TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — On her latest visit to Tucson, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs celebrated the impact a $5 million loan program has had in supporting entrepreneurs and their plans to run micro-businesses.
The Arizona legislature passed the fund in 2023; It allows businesses with five or fewer employees to apply for low-interest loans up to $50,000.
Hobbs’ first stop Thursday was at the Earnest House, one of the first microbusinesses in Pima County to receive a loan from the program. Earnest House helps former inmates reintegrate into society, offering them housing, transportation and employment support. Co-founders Danny and Jessica Howe shared with Hobbs that having this kind of funding has a positive ripple effect.
“When clients can have a place to stay, they have more time and capacity to find jobs,” Danny Howe said.
“We wanted to highlight the small business loan program and the good work that it’s doing in the community,” Hobbs said. “Also, this program (Earnest …