March 2025 Member Spotlight
Nancy Sanders
Program Director – Maricopa Small Business Development Center, Maricopa Community Colleges
Where are you originally from?
I hate to admit this, but Southern California. I grew up in Los Angeles and spent time living in Colorado Springs, Providence, and Atlanta. But I don’t think I will live anywhere but Arizona now. Can’t beat the weather. That’s how I ended up here from Colorado, I no longer wanted to drive on black ice.
How did you come to work in the economic development profession?
I had started a marketing business and was, and am, a big supporter of chambers of commerce, in general, and the National Association of Woman Business Owners. I was approached by a woman in the group who worked with the Small Business Development Center. They had received a CDBG grant from the City of Phoenix, and they didn’t have anyone to help economically disadvantaged business owners with marketing. After speaking with him for about 20 minutes he proclaimed, “You are the answer to my problems!” So, we started working on a project, which led to another grant, and so on. That gentleman ended up leaving the position and I saw an opportunity to reach a wider group of people. So, my now fiancé encouraged me to apply for this Director position and they somehow hired me. I have been here ever since. AAED helped me see that I was involved in economic development. I needed to understand the goal of individual cities and municipalities so I could help the small business I work with. I came to AAED to educate myself.
Any past projects you are particularly proud of?
I am most proud of the work my team did during and post pandemic. Being in a position where we saved thousands of jobs and hundreds of businesses is what I am most proud of.
Working on a particularly exciting project?
The things I am most rewarded by are in person connections. Whether it is a city needing something specific for their business or a company comes to me with a specific request, the interactions lead to much stronger connections. We are able to help small businesses connect with someone who is the best connection for them. It is very rewarding to have a community of people that help small businesses.
How long have you been an AAED member?
The statewide network (Arizona Small Business Development Center Network) has had memberships for quite some time. When I became director, I was told I had a membership available to me. I think that was about 10 years ago.
What do you enjoy most about being an AAED member?
As a former chair of the professional education committee, I feel like I have to say the best thing you can do is earn the AAED certifications. It has been rewarding for me personally. I didn’t really know the industry so it provided me an opportunity to learn.
Additionally, the conferences are very enjoyable from many standpoints. Economic Development professionals are very busy. The conferences give people a chance to stay connected and build some strong bonds.
What most excites you about living and working in Arizona?
Having lived and had businesses in different places, I think Arizona is a great place for small businesses. We hear about the big wins but that’s not what really drives the economy, it’s small businesses.