Central Avenue, Suite 800, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1093 602-745-7200 http://www.sba.gov/financing/loanprog/pollution.html Other 56 Loans/Lines Federal Rural Economic Development Loans (Utilities) Provides zero-interest loans to electric and telephone utilities financed by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to promote sustainable rural economic development and job creation projects. Examples of projects include business expansions and business startups; community infrastructure; community facilities and services; medical facilities and equipment to provide medical care to rural residents; educational facilities and equipment to provide training and job enhancement skills to rural residents to facilitate economic development; and business incubator projects to assist in developing emerging enterprises. Eligible borrowers are any RUS electric or telephone utility that is not delinquent on any Federal debt or in bankruptcy proceedings. Priority is given to financing third-party recipient projects that are physically located in rural areas having a population of less than 2,500 people. of Credit For more information: US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Office 230 North 1st Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003 602-280-8764 http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 57 Other oans/Lines North American Development Bank (NADB) Provides loans and grants to the public and private sectors for infrastructure projects when private sector financing is not available. Projects must be located within 62 miles of the Mexican border and certified by the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC). NADB generally accepts no more than 50% of the total capital costs of projects, and loan maturities are for a maximum of 25 years. Eligible projects include infrastructure for potable water, water pollution, wastewater treatment, water conservation, water and wastewater hookups for housing, municipal solid waste, waste reduction, air quality improvement, public transportation, clean and efficient energy, industrial and hazardous waste projects, recycling, and municipal planning, development and water management. NADB also offers guidance to communities and potential borrowers to assist in the financial design and structure of environmental infrastructure. NADB has a number of different programs: Low Interest Rate Lending Facility - for financial assistance with water, wastewater and solid waste projects. Border Environment Infrastructure Fund - administers grants provided by the US Environmental Protection Agency for water and wastewater projects. Solid Waste Environment Program - supports the financing and construction of municipal solid waste infrastructure projects through loans and grants. It also encourages projects that include private sector participation, waste flow reduction and regional facilities serving more than one community. Institutional Development Cooperation Program - provides grant assistance for achieving effective and efficient operation of utilities, state and local government agencies, and other projects within all NADB sectors. Grants are for a maximum of $250,000. Project Development Program- provides technical assistance to communities, utilities and the private sector to help finance the costs involved in preparing environmental infrastructure projects for submission to the BECC for certification and to the North American Development Bank (NADB) for financing. Grants may be awarded for up to $200,000 per project. In the case of regional projects involving two or more communities, the grant limit per project may be increased to $300,000. PDP assistance is subject to full or partial reimbursement as part of a NADB lending package. For more information: North American Development Bank Technical Assistance Coordinator 203 South St. Mary's, Suite 300, San Antonio, TX 78205 http://www.nadbank.org/english/program_ser vice/PDP/PDP_frame.htm Other 58 Bonding Programs Water Infrastructure Finance Authority 0f Arizona (WIFA) Provides financial and technical assistance for drinking water, wastewater, wastewater reclamation and other water quality facilities and projects. Generally, WIFA offers borrowers below-market interest on loans for 100% of eligible project costs. Types of assistance include: Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund - for both public and private drinking water systems. Eligible borrowers include cities, towns, special districts, domestic water improvement districts, co-ops and nonprofit associations. Privately-held community drinking water systems are also eligible. Technical Assistance Competitive Grants - for pre-design and design of eligible wastewater and drinking water systems. WIFA solicits applications each fall for the Drinking Water loans, but applications are accepted throughout the year. Technical Assistance grant applications are usually available in March. For more information: Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona 1110 West Washington Street, Suite 290, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-364-1310 or 877-298-0425 http://www.azwifa.gov Federal Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB) Offers electric cooperatives the equivalent of an interest-free loan for financing qualified energy products for a limited term through "tax credit" bonds. The electric cooperative or cooperative lender (Issuer) issues the CREB but does not make interest payments. The federal government provides a tax credit to the bondholder in lieu of the issuer paying interest to the bond holder. If the credit is worth $100 and the bondholder is in the 35% tax bracket, the credit provides a $65 benefit to the bond holder. CREBs are taxable. Qualified issuers include governmental bodies (including Indian tribal governments), mutual or cooperative electric companies and clean energy bond lenders--namely the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC) and Cobank. For more information: US Department of Energy 1000 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20585 202-586-5000 or 800-342-5363 http://www.irs.gov/irb/2006-10_IRB/ar07.html 59 onding Programs Multi-family Private Activity Bonds (also see Private Activity Bonds for other financing categories) Provides financing for multi-family rental properties in the 13 rural counties of the state. These projects must provide rental units at reasonable rent levels for low to moderate income households. Projects that qualify for bond financing may also be eligible to receive a non-competitively secured reservation of LowIncome Housing Tax Credits (see Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program), as well as additional gap financing through the AzHFA in order to construct or acquire and rehabilitate affordable rental properties. Bonding authority must be obtained for specific projects through the Arizona Department of Commerce. Eligible properties must be rental properties to be newly constructed, acquired or rehabilitated for low to moderate income households. For more information: AzHFA Programs Administrator Arizona Housing Finance Authority 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1091 http://www.housingaz.com Private Activity Bonds (PAB - formerly called Industrial Revenue Bonds) Encourages economic development by reducing the cost of investment in industrial property and equipment through tax exempt bond financing. The PAB program allocates the state share of federally tax-exempt financing that can be used for the construction of industrial and manufacturing facilities and the purchase of equipment, utilities, solid waste and other exempt facilities, multifamily and single family housing and student loans. The bonds are an obligation of the private user, not of the issuing authority. Eligible applicants are local industrial development authorities on behalf of local governmental entities for the benefit of private users. Bond capacity is allocated across six categories: Director's Discretion � 10%; Mortgage Revenue Bonds and Mortgage Credit Certificates Programs � 35%; Student Loan Program � 20%; Manufacturing projects � 15% (capital expenditures are limited to $10 million); Multifamily housing projects � 10%; All Other projects � 10%. Allocations from these pools are made on a first-come, firstser ve basis, normally on the first working day of the calendar year. Capacity remaining is repooled at certain points in the year. Application fees and security deposits apply. For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Private Activity Bonds Program 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/business/pab%20home%20page.asp 60 Geographically Based Arizona Enterprise Zone Program Encourages job creation, job rention and private investment in Arizona's 26 active Enterprise Zones (EZ) to improve economies with high proverty or unemployment rates. Zones are designated by the Arizona Department of Commerce (ADOC), and minimum wage and other requirements apply. There are two components to the EZ program: Income or Premium Tax Credits - available to non-retail businesses or insurers creating net new quality jobs at a site located in an enterprise zone. Tax credits may total up to $3,000 per qualified employment position over three years for a maximum of 200 employees in any given tax year. Property Tax Reduction - available to qualified minority, woman owned or small (99 employees or less and $4 million or less in gross sales) manufacturing businesses investing in fixed assets in an EZ. Applicants are eligible for a 5% assessment ratio on all real and personal property at the EZ location for five years. Eligible applicants are business located in an enterprise zone meeting the qualifications of the program. Applications for the property tax reduction must be submitted before October 1st to be eligible for tax reduction in the next valuation year. EZ, Healthy Forest and Military Reuse Zone tax credits cannot be claimed for the same employees. Business Zones For more information: Arizona Department of Commerce Enterprise Zone Program 1700 West Washington Street, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-771-1100 http://www.azcommerce.com/business/ez%20home%20page.asp 61 eographically Based Federal Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Program (EZ/EC) Provides a mixture of tax, financing and workforce training incentives designed to support local businesses and encourage the hiring of Zone residents. In Arizona, an empowerment zone has been designated in Tucson. Eligible businesses for EZ benefits include companies conducting most of their business in the Empowerment Zone with at least 35% of their employees living in the zone. Federal employment tax credits can be taken only on those residing in the zone. For more information: Tucson Regional

you wish to report:

Your comment:

Your Name:

...