The Arizona Department of Commerce Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is accepting applications to create or renew an enterprise zone. EZ focuses on improving the economies of areas in the state with high poverty or unemployment rates. Applications must be submitted to Commerce Oct. 1st - 31st, 2007. All applications are then reviewed by Dec. 30th. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or rejection no later than Jan. 15th, 2008.
Newly certified and recertified zones may receive up to a 5-year designation.
In order to apply, an Enterprise Zone Commission must be formed to manage the proposed zone. Depending on the area the zone encompasses, the commission could be made up of officials from several local jurisdictions. There are several specific criteria that must be met in order for a proposed zone to be eligible. For more specific info please see the 'Guidelines for Establishing an Arizona Enterprise Zone.'
There are currently 25 active enterprise zones within the State of Arizona:
Apache County, Bullhead City, Camp Verde, City of Chandler, Cochise County, Coconino County, City of Flagstaff, Gila County, Graham County, Greenlee County, Lake Havasu City, La Paz County, City of Mesa, Mohave County, Navajo County, City of Phoenix, Pinal County (Zone 1 & Zone 2), Prescott/Yavapai County, Santa Cruz County, City of Tempe, Tucson/Pima County, Western Maricopa, Yavapai County/Chino Valley/Prescott Valley, Yuma County.
For additional info on the Enterprise Zone Program please visit: azcommerce.com.