Gov. Doug Ducey Holds Q&A Session With Entrepreneurs In Phoenix
Gov. Doug Ducey, former CEO of Cold Stone Creamery, met with entrepreneurs at DeSoto Central Market in Phoenix.
The questions ranged from where Governor Ducey stands on raising the minimum wage (he doesn't think it's government's business to mandate the price of labor) to whether he would support a specific program for women entrepreneurs, especially in technology, to start and grow in Arizona.
Ducey said he would consider it, but also pointed out that there’s already help available within the business community.
“Often times it’s that peer-to-peer relationship from entrepreneur to entrepreneur or female start up to female success story in terms of mentorship," he said.
Two entrepreneurs expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of support among state lawmakers for an angel investment tax credit. One asked Ducey if he would push for the credit during the budget process.
Ducey replied that there’s always give and take and he’ll negotiate with legislative leaders, but he wouldn’t be negotiating during this question and answer session. He also encouraged entrepreneurs who think there is a need for new legislation to make their case to state lawmakers.
Attendees also hear from a representative from the Arizona Commerce Authority who shared information about programs and grant funding opportunities along with a state website called Business One-Stop that is designed to help business owners understand what they need to do to start and close businesses in Arizona.
