As an accounting professional and small business consultant working with locally owned businesses for more than 20 years, I always hear stories from small business owners about their achievements, frustrations and how they enjoy doing the work they love.

I see how self-employment is a strong option for all individuals nowadays, and I truly believe that small businesses are the engine for local economies. Small businesses are a unique source of energy, creativity and fresh ideas.

Statistics speak for themselves about the entrepreneurial spirit in our state and how Arizona has consolidated as a hub to grow small businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration,, 99.5% of business entities in Arizona are small businesses that employ 42.2% of Arizona workers.