Clearly, local business expansion and retention programs must meet the needs of small and medium sized firms, as well as large firms, in order to be successful. A number of business assistance services are necessary to promote the vital expansion and retention of local manufacturing and other firms. Valuable business assistance services are offered by the City of Tucson Office of Economic Development and Pima County Regional Reemployment and Business Enhancement Services. Pima County Business Enhancement Services offers a variety of business assistance programs designed to promote the expansion and retention of local businesses. Pima Community College offers specialized technical training at both of its campuses and small business assistance through its Small Business Development and Training Center.
International trade is a major key to growth in the manufacturing sector.
Over the last seven years, export-related jobs grew eight times faster than total employment. In the manufacturing sector, export-related jobs accounted for almost all U.S. net job growth. Wages paid to U.S. workers in export-oriented businesses are 13.0 to 17.0 percent higher than the average wage paid in the U.S. manufacturing sector . Given the importance of international trade to an economy, local business assistance programs should include an active program to promote international trade, such as the program currently provided by the City of Tucson, Office of Economic Development. In addition, a myriad of other independent agencies and governmental entities currently play key roles in the retention and expansion of businesses in Greater Tucson.