ASU’s CareerCatalyst ignites growth for Arizona’s small businesses

In the state of Arizona, small businesses employ more than 1 million people, constituting 43% of the state’s private workforce.

In an effort to serve these businesses, ASU CareerCatalyst has launched the AZ Small Business Workforce Education Program, which provides flexible programs for workers to develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers. 

The new program supports businesses and workers at every career stage — from entry level to executive — and across job roles and industries.

As pilot partners of the initiative, WESTMARC and chamber of commerce organizations in Peoria and Chandler are serving as ASU CareerCatalyst’s link to Arizona’s small businesses. 

Both organizations recognize the importance of developing a competitive labor environment that adapts to changing workforce needs. To support this aim, they’re offering the AZ Small Business Workforce Education program as a benefit to their members, embedding access to CareerCatalyst’s workforce education in their specific communities.

“We’re proud to partner with these organizations to advance their local workforces,” said Meredyth Hendricks, associate vice president of ASU’s CareerCatalyst. “This partnership aims to create a launchpad for continuous professional development that transcends industries and job functions. 

“As individual employees gain valuable knowledge that fuels their career progression, businesses benefit from having a more skilled workforce. It’s a win-win.”

ASU CareerCatalyst taps into the expertise of a world-class global research university to offer an integrated portfolio of job-relevant education. Small businesses and their employees can choose from a wide variety of programs providing skills development and certification for in-demand roles, from technical skills education in project management and data analytics to a broad range of professional “soft skills” education programs. 

With this spotlight on Arizona’s small businesses, ASU is playing a significant role in equipping and empowering the state to stay at the forefront of economic progress. Growth isn’t just a destination for these businesses; it’s a collaborative journey through continual learning.