Now that tax season is (finally) behind us, it’s the perfect time for small business owners in Laveen to take a deep breath and start looking ahead. Whether you were scrambling to meet the April 15 deadline or had everything filed early, one thing is certain: planning for the future can make next year a whole lot easier.
But beyond taxes, this is an ideal moment to reassess your goals, get organized, and put smart budgeting practices into place. Good planning isn’t just for big corporations – it’s essential for small, local businesses too. And luckily, Laveen and the greater Phoenix area offer some excellent resources to help you get started.
Why planning matters
Running a small business often means wearing a dozen hats at once. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations and push long-term planning to the back burner. But taking the time now to think ahead can help prevent financial surprises, keep your goals on track, and open new opportunities for growth.
Setting up a business budget, tracking expenses more efficiently, or even refining your pricing can help you stay sustainable in the long run. Plus, it gives you a solid foundation to build on when tax season rolls around again.
Local resources to tap into
1. Arizona Small Business Development Center (AZSBDC)
The AZSBDC provides free one-on-one advising and workshops tailored to small business needs. Their sessions cover everything from writing a business plan to managing cash flow and setting financial goals.
- Local Office: Maricopa SBDC
- Address: 108 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Website: azsbdc.net
2. SCORE Greater Phoenix
This volunteer-based organization offers free mentoring for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Whether you need help creating a business roadmap or want advice on expanding your services, SCORE has mentors who can guide you.
- Website: score.org/greaterphoenix
- Services: Business planning, budgeting, marketing, and more
3. Local workshops at Cesar Chavez Library
Occasionally, the Cesar Chavez Library in Laveen hosts small business workshops in partnership with local organizations. Keep an eye on their event calendar, especially during Small Business Week in May. Topics often include financial planning, marketing, and digital tools for growth.
- Address: 3635 W Baseline Rd, Laveen, AZ 85339
Local networking groups
Community networking groups, like those promoted through Find It In Laveen, can be great sources of peer advice and support. Sharing challenges and success stories with fellow business owners can spark new ideas and offer encouragement during the planning process.
Tips to get started
- Review your financials: Look back at last year’s income and expenses. What went well? What needs to change?
- Set clear goals: Whether it’s increasing revenue, cutting costs, or adding new services, define your targets and write them down.
- Create a budget: Outline expected expenses and income for the next 6-12 months. Include a cushion for unexpected costs.
- Use tools that help: Consider using apps like QuickBooks, Wave, or even Excel to track finances and make budgeting easier.
Looking forward
Planning doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It’s about giving yourself the space to step back, refocus, and approach your business with clarity. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. Between local experts, community events, and helpful tools, there’s a lot of support available.
So, take this post-tax-season moment to plan ahead, get organized, and move forward with purpose. Your future self will thank you for it.
Find it in Laveen is the first and only Laveen Business Directory. Founded in November 2015, our mission is to support the Laveen and South Phoenix business community by sharing local resources, news, events, business tips, and a listing for all local business owners. List your local business today: https://finditinlaveen.com/list-your-laveen-business/
