Small business resource fair connects Yuma entrepreneurs with local support

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Local entrepreneurs and small business owners gathered in Yuma on Wednesday for the small business resource fair hosted by the Small Business Development Center, also known as SBDC.

The event was held as part of National Small Business Week and brought together more than 25 agencies and organizations at the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Career Center.

Attendees had the opportunity to connect with local partners offering information on business services, funding opportunities, marketing support and other resources aimed at helping startups and existing businesses grow.

Organizers said the fair was designed to help entrepreneurs build relationships and learn more about the support systems available within the community.

“It’s very, very important for our entrepreneurs to be able to make connections," Crystal Mendoza, the Director of SBDC at Arizona Western College, said. "Because you want to make sure that you know what resources are available to you. But also to in a networking status, right.”

In addition to networking opportunities, attendees were also able to receive one-on-one guidance and speak directly with representatives from participating agencies.

Organizers encouraged local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to continue taking advantage of resources offered through the SBDC and other community organizations year-round.

“I invite our community, our entrepreneurs to take advantage of the resources that are available to you. Starting off with SBDC," Mendoza said. "The Small Business Development Center is here to support our entrepreneurs. And I would like to invite our community to use us as almost a little buffer.”

The event was free and open to the public. The SBDC looks to continue helping grow Yuma with future planned events.