Entrepreneurship is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. From legal requirements to marketing strategies, the path to launching or growing a business is filled with questions and critical decisions. To help local entrepreneurs navigate these challenges, The CATALYST recently hosted Start Smart: Your Business Blueprint Workshop—a dynamic half-day event designed to provide a one-stop resource for anyone ready to start, strengthen, or scale their business.
The workshop brought together seasoned professionals from multiple industries to share practical guidance and actionable resources. Participants walked away with a stronger understanding of the key steps in building a successful business—and a network of experts they can call on long after the event.
George Kimble with Maricopa Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) kicked off the morning by highlighting the free, confidential services they offer to Arizona entrepreneurs. Their one-on-one counseling can help with every stage of business development, including:
- Writing a well-crafted business plan that attracts investors and guides growth
- Identifying funding options and preparing loan applications
- Navigating state and federal regulations
- Planning for expansion once the business is up and running
SBDC’s message was clear: no one needs to navigate the entrepreneurial journey alone. With the right guidance, new ventures can start strong and avoid costly missteps.
Next, Jän Simon with Foundation Insurance Services offered a thorough overview of insurance planning for small businesses. Topics included evaluating the need for general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, commercial auto coverage, and professional licenses or bonds. Participants learned why it is essential to assess their unique risks and consult with an insurance professional to ensure the right coverage is in place before opening their doors.
Heather Parker of The Parker Law Office, LLC invited participants to think critically about the structure of their business. Questions such as Who will be involved? Where will operations take place? How will daily activities be handled? help determine the right legal entity and the contracts needed to safeguard partnerships and intellectual property. Her key takeaway: consult an attorney before problems arise. Proactive legal planning can save thousands of dollars—and sleepless nights—down the road. Heather also expressed how important it is to plan an exit strategy from the very beginning. At some point, every business owner will want to retire or get out of their business. Planning this from the very beginning is crucial. It is also a step most don’t think about until they are ready to do so, and it can complicate things.
Funding is often the greatest hurdle for startups. Geoff Cummings and Brennan Wemmer from National Bank of Arizona provided a clear overview of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, explaining how they differ from traditional bank loans and how they can be used for a variety of expenses, from equipment purchases to working capital. They guided participants through the application process and offered tips for strengthening a loan package, such as preparing detailed financial projections and demonstrating market demand. SBA loans can often be a much easier route and more accessible option for a business just starting out than a traditional loan. This is always a better option than the business owner who does their start up by placing all items on a personal credit card. SBA loans won’t be able to pay things off on a personal credit card. Explore all your options for financing before purchasing items.
Tax accounting expert DeDe Jacques of Account on DeDe stressed that good financial habits should begin on day one. From selecting the right accounting software to understanding what expenses are truly deductible, DeDe emphasized the importance of accurate records and timely filings. She cautioned entrepreneurs about Arizona’s Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), noting that missteps can lead to hefty penalties. Cleaning up financial records after the fact is far more expensive than setting up the right systems from the start. Starting your business and doing best practices from the beginning and consulting with a tax accountant will make everything much easier and run smoother for a small business owner.
Marketing strategist Stuart “Zero” Preston of Cingular energized the room with a session on crafting a marketing plan that works. He challenged participants to clearly define their Mission, Vision, and Purpose (MVP) as the foundation for all marketing decisions. This will guide you to how you want to market your business. If you don’t have your MVP you won’t have clarity, and your marketing won’t make sense.
Preston revisited the classic “4 P’s”—product, price, place, and promotion—and gave practical website tips:
- Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and loads quickly.
- Include bold, unmistakable calls to action.
- Highlight what makes your business unique—don’t bury the lead.
He also encouraged attendees to embrace technology: using AI tools to lighten your workload and stay consistent in your messaging.
To close out the day, Ashlee Hanover of Desert Financial Credit Union addressed a common but risky practice: mixing personal and business funds. Co-mingling not only complicates accounting and taxes but can expose personal assets to liability. Her advice was simple but powerful: separate accounts protect you and your business. Make it a non-negotiable from day one.
Building a Support Network
A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the importance of building a trusted team. At minimum, entrepreneurs should have a banker, accountant, and attorney, with an insurance agent and bookkeeper rounding out the support circle. Having experts in your corner provides peace of mind and frees you to focus on growth.
Lasting Impact
Participants left Start Smart: Your Business Blueprint Workshop not only with pages of notes and a packet of resources, but also with a sense of community. They connected with fellow entrepreneurs facing similar challenges, exchanged ideas, and left motivated to take their next steps.
Whether they were just sketching out a concept or preparing to scale an established venture, attendees walked away empowered, informed, and ready to build the businesses they’ve dreamed of.
Interested in future workshops or resources for entrepreneurs? Stay connected with The CATALYST for upcoming events, expert-led sessions, and networking opportunities designed to help you start smart and grow with confidence. We have a full calendar of events.