Current News

Support Scottsdale businesses this Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 29, a day dedicated to celebrating and supporting small, locally owned businesses.


When you shop and dine in Scottsdale, your dollars recirculate in the community, supporting jobs, services and reinvestment that fuel future growth.

Small businesses make up the majority of Scottsdale’s business community and are key drivers of innovation and employment. Scottsdale was recently ranked the No. 1 city in the nation for small-business friendliness, reflecting the strength and resilience of its local entrepreneurs.


This holiday season, make Scottsdale your destination for shopping small and supporting the businesses that keep our economy strong.

Fuel your innovation: Arizona’s FAST Grant Program now open

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) in partnership with the Small Business Administration is now accepting applications for the Arizona FAST Grant, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support technology-driven small businesses as they pursue federally funded research and innovation awards.


Eligible businesses may receive up to $3,000 each, with six awards granted in this round. Applications are open through Monday, Nov. 24; firms must be organized for profit, have no more than 500 employees, and match the federal SBIR/STTR eligibility criteria.

Scottsdale strengthens food security through new partnerships

Scottsdale is enhancing food assistance programs s through collaborations with nonprofit, health-care and regional food-agency partners. Recent improvements include additional weekly food-distribution sites and a refrigerated truck upgrade that allows the Scottsdale Food Bank to deliver more fresh items safely.


For businesses and residents who wish to contribute, Scottsdale Food Bank is currently seeking volunteers, especially those able to assist with grocery pickups using the new refrigerated truck. Additionally, the Food Bank is updating its Amazon Wish List to reflect current donation needs.

Arizona Commerce Authority opens call for events for inaugural Arizona Tech Week

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is now accepting submissions for events to be part of the state’s first-ever Arizona Tech Week, set for April 6–12, 2026.


The decentralized, statewide tech conference will spotlight Arizona’s growing innovation economy, from AI and semiconductors to renewable energy and automated vehicles. 


Three featured events are being announced for Arizona Tech Week:


  • On April 7, Plug and Play accelerateAZ will host an Innovation Expo;
  • On April 7, Moonshot will host the Moonshot Tech Innovation With An Altitude event in Flagstaff;
  • On April 9, Venture Madness will host its annual pitch competition.


Once the Arizona Tech Week event calendar is published in February 2026, attendees will be able to view and sort events based on topic of interest, date, and location. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend many events by visiting the ACA’s Arizona Tech Week website. 

Upcoming Events

39th Annual Sterling Awards

Thursday, November 20, 2025

12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort

5001 North Scottsdale Rd

Scottsdale, AZ 85250


The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce will present its 2025 Sterling Awards on Nov. 20, recognizing local organizations that demonstrate excellence in innovation, community stewardship and economic impact.


The annual event highlights standout businesses that help drive Scottsdale’s vitality and long-term growth. Scottsdale Economic Development will be there to support and celebrate this year’s honorees. Learn more and register through the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce.

Scottsdazzle

Nov. 29- Dec. 31, 2025

Old Town Scottsdale


Join the city of Scottsdale’s annual holiday celebration, Scottsdazzle.


Awarded Best Community Event in 2025 by Arizona Travel Awards, festivities kick off on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Jingle & Jazz Tree Lighting Spectacular. This dazzling events features a 16-piece jazz band, live dance performances, a local pop-up market and family-friendly activities. The festivities continue throughout December with an action packed calendar of events, priceless photo opps, festive tours and holiday shopping and dining galore!

2025 State of Arizona Cyber Summit

December 5, 2025

7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Phoenix

122 N 2nd St

Phoenix, AZ 85004


The 2025 Summit will convene 400+ cybersecurity and IT leaders, including CISOs, CIOs, and key decision-makers, for a day of interactive sessions and high-impact networking.


With a lineup of dynamic workshops and speakers, you will gain invaluable tools, knowledge, and resources to stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of cyber threats. 

2026 State of the City Address featuring Mayor Lisa Borowsky

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Palomino Ballroom & Conference Center

7575 E. Princess Drive

Scottsdale, AZ 85255


The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to the 2026 State of the City Address featuring Mayor Lisa Borowsky. Celebrate Scottsdale’s successes and accomplishments from the past year, and hear the mayor discuss key opportunities and priorities for 2026.

Scottsdale Company Spotlight 

Evolve PR & Marketing is Arizona’s largest public relations firm, marking 15 years of shaping the stories that move the state forward. With a 28-person team and more than 140 clients across hospitality, real estate, technology, nonprofit, and finance, the firm specializes in authentic storytelling that builds meaningful connections and measurable results. Evolve was recently named the #1 PR Firm by PHOENIX Magazine and Ranking Arizona and recognized by AZ Business as one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies. The firm is led by President and CEO Jennifer Kaplan, who was honored by PRNEWS in 2025 as both a Top Woman in PR and a People of the Year recipient. Jennifer and the Evolve team are proud to champion Arizona’s leading brands and strengthen the communities they serve.


"I love Scottsdale for its perfect mix of desert beauty and upbeat energy. The sunshine, views, and outdoor vibe make every day feel fresh, fun, and motivating. It’s a place that keeps you inspired while giving you space to breathe and enjoy the moment," said Jennifer Kaplan, president & CEO of Evolve PR & Marketing.

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