The City of Tucson has earned the prestigious 2024 Golden Prospector Award for its Academy of International Trade, an initiative aimed at fostering cross-border business growth.
This recognition from the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) highlights Tucson’s continued efforts in promoting international economic development, particularly with Mexican entrepreneurs.
What is the Golden Prospector Award?
The Golden Prospector Award, established over two decades ago, honors exceptional achievements in economic development across Arizona.
This year, Tucson received the award for its Academy of International Trade, a program dedicated to helping small and medium-sized Mexican businesses expand into the U.S. market, with a special focus on Tucson.
The award, presented at AAED’s Fall Forum in Prescott, Arizona, recognizes the Academy’s impact in creating business opportunities and encouraging investment in the region.
Tucson’s Academy of International Trade
Launched by the City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives, the Academy of International Trade hosted a series of workshops in 2023 to provide Mexican entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge needed to successfully enter the U.S. market.
Supported by the U.S. Consulate General in Nogales, the Academy held eight in-person sessions, starting in Nogales, Sonora, and concluding with a graduation in Tucson.
Through these workshops, 31 business owners learned about international trade laws, market strategies, and U.S. business setup processes. As a result, 24 businesses expressed interest in investing in the U.S. within the next year.
According to Barbra Coffee, Director of Economic Initiatives, the Academy is a important part of Tucson’s strategy to “attract investment and create a diverse, sustainable economy.”
Impact on Tucson’s Economic Growth
Tucson’s Academy for International Trade aligns with the city’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, which aims to diversify the local economy through international collaboration.
By providing Mexican businesses a clear pathway to invest in Tucson, the city continues to strengthen its position as a hub for cross-border trade. This initiative not only creates jobs but also enhances the local business ecosystem by fostering new partnerships across the Arizona-Mexico border.
What’s Next?
The success of the Academy for International Trade has led to plans for a new series of workshops, starting in Hermosillo later this year. Interested businesses are encouraged to contact Alma Peralta at the Office of Economic Initiatives for more information on how to participate.
Tucson’s focus on economic growth and international trade shows the city’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, diverse economy for years to come. With continued initiatives like the Academy, Tucson is paving the way for businesses to thrive in a global market.
For more details about the Academy for International Trade or to register for upcoming workshops, reach out to Alma Peralta.
Sources: THX News & City of Tucson.
