Entrepreneurs in the local community recently attended Start Smart: Your Business Blueprint Workshop, a half-day event organized by The CATALYST. The workshop aimed to support those looking to start, strengthen, or expand their businesses by providing guidance on key aspects of entrepreneurship.
The event featured presentations from professionals across several industries. George Kimble from Maricopa Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) opened the session, describing SBDC’s free and confidential services for Arizona entrepreneurs. He highlighted that their counseling covers areas such as business planning, funding options, regulatory compliance, and growth strategies. “No one needs to navigate the entrepreneurial journey alone. With the right guidance, new ventures can start strong and avoid costly missteps,” Kimble said.
Jän Simon of Foundation Insurance Services discussed insurance planning for small businesses. Simon addressed general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, commercial auto coverage, and professional licenses or bonds. He advised attendees to assess risks specific to their business and consult with an insurance professional before launching operations.
Legal considerations were presented by Heather Parker of The Parker Law Office, LLC. She encouraged entrepreneurs to carefully consider who will be involved in their business, where it will operate, and how daily activities will be managed when choosing a legal structure and drafting contracts. Parker stated: “Proactive legal planning can save thousands of dollars—and sleepless nights—down the road.” She also emphasized the importance of having an exit strategy from the outset.
On financing options, Geoff Cummings and Brennan Wemmer from National Bank of Arizona explained differences between Small Business Administration (SBA) loans and traditional bank loans. They provided guidance on preparing loan applications with detailed financial projections and market analysis. “SBA loans can often be a much easier route and more accessible option for a business just starting out than a traditional loan,” they noted.
Tax accountant DeDe Jacques of Account on DeDe highlighted best practices in financial management from day one. She recommended choosing appropriate accounting software and maintaining accurate records to avoid penalties related to Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT). Jacques commented: “Cleaning up financial records after the fact is far more expensive than setting up the right systems from the start.”
Marketing was covered by Stuart “Zero” Preston of Cingular, who stressed defining Mission, Vision, and Purpose (MVP) as central to marketing decisions: “If you don’t have your MVP you won’t have clarity, and your marketing won’t make sense.” Preston also gave advice on website optimization—ensuring mobile compatibility, clear calls-to-action—and suggested using AI tools for consistent messaging.
Ashlee Hanover from Desert Financial Credit Union closed the workshop by warning against mixing personal and business funds due to accounting complications and potential liability exposure. She advised: “Separate accounts protect you and your business. Make it a non-negotiable from day one.”
Throughout Start Smart: Your Business Blueprint Workshop, speakers emphasized building a support network including a banker, accountant, attorney, insurance agent, and bookkeeper as essential resources for entrepreneurs.
Attendees left with practical resources as well as connections with peers facing similar challenges in building their businesses.
