Economic Development Portal Presentation

Town of Wickenburg — Regular Meeting (2025-01-15)

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEB PORTAL
Tim Suan

WHY HAVE A PORTAL
• 63% of new jobs in a community come from existing
businesses (U.S. Small Business Administration).
• Businesses increasingly rely on online resources;
80% of site selectors begin their search digitally
(Site Selection Magazine, 2023).
• Enhances Wickenburg’s ability to attract and retain
businesses.

EMPOWERING BUSINESSES AND SMART GROWTH
• Showcase Wickenburg’s 25% population growth since
2010 (U.S. Census).
• Leverage a local talent pool of 137,000 commutable
residents (Maricopa Association of Governments).
• Showcase Wickenburg’s 7-hour average visitor stay, a key
driver of economic activity (PlacerAI, 2024).

Economic Development Main
Page
Welcome to Wickenburg’s
centralized hub for business
resources, community highlights,
and economic opportunities.
Resources for Businesses
Looking to Locate
Discover Wickenburg’s prime
location, competitive costs, and
unique combination of rural
charm with easy metropolitan
access.
Support for Growing
Businesses & Entrepreneurs
Access a variety of tools,
mentorship opportunities, and
funding programs designed to
support entrepreneurs and
established businesses.
Why Wickenburg? A Great
Place to Live, Work, and Thrive
Explore Wickenburg’s vibrant
community, rich cultural events,
and exceptional quality of life
that make it an ideal place for
both living and working.
Sidebar Quick Links
(Displayed on All Pages)
Find direct access to current
programs and opportunities,
such as the No Cost College
Certificate Program
(Workforce2You) and the
Commercial Façade
Improvement Grant Program, as
well as strategic plans, studies,
and contact information.
Strategic Plans, Studies, and
Community Advisory
Explore Wickenburg’s strategic
development plans, housing
studies, and insights from the
advisory committee.

KEY FEATURES OF THE WEB PORTAL
• Locate & Invest: Zoning maps, property locators, and
demographic tools.
• Business Support: Licensing guides, grants, and
workforce development resources.
• Community Showcase: Highlights of local events,
cultural assets, and testimonials.
• Strategic Resources: Access to housing studies,
economic strategies, and advisory committee insights.

HOW DO WE BENEFIT?
• Businesses: 43% of businesses report difficulty finding
local resources online (Clutch, 2023).
• Prospective Residents: Access to quality-of-life
information.
• Lenders and Investors: Confidence through detailed
economic insights and incentives.
• Town Leadership: Increased visibility and sustainable
economic development.

THE PROCESS
• Collaboration with the Economic Development
Advisory Committee and focus area leadership.
• Researched best practices from 50+ successful
economic portals.
• Next steps: Committee feedback, focus group
guidance, design, and launch.