Peoria's Business Retention and Expansion Program provides a variety of business workshops, seminars and meetups - many of which are FREE - to Peoria residents and business owners. 

Nonprofit 101 - Hosted by Zuri’s Circle & the City of Peoria

Are you interested in starting a nonprofit or strengthening your understanding of how nonprofit organizations operate in Arizona? Join us for Nonprofit 101, an interactive and informative workshop designed to help you gain the foundational knowledge needed to build, manage, and sustain a successful nonprofit organization.

This workshop is perfect for aspiring founders, new nonprofit leaders, board members, volunteers, or anyone curious about how nonprofits work behind the scenes.

Coffee & Business Meetups

Peoria’s entrepreneurs and community leaders are invited to join us for a casual, welcoming morning of coffee, sweet treats, and conversation with your local economic development representatives. Whether you're looking for technical assistance, funding, educational programs, or connections with local resources, this is the perfect opportunity to chat with fellow entrepreneurs and learn about the support available to you.

Local First Arizona

Since 2023, the City of Peoria and Local First Arizona have partnered to support local restaurants and food businesses with free one-on-one technical assistance, workshops and discounted registration for the Good Food Boot Camp Program. 

Check back often for Peoria Plates, a series of food-based business workshops for restaurant owners, food trucks, cottage bakers, and aspiring food entrepreneurs. Workshop attendees will learn how to participate in Local First Arizona’s Good Food Boot Camp at a reduced cost.

For questions or to learn more about the City of Peoria partnership with Local First Arizona, email business@peoriaaz.gov.

Launch & Learn  

Are you a City of Peoria resident or business owner ready to transform a business idea or side hustle into a sustainable reality? Do you feel overwhelmed by the initial steps or the path to growth? Launch & Learn is a complimentary, in-person monthly workshop series designed to provide the tools, resources, and local support you need to launch, grow, and strengthen your small business whether you are just getting started, balancing a side hustle with a full-time job, or have been in operation for a few years. 

SCORE

Whether you’re starting, expanding or preparing to exit your business, SCORE’s experienced mentors are here to guide you at no cost. Did you know that small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and faster growth? In addition to mentoring, SCORE offers low or no-cost, targeted training in both in-person and online formats on topics that matter to you and your small business. Join a business expert at an interactive in-person or virtual workshop or learn at your own pace with one of our recorded webinars. 

SBDC (Small Business Development Center)

The City of Peoria Department of Economic Development is proud to partner with SBDC to bring advisors to Peoria Main Library! SBDC provides problem-solving assistance to help small businesses access capital, develop and exchange new technologies, and improve business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, personnel administration, marketing, export assistance, sales and other areas required for small business growth and expansion, management improvement, increased productivity and innovation. Whether starting, scaling, or exiting your business, this is a fantastic opportunity to sit 1:1 with an advisor at no cost.

Starting January 7, 2026, SBDC representatives will be available by appointment for 45-minute sessions at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe St.