Mission

Through leadership and collaborative partnerships, our mission is to create vibrant communities and a globally competitive Arizona economy. Jan Lesher, Director

Workforce and Business Development supports entrepreneurs, small businesses, minority and women-owned enterprises and industry sectors.  We offer Workforce solutions powered by One-Stop centers throughout the state.  Increase the skills of your staff through Arizona Job Training Program grants, or explore a custom-designed Apprenticeship.  The Office of Innovation and Technology supports technology-oriented businesses, and links them with resources and ideas from innovative leaders throughout Arizona.

Marketing and Business Attraction promotes Arizona as a premier location for business expansion and location.  Commerce markets Arizona globally, promotes inward investment, and provides resource assistance to grow your company. We are your first contact for statewide site selection and business resource assistance.  Commerce maintains foreign trade offices in Asia, Europe and Mexico.  The Arizona Film Office markets the state as an ideal location for movies, television, video and photography, with a focus on improving the operating climate for Arizona’s existing entertainment industry.

The Energy Office encourages energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment, provides energy information and policy advice, and supports reduced utility costs and improved comfort for Arizona’s low-income residents. Energy staff implement and facilitate programs for the residential and commercial sectors in partnership with local governments, tribes utilities, and other public and private organizations. Staff also provides hands-on education programs, including energy conferences, publications and training seminars.

Strategic Investment and Research serves as the state’s clearinghouse for economic information and strategic research related to Arizona’s economy. Detailed data and information is available for all incorporated communities and counties.  Our community and business finance tools encourage private capital investment, create quality jobs, and promote business growth.

Community Development focuses on local capacity-building by providing technical and financial assistance to cities, towns, counties, and tribal communities on land use planning, economic development, downtown revitalization, public involvement, smart growth best practices, military land use compatibility, and the complexities of zoning. The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) program and Arizona Main Street program assist Arizona’s rural communities in achieving sustainable economies and foster economic development and revitalization in historic downtown areas ~ both programs generate significant returns on local investment dollars. The Community Planning Office administers funding to assist communities with meeting state mandated planning requirements through Growing Smarter Planning Grants and the Office is also home to the $4.8 million dollar Military Installation Fund and the Arizona Military Regional Compatibility Project. The unique qualities abounding in Arizona are addressed through our Regional Representatives who provide localized community, economic and workforce assistance throughout Arizona’s rural and tribal regions.

Email: Arizona Department of Commerce
 

More information at: http://www.azcommerce.com/Home