Small Businesses

Girl Taking a picture. Arizona Tourism

Earlier this month, Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Office of Tourism announced 43 businesses and organizations across the state will receive more than $9.4 million in recovery grants. This is a sizeable investment towards one of the biggest hit industries in Arizona, and we look forward to the enormous impact it will have on our economy.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. is one of Arizona’s leading government relations firms. We accomplish this by making your voice heard by key policymakers in the community. Tourism and recovery grants impact businesses across many industries. Read our article below to learn more about the recovery grants and what this could mean for the economy.

The Recovery Grants From the Visit Arizona Initiative

In an effort to attract out-of-state visitors, Arizona has set aside more than $9.4 million to support its tourism industry. 

The grants are a part of the Visit Arizona Initiative, which will use federal American Rescue Plan funds to help Arizona’s tourism industry rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“When visitors from across the globe travel to our great state, they stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, buy our products and enjoy our recreational activities. Their investments benefit Arizonans, and the Visit Arizona Initiative will help our tourism sector prosper — and continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic,” Governor Doug Ducey said in a press release about the Initiative.

Where Will the Tourism Recovery Grants Go?

The Arizona Office of Tourism will release the grant money through five programs:

    • The Visit Arizona Partnership will disburse $25 million in recovery grants to attract small and large-scale productions for operations that attract out-of-state visitors and raise the state’s profile.
    • The Visit Arizona Marketing program will offer $20 million in grants to help support the state’s strategic marketing plans to bring in visitors.
  • The Outdoor Tourism Revitalization program will offer $16 million in grants to help golf courses, trails, and outdoor recreation areas attract visitors.
  • The Legacy Tourism Revitalization program will help older golf courses modernize and improve their operations, and help increase water conservation and sustainability.
  • The Outdoor Attractions Revitalization program will support outdoor recreation via marketing, sustainability, and infrastructure improvements.

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. are Strong Advocates for the Tourism Industry

With greater support for our state’s tourism, there is no better time to consider strong advocacy to protect your business. Elected officials are constantly discussing legislation that impacts businesses across Arizona, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a seat at the table.

When you partner with a government relations firm like Dorn Policy Group, Inc., you’re not just getting our support. You gain an invaluable partner that advocates for your success. With nearly 60 years of combined experience, we’re experts in obtaining the results you need for success. Contact us today to learn more about our services and what we can do for you. 

Taking Notes in Notebook with the Chamber of Commerce

Looking to expand your presence and grow your business’s revenue? Joining your local chamber of commerce can be an exceptional opportunity to push your small businesses to the next level. 

But, what exactly is a chamber of commerce and how can it benefit your business?

What is a Chamber of Commerce?

It is a local network designed to help business owners connect with other businesses in a formal environment. 

Small Businesses Benefits of Joining a Chamber of Commerce

Not only will it help grow your network of local businesses, but joining can bring a number of other perks. Including:

  • Acquiring customer referrals
  • Receive chamber newsletters
  • Increase visibility in your community
  • Bring credibility to your business

Additionally, joining your local chamber gives you a voice in government; giving you resources to share your concern for new regulations, taxes, and other impacts on your business. 

Dorn Policy Group, Inc. Can Amplify Your Voice in All Levels of Government

With nearly 60 years of combined government experience, Dorn Policy Group can advocate on your behalf at the Federal, State, County, Municipal, District, and Tribal levels. 

Contact us to learn what Dorn Policy Group, Inc. can do for you.

A lobbying meeting going over strategy for a client

Owner, HR, CFO, procurement, IT. Small business owners have several roles to carry out.  One that may never be thought of, yet may be one of the most important, is a lobbyist.  Legislators regularly create policies that sometimes make or break small businesses. While it may be assumed that lobbying firms primarily lookout for the best interests of large corporations, that is not necessarily true. There are a large number of boutique lobbyists that lookout for the little guy. There are several reasons why a small business might need to hire a lobbyist, but we have broken it down into three important categories to consider.

They Have Experience in Influencing Legislation

While anybody can gain the attention of lawmakers and government agencies, there is a very slim chance they can actually sway their decision. This is where lobbyists come in. They know how to reach key policymakers and have the knowledge and experience to strategically influence their decision. Small business owners likely lack the right connections or resources to garner enough recognition for their cause. By partnering with a lobbying firm, their voice has a chance of being heard on all levels of government.

They Can Strategically Communicate Your Case

As we mentioned above, lobbying firms have experience in influencing policy decisions. One way they achieve this is by focusing on key communication strategies, such as capturing media attention, utilizing digital platforms, and community outreach. These plans of action are proven to influence policymakers and public opinion if successfully implemented. By partnering with a lobbying group, small business owners will have a team of experts whose communication skills will push their message further than simply doing it alone. 

They Get Results Faster Than DIY Lobbying

Through their knowledge and communication skills, lobbying firms have the ability to get results faster than a business owner would by working alone. This is especially true if the owner is dealing with a time-sensitive issue. While there is never a guarantee they will get the desired results, it is a safe bet they are more likely to reach legislation much more efficiently than the average small business owner. 

Dorn Policy Group Welcomes Small Business Partnerships

As one of Arizona’s top lobbying firms, we are dedicated to helping businesses large and small. We have more than 60 years of combined experience and know the best strategies to ensure your voice is heard on the issues that matter to you. If you’re a small business owner in need of assistance do not hesitate to contact us today!

According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are approximately 28 million small businesses, which account for 54% of sales across a diverse range of industries.  While it is assumed lobbyists are only looking out for conglomerates, there are many lobbying firms that act on behalf of smaller businesses.  By employing boutique lobbyists to support their business, small business owners are able to voice their concerns with policymakers who matter.

What Are Boutique Lobbyists

Boutique lobbyists are individuals who work for smaller companies. They serve their small business clients by incorporating strategies into their advocacy approach to reach targeted decision-makers. Similar to large corporations, boutique lobbyists focus their efforts on serving businesses based on their political needs. However, the biggest difference between small business lobbyists and those who handle large companies’ political affairs is the client’s ability to spend. Smaller lobbying agencies will understand this and will often take a more frugal approach in their strategy in order to obtain the desired results. 

What to Expect From Boutique Lobbyists

Due to having a lower budget to accommodate smaller businesses, lobbyists will incorporate cost-efficient strategies into their campaign.  They will put their focus into smaller initiatives such as communication strategies, building strong relationships, and networking with the right people.  Another way boutique lobbyists work with small businesses is by including them in all aspects of the advocacy process.  Most of these businesses are working with lobbyists for the first time, so any good agency will take the time to explain their process and update them on their efforts.

Let Dorn Policy Group Work For You

If you are having trouble getting your voice heard by key policymakers let us be your microphone. As one of Arizona’s top-level lobbying firms, Dorn Policy Group is committed to each of our clients!  Contact us today to learn how Dorn Policy Group can help you!

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