Phoenix, January 5, 2026
The Black Chamber of Arizona has launched the Arizona Impact Center, a 5,400 square-foot hub designed to empower local businesses in Phoenix. Initiated during the Pinnacle Pathways Gala, the center aims to enhance community-led development and foster entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups. Slated to open in Spring 2026, it will serve as a collaborative space for local entrepreneurs, educators, and community leaders, strengthening economic partnerships and promoting small business growth across Arizona.
Phoenix’s New Impact Center Fuels Entrepreneurial Growth
The Black Chamber of Arizona recently unveiled the Arizona Impact Center, a 5,400 square-foot innovation hub poised to empower local businesses and drive economic expansion across the state. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and community-led development within Phoenix AZ business circles.
The announcement, made at the 27th annual Pinnacle Pathways Gala, highlights a significant step in bolstering the infrastructure available to Arizona AZ entrepreneurs. Such private sector initiatives are crucial for cultivating a dynamic economy where innovation can flourish, often demonstrating how community-driven efforts can effectively complement broader economic development strategies.
The Vision Behind the Center
The Arizona Impact Center is envisioned as a central hub dedicated to business innovation and economic growth. This 5,400 square-foot facility aims to strengthen statewide economic partnerships and promote the expansion of small businesses across Arizona. It will serve as a collaborative space designed to unite nonprofits, educators, businesses, and community leaders, fostering innovation and creating generational wealth, particularly for underrepresented entrepreneurs. The center’s mission includes driving growth, resilience, and innovation within Arizona’s Black business community. It focuses on economic mobility, assisting small businesses in gaining access to contracts and capital, and providing resources to help them scale and become sustainable.
A Hub for Innovation in Phoenix
Slated to open in Spring 2026, the Arizona Impact Center will be located in a historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building in downtown Phoenix. This revitalized facility, originally designed by architect Kenneth Oberg and built in 1966, has been vacant for nearly a decade and is now undergoing a thoughtful renovation to become a catalyst for economic revitalization and a cornerstone for community engagement and inclusion. The project is currently entering the permitting phase with the City of Phoenix, with construction expected to begin soon. The center’s strategic location and dedication to providing resources underscore the importance of accessible infrastructure for Phoenix small business owners.
The Pinnacle Pathways Gala: A Tradition of Excellence
The Arizona Impact Center’s launch was announced at the Black Chamber of Arizona’s 27th annual Pinnacle Pathways Gala on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This signature annual event, held in Glendale, serves as a crucial fundraiser, with proceeds supporting programs in youth development, small business expansion, workforce readiness, and justice-impacted entrepreneurship. The gala brings together civic, business, and community leaders from across Arizona and the country, reflecting a commitment to economic growth and statewide collaboration. The Chamber’s decision to host the event in Glendale for the first time highlights its expanding statewide reach and dedication to building public-private partnerships that support small business success across all parts of Arizona.
Fostering Arizona AZ Entrepreneurs
The Black Chamber of Arizona has a long-standing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs. Its programs, such as Impact AZ 2025, are designed to assist Black and minority-owned businesses in preparing for contracting opportunities, providing technical assistance, capital readiness, and mentorship. These initiatives directly address systemic hurdles, offering support to help businesses secure contracts and grow. The Chamber’s efforts have shown tangible results, with members achieving a $1.5 million aggregate increase in sales and creating over 500 new jobs in 2024 and 2025, according to a recent impact report. Furthermore, the organization has helped secure more than $5 million in capital for entrepreneurs and small business owners. These achievements demonstrate the power of targeted support and private sector engagement in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Driving Economic Growth and Resilience
The establishment of the Arizona Impact Center aligns with broader efforts to drive economic growth and build resilience within the state’s business community. By providing a dedicated space for collaboration and resource access, the center aims to support the creation of new jobs and generate significant economic value. This approach emphasizes strengthening the foundation of Phoenix small business and expanding opportunities for wealth creation. The Black Chamber of Arizona’s mission is to empower small businesses and generate new economic buying power to establish resilient pathways for financial growth across Arizona. By supporting entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities, the center will contribute to a more diverse and robust economy, minimizing the need for extensive governmental intervention by fostering self-sustaining private sector solutions.
The Arizona Impact Center represents a proactive step by the Black Chamber of Arizona to empower local entrepreneurs and businesses, contributing to the overall vitality of the Phoenix AZ business landscape. As the center prepares to open its doors in Spring 2026, it symbolizes the enduring spirit of innovation and community collaboration that continues to shape Arizona’s economic future. Readers are encouraged to learn more about the initiatives of the Black Chamber of Arizona and support local businesses, ensuring a prosperous future for all Arizona AZ entrepreneurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Arizona Impact Center?
- The Arizona Impact Center is a 5,400 square-foot hub for business innovation and economic growth, launched by the Black Chamber of Arizona.
- When and where was the Arizona Impact Center announced?
- The Arizona Impact Center was announced at the Black Chamber of Arizona’s 27th annual Pinnacle Pathways Gala on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in Glendale.
- When will the Arizona Impact Center open?
- The Arizona Impact Center is slated to open in Spring 2026.
- Where will the Arizona Impact Center be located?
- The Arizona Impact Center will be located in a historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building in downtown Phoenix.
- What is the primary purpose of the Arizona Impact Center?
- The primary purpose of the Arizona Impact Center is to strengthen statewide economic partnerships and promote small business growth, serving as a collaborative space for entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and community leaders.
Key Features of the Arizona Impact Center
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | 5,400 square feet |
| Opening Date | Spring 2026 |
| Location | Historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building in downtown Phoenix |
| Purpose | Hub for business innovation and economic growth; strengthen statewide economic partnerships and small business growth |
| Initiator | Black Chamber of Arizona |
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