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The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is pleased to announce that Daniel “Danny” C. Ayala has been named as the new State Director of the Arizona Small Business Development Center Network (AZSBDC).
As State Director of AZSBDC, Ayala will be responsible for the statewide operations of the AZSBDC Network, which promotes small business growth, development, and sustainability. AZSBDC provides free and confidential business counseling and training to small businesses across Arizona.
“As the state’s most comprehensive source for small business assistance, the AZSBDC Network is committed to helping entrepreneurs grow and succeed,” said MCCCD Chancellor, Dr. Steven R. Gonzales. “I look forward to working with Mr. Ayala to positively impact Maricopa County and deliver best-in-class service to the small business ecosystem throughout Arizona.”
Since 2020, America's AZSBDC has helped clients create and retain nearly 11,000 jobs, help small businesses grow their collective sales by more than $143 million, and start over 640 new businesses.
“Mr. Ayala has spent much of his career dedicated to coordinating programs and services that enhance the quality of life within our community,” said Darcy Renfro, MCCCD Vice Chancellor of Community, Government, & Economic Development. “I have no doubt that the AZSBDC will continue to provide targeted support and training to current and future entrepreneurs on their pathway toward success.”
Since January 2020, Ayala has served as the Interim Director of the MCCCD Small Business Development Center Network. During this time, he was responsible for planning, management, and organization of the program, which included coordinating with regional businesses, oversight and development of the budget, the strategic direction of both the AZSBDC Network and the Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) programs, industry, small business organizations, government, and media to support the multi-million-dollar program. Prior to the interim role, Ayala served as the Program Manager for the Arizona PTAC.
A native of Phoenix, Ayala has held roles within MCCCD for over ten years. Ayala brings with him over forty years of years experience working in private, non-profit, and municipality roles including serving as the Director of BidSource for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw the economic development tool that supports local businesses and jobs.