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San Luis selects 12 businesses for local accelerator; city outlines outreach, incubator and workforce projects
Summary
The Economic Development Department announced 12 businesses selected for a local accelerator cohort, plans for additional cohorts, community engagement events, a home‑based business assistance workshop and a proposed EV technician program with Arizona Western College.
Armando, director of the San Luis Economic Development Department, briefed the commission on a local business accelerator cohort and several outreach and workforce initiatives intended to support small businesses and job training in the city.
"We were able to interview 38 companies… and our funding only was only able to accept 12 for this cohort for the business accelerator program," Armando said, describing the selection process for the Local Business Accelerator run in partnership with Local First Arizona. He invited the 12 participating businesses to introduce themselves; the program will include promotion by the city, a graduation ceremony planned for July in partnership with Local First, and a press release to publicize the cohort.
Vice Chair Salma Marufo and commissioners expressed support and suggested involving the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce for ribbon cuttings and mixers. Armando said a second cohort is planned to start in August and that the city will open recruitment in March or April; 38 applications were received and staff will reach out to remaining applicants for potential future cohorts.
Staff also reported several complementary projects: a home‑based business assistance workshop tentatively scheduled for Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. at City Hall; a three‑event "Community Connections" series beginning Feb. 4 (east side), March 4 (City Hall) and April (Pep Park) to engage residents citywide; and an EV technician certificate program being developed with Arizona Western College to be housed at the business incubator, expected to open in the fall pending shop setup. Armando said one incubator suite is vacant and under consideration to host the EV training program, which would draw students from across the county.
Commissioners also asked for materials and vacancy lists. Armando said presentation slides were attached to the meeting agenda and could be emailed, and staff are working to create an accessible online inventory of shovel‑ready and vacant commercial properties as part of marketing and website updates.
