Small businesses looking for a hospitable environment might find Arizona's East Valley cities particularly attractive. A recent study by B2B Reviews ranks ten of these cities, including Chandler and Phoenix, among the top 35 in the state for small business compatibility, as reported by Phoenix Business Journal. Key factors like employer firm presence, rapid population growth, and funding opportunities were considered, with Chandler shining as the top city. As per the Phoenix Business Journal, Chandler boasts a 5.05% employer firm presence and saw a 17.77% population increase between 2020 and 2023.
However, the study also highlighted challenges small business owners face, such as high commercial real estate costs, which can be significant in locations like Scottsdale, with rates at $33.08, only trumped by Lake Havasu's steep $78. Yet, the state remains enticing for its access to capital. In 2024, Arizona companies benefited from above-average Small Business Administration loans, averaging $595,553 per company, according to AZ Big Media.
On the tourism front, these thriving communities are not just sitting on their laurels. East Valley, known for its innovative attractions, ensures that it has plenty to offer for visitors and locals alike. According to an AZ Big Media report, attractions range from outdoor adventure in Apache Junction to the artisan emphasis in Fountain Hills, with over 100 pieces of public art available. Chandler is building upon its appeal with significant investments in infrastructure that make its downtown increasingly accessible.
Fountain Hills, for example, celebrates its artistic side by partnering with the River of Time Museum and Exploration Center to offer public art tours. "The town also proclaimed October 2024 as Arts & Humanities Month and is also known for the Fountain Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts, which began in 1974," Amanda Jacobs, economic development director of the Town of Fountain Hills, told AZ Big Media. Moreover, Queen Creek’s agritourism industry continues to thrive, underscored by the recent addition of Pecan Lake Entertainment, which has become a popular family destination offering a variety of activities.
Such buzz-generating developments dovetail with the region's broader economic ecosystem. In Mesa, Marc Garcia, president and CEO of Visit Mesa, highlights the city's downtown scene as a magnet for visitors, nourished by a diverse set of cultural and gastronomic offerings. Not coincidentally, the hotel market is booming too, with Mesa seeing a surge in new accommodation options to attract both business and leisure travelers.
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