2nd annual City of Tucson Business Forum taking place today. | Business

The second annual City of Tucson Means Business Forum, hosted by Tucson City Councilor Regina Romero is taking place later today.

This forum brings together the City of Tucson Department Directors, the Microbusiness Advancement Center, Local First Arizona, the Pima County Health Department and small business lenders, with current and prospective business owners to provide information on how to do business in and with the City of Tucson. 

Council member Romero chose the S. 12th location for the event due to the high number of Spanish-speaking, local, family run restaurants. Romero applied earlier this year, for a transportation enhancement grant to bring nearly $750,000 in infrastructure improvements to the area.  The grant hasn’t been awarded yet, and there is no guarantee the south 12th area will get the grant, but she is not discouraged and she will keep applying for funds for these improvements.

“S. 12th Avenue is a significant contributor to Tucson’s cultural and culinary landscape,” said Romero. “Mexican “Carretas” like Guero Canelo and B.K.’s, of Sonoran Hot Dog fame, got their start here and have continued to thrive. Many other family-owned small businesses strengthen the commercial corridor. We need shade and landscaping and infrastructure improvements for this corridor.”

The forum is at St. John’s School Cafeteria, 602 W. Ajo Way (at S. 12th Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  There are over 90 current and prospective business owners who rsvp’d to attend, which closed the registration due to capacity issues.  There will be more forums planned during the remainder of the year.

Businesses that will not get to attend this one can get information on future forums at www.ward1@tucsonaz.gov or call 791-4040.

Councilor Romero brought the concept of a model business forum to the Mayor and Council on December 7, 2010 and it was unanimously approved. It is one part of her five-year economic recovery action plan released in November of 2010 that seeks to create jobs, expand business opportunity and accelerate economic recovery.