GLOBE, AZ — Gila Community College (GCC) and the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) have entered into a new partnership to expand high-quality small business support services across Gila County through the Arizona Small Business Development Center (AZSBDC) Network.
The Memorandum of Agreement, effective May 1 through December 31, 2026, establishes a coordinated framework to deliver advising, training, and community-based business development services at both GCC campuses.
Under the agreement, the Maricopa SBDC Service Center will provide one-to-one, no-fee, confidential business advising; no-cost and low-cost workshops; and access to specialized business development tools for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Globe and Payson. The agreement specifies that a minimum of one training event and one advocacy event will be held each quarter at both the Gila Pueblo and Payson campuses.
Advising will be delivered by SBDC business advisors assigned by Maricopa SBDC Program Director Nancy Sanders. Sessions may be conducted in person or virtually, ensuring flexible access for rural entrepreneurs. GCC will provide confidential meeting space, secure internet access, and printing capabilities to support on-site advising.
“This partnership strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Gila County and expands the resources available to our local businesses,” said Dr. Janice Lawhorn, President of Gila Community College. “By bringing the expertise of the Arizona SBDC Network directly to our campuses, we are ensuring that small business owners—whether they are launching, growing, or rebuilding—have access to the tools and guidance they need to succeed.”
“This agreement is about more than access—it’s about impact,” said Nancy Sanders, Program Director of the Maricopa SBDC. “By embedding experienced advisors and proven resources directly into Gila County, we are empowering entrepreneurs to make informed decisions, accelerate growth, and build resilient businesses that strengthen the local economy for the long term.”
The AZSBDC Network, headquartered in Tempe, provides statewide leadership, quality assurance, and compliance oversight for all SBDC activities. This partnership aligns with the Network’s mission to deliver accessible, high-impact support to small businesses across Arizona.
About Gila Community College
Gila Community College (GCC) empowers its communities through accessible, high-quality education, workforce development, and technical training. With campuses in Globe and Payson, as well as satellite sites across the county, GCC serves as a vital educational and cultural hub. Dedicated to student success and lifelong learning, the college offers a diverse range of degrees, certificate programs, and community interest courses designed to respond to regional economic needs and enrich the lives of its students.
As an independent institution in Candidacy for Accreditation, GCC is committed to creating a vibrant future for Gila County.
For more information, visit: www.gilacc.org
About Maricopa Community Colleges
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is one of the largest community college systems in the nation, serving approximately 140,000 students annually across 10 colleges. MCCCD offers affordable, high-quality education through associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, industry-recognized certificates, and workforce training programs.
For more information, visit: www.maricopa.edu
Media Contact
For more information about small business advising or upcoming workshops at GCC, community members may contact:
Angus Aron
Vice President of Operations
Gila Community College
(928) 425-8481 ext. 133
Nancy Sanders
Small Business Development Center Program Director
(480) 784-0596
Nancy.Sanders@domail.maricopa.edu
