Business education and planning workshop announced for Flagstaff area. The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce announced on Aug. 18 a free Business Education and Planning workshop, which will include an 11-week Business Certification course in collaboration with DreamBuilder and Kiva.org. According to the announcement, those interested are encouraged to review the flyer for complete information and registration details. The program aims to provide local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical tools for growth and development. The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce bolsters local communities by fostering economic development, preparing the workforce, hosting events, driving business expansion, gathering key influencers, promoting community resilience, extending support to businesses throughout northern Arizona, supporting business-friendly policies through advocacy at various government levels, and partnering with stakeholders to enhance economic growth, according to the official website. In addition to educational initiatives like this workshop series, the organization also recognizes outstanding professional women through its ATHENA Award program for career accomplishments and community leadership. Those interested in participating in the upcoming certification course can find more details about registration on materials provided by the chamber.

Kiva NWA expanding Spanish-language access to capital. Kiva NWA is expanding its bilingual lending support to help more entrepreneurs secure zero percent interest microloans and overcome barriers to traditional financing and has added Ignacio Balderrama as Kiva NWA capital access manager. Operated locally by Fayetteville's Startup Junkie Foundation, the Kiva NWA Hub provides character-based, crowdfunded loans of up to $15,000 at zero percent interest to small business owners across the region. Hispanic-owned businesses represent one of the fastest-growing segments of new business formation in Arkansas, yet many founders face persistent barriers to traditional financing, including language access challenges, limited credit history and unfamiliarity with conventional lending systems, according to Claudia Scott, director of the Kiva NWA program. "As our region grows, our capital systems have to grow with it," Scott said. "Strengthening bilingual support through Ignacio's leadership allows us to remove barriers, increase participation, and ensure that Latino entrepreneurs are fully integrated into northwest Arkansas' economic momentum." A native of Bolivia, Balderrama joined the Startup Junkie team as an intern in 2023 and has also served as the host of Querido Emprendedor, the organization's Spanish-language podcast highlighting northwest Arkansas' Latino founders. In his new role, he will support prospective borrower intake, borrower advising, outreach, and loan readiness preparation as Kiva NWA expands Spanish-language consulting and capital access services. "For many entrepreneurs, access to capital is about clarity and trust as much as eligibility, and entrepreneurship takes courage," said Balderrama. "The least we can do is make sure the path forward feels clear and welcoming." The continued expansion of the Kiva NWA program was made possible through the renewal of support and increased investment in September 2025 from the Walton Family Foundation, which included renewed operational funding and a $1 million loan match contribution to Kiva U.S., doubling the impact of local lenders in Washington and Benton counties.