TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Local entrepreneurs now have various resources and opportunities thanks to the new Tucson Small Business Center, which officially opened Thursday evening.

The idea behind the center is to have all the resources a small business needs to thrive under one roof.

The center will offer free classes to educate those interested in starting a business, understanding municipal processes, and much more.

About two years ago, Maria Jose Cortez, owner of Di Luna Candles, opened a brick-and-mortar shop, but experienced a break-in and needed help.

That’s when she found the city’s small business program, specifically AVANZA, it’s thanks to them, she said, she’s really found her footing as a small business owner.

“It’s been super rewarding to see where my business started and where I am now,” Jose Cortez said.

The center is a joint effort between Tucson’s Department of Economic Initiatives, Groundswell Capital, and the Industrial Development Authority of the cCity of Tucson.

And it’s all to help Tucson’s economy.

Mayor Regina Romero, who has been wanting the center to happen for more than a decade now, said 60% of job creation in Tucson is from small businesses.

“Very happy,” Romero said. “It has taken a long time to see this dream really come true for the benefit for the community.”

Tucson helped the Tucson IDA purchase the building through leftover federal COVID-19 relief funds, with the rest of the money coming from loans acquired thanks to Vantage West Credit Union.

Romero said the city invests in the small business program from its general fund to be able to staff the center’s classes, but she said the money will come back.

“It’s a good return on investment,” Romero said. “It actually brings money and prosperity to the city of Tucson to be able to invest in our small businesses.”

A big part that will drive that prosperity is the center’s ability to offer flexible and affordable grants and loans to small businesses through a partner Groundswell Capital, a nonprofit leader, with all of the funding coming from local, state, and other philanthropic partners and firms.

Groundswell Capital has been approved as a micro lender through the Small Business Administration; however, due to the government shutdown, they’re waiting for budget approval.

The nonprofit will still be able to offer loans and grants, but it’ll be able to do more once the government is back open.

Jose Cortez urges anyone with a dream to definitely look into what the center can do for them.

“Just getting started and like even just looking into their website and seeing what they offer, I think is the first step to take, and then it’ll all be beneficial,” Jose Cortez said.

The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only. You can find more information at www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Small-Business-Center

You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.