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City launches Fuerza Local accelerator; 12 businesses selected from 38 applicants under $60,000 USDA grant
Summary
San Luis announced 12 local businesses chosen for the inaugural Fuerza Local accelerator program, funded by a $60,000 USDA grant and run in partnership with Local First Arizona. Staff said 38 applications were received, 35 businesses interviewed, and a standard rubric guided selection. The city plans additional cohorts next fiscal year.
SAN LUIS — The city of San Luis presented its inaugural Fuerza Local business accelerator on Tuesday, announcing 12 businesses selected from 38 applicants for a six‑month training and mentoring cohort funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant.
Economic development director Armando Esparza told the council the department received a $60,000 USDA grant to support small business capacity building and partnered with Local First Arizona to deliver the program. "This program again was started through a grant through USDA, with $60,000," Esparza said during his presentation.
Esparza described the outreach and selection process: promotional flyers and door‑to‑door canvassing in commercial areas beginning in November 2024; 38 applications; 35 businesses interviewed in December; and a scoring rubric managed by the program partner. A selection committee included staff from Local First Arizona, the Small Business Development Center (represented in the meeting by Marie Carmen Lopez), the city economic development office and the local business incubator.
Why it matters: Esparza said the accelerator seeks to strengthen established small businesses and new ventures so they can grow and create jobs locally. He also announced that the city plans a second cohort of 12 businesses starting in August of the next fiscal year and will continue outreach for future cohorts.
Program details and community response - Promotion and selection: City staff and Local First Arizona promoted the program citywide; interviews were conducted with invited applicants and a rubric was used to score business readiness, commitment and program need. - Applicants and selection: Of 38 applicants, the top 12 averaged the highest scores across reviewers and were offered cohort slots; the city also designated alternates should any selected businesses decline. - Partnership and supports: The program pairs Local First Arizona’s curriculum with local mentors and small business counseling; Marie Carmen Lopez of the Small Business Development Center participated on the review panel.
Council members publicly defended the process after one community member criticized selections publicly; staff reiterated that council members were not involved in selection decisions and that the selection committee used an established rubric. Council members and economic development staff emphasized that the program’s purpose is to provide training, mentorship and growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Ending Esparza said the city will run another 12‑business cohort next fiscal year, beginning in August, and encouraged businesses that missed this round to apply for future cohorts.
