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Starting a Small Business in Arizona

Welcome to the Small Business Startup Arizona Franchise Directory! Here, you’ll find everything you need to begin your journey to business ownership in The Grand Canyon State. If you’re thinking about starting a small business in Arizona, read on for an overview of the state economy. Afterward, explore business opportunities and franchises for sale with our Arizona Franchise Search Tool.

Arizona Industry Trends

If an industry is performing well, business opportunities within it are often worth exploring. Begin your market research with this list of the Arizona economy's largest industries in 2022. Afterward, take your research one step further by investigating niche markets and B2B opportunities within one of these top revenue-generating industries.

Tourism (Revenue: $146.2 billion)
E-Commerce & Online Auctions (Revenue: $34.4 billion)
Property, Casualty & Direct Insurance (Revenue: $30.4 billion)
New Car Dealers (Revenue: $30.2 billion)
Commercial Banking (Revenue: $26.5 billion)
Health & Medical Insurance (Revenue: $23.7 billion)
Hospitals (Revenue: $23.6 billion)
Public Schools (Revenue: $20.8 billion)
Real Estate Loans & Collateralized Debt (Revenue: $19.6 billion)
Supermarkets & Grocery Stores (Revenue: $17.4 billion)

Arizona Sector Statistics

When starting a small business in Arizona, gross domestic product (GDP) is another tool that entrepreneurs can use to make investment decisions. Generally, a steadily rising GDP means that people are spending more money and more jobs are being created.

The three sectors that contributed most to Arizona’s GDP in 2022 were Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing; Manufacturing, and Healthcare and Social Assistance. Combined, these three sectors represented 36.7% of the state’s GDP. In 2022, the sectors that contributed most to Arizona’s GDP included:

Real Estate & Rental and Leasing (Value: $50.6 billion* | Annual growth: 2.4%)
Manufacturing (Value: $34.1 billion* | Annual growth: 3.7%)
Healthcare & Social Assistance (Value: $30.3 billion* | Annual growth: 2.6%)
Retail Trade (Value: $26.1 billion* | Annual growth: 2.1%)
Finance & Insurance (Value: $24.8 billion* | Annual growth: 8.0%)
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $23.3 billion* | Annual growth: 6.7%)
Wholesale Trade (Value: $20.1 billion* | Annual growth: 4.2%)
Information (Value: $19.6 billion* | Annual growth: 8.5%)
Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $17.6 billion* | Annual growth: 7.5%)
Construction (Value: $15.0 billion* | Annual growth: 2.9%)
Accommodation & Food Services (Value: $11.2 billion* | Annual growth: 6.7%)
Transportation & Warehousing (Value: $8.6 billion* | Annual growth: -1.6%)
Management of Companies & Enterprises (Value: $6.4 billion* | Annual growth: 13.3%)
Utilities (Value: $6.0 billion* | Annual growth: -1.3%)
Other Services (except Public Administration) (Value: $5.7 billion* | Annual growth: 1.7%)

*Approximately

Arizona Population Statistics

A growing population often means greater demand and a steady flow of new customers. If you are undecided about the location of your new business, start by investigating population statistics. Afterward, take your research a step further by exploring population demographics. By doing so, you can decide whether a location is a good match for your target market.

In 2022, counties with the highest populations in Arizona included:

Maricopa (Population: 4.8m | Annual growth rate*: 1.9%)
Pima (Population: 1.1m | Annual growth rate*: 1.1%)
Pinal (Population: 517,000 | Annual growth rate*: 3.7%)
Yavapai (Population: 248,300 | Annual growth rate*: 1.7%)
Yuma (Population: 224,000 | Annual growth rate*: 1.4%)
Mohave (Population: 223,500 | Annual growth rate*: 1.4%)
Coconino (Population: 142,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)
Cochise (Population: 128,200 | Annual growth rate*: 0.3%)
Navajo (Population: 114,000 | Annual growth rate*: 0.8%)
Apache (Population: 72,000 | Annual growth rate*: 0.1%)
Gila (Population: 54,800 | Annual growth rate*: 0.4%)
Santa Cruz (Population: 47,000 | Annual growth rate*: 0.2%)
Graham (Population: 40,100 | Annual growth rate*: 1.1%)
La Paz (Population: 21,900 | Annual growth rate*: 1.0%)
Greenlee (Population: 9,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.7%)

*From 2017 to 2022.

Arizona Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the Arizona economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in The Grand Canyon State! Starting a small business in Arizona is an exciting journey, and we know you’re probably eager to get started. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. While you’ll always have the “opportunity” to start your own business, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called “Franchise Opportunities,” and they offer several benefits, including the recognition of a well-established brand and a proven track record of success.

To learn more, start by exploring franchise opportunities in Arizona, below!

Explore Opportunities and Insights

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Molly Maid

Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, is the nation's leading residential and commercial cleaning services franchise. With us, you'll get a polished approach to business ownership

$50,000 Min Cash Required

SmartMarket Solutions

SmartMarket Solutions is redefining unattended retail with AI-powered SmartMarkets that offer secure, grab-and-go access to todays most popular snacks and beverages. No lines, no staff, and no franchise feesjust a smarter, more scalable way to build a flexible business. Backed by advanced technology, national brand products, and full training and support, this is a future-ready opportunity designed for entrepreneurs who want real freedom and strong income potential.

$50,000 Min Cash Required

Minuteman Press

Own an Essential B2B Printing & Marketing Franchise with a proven business model, low inventory, work-life balance, great products & services that every business needs. No prior experience is needed. Be part of the modern printing industry.

$50,000 Min Cash Required

CartCapital - Subscription Based E-Commerce Store

Did you know you could partner with a company to build out your entire e-commerce store, from product research to inventory acquisition to marketing? Yep You can easily make 6-7 figures in passive income when we build your e-commerce empire and money-making machine from the ground up All it takes is an upfront investment, and our team will do the rest. By this time next year, you could be sitting on a 7 figure empire. Request more information now

$40,000 Min Cash Required

ATAX

With our proven system, your franchise business can run smoothly and efficiently while achieving consistent, measurable, growth. Decades of documented franchise and business success have enabled us to develop a business system that drives customer loyalty, repeat business, and financial stability. Get best-in-class ongoing support from our team to run and manage your franchise business. We provide end-to-end franchise solutions from getting started to licensing assistance.

$35,000 Min Cash Required

SiteSwan

Start your own web design business with SiteSwan. Create & sell websites to small businesses in your area with our easy-to-use, private label website builder. Set your own prices - keep 100 of the sales. Our turnkey platform is designed for anyone looking to sell websites to small businesses - no experience needed.

Starting a Small Business in Arizona