Arizona Financial Kelvin Smith Small Business Grant

Arizona Financial Kelvin Smith Small Business Grant is sponsored by Arizona Financial Credit Union / Arizona Financial Foundation (in collaboration with Local First Arizona). This annual grant is awarded to Black entrepreneurs in Arizona who participate in Local First Arizona's We Rise Business Accelerator program.

Go to Online Banking Login. We do some pretty incredible things supporting our community and sometimes we're in the local Arizona news. Here's why banking at Arizona Financial is a sound choice We welcome the opportunity to participate in local news stories about banking, financial literacy, and other important topics affecting our community.

For media inquiries, please contact us at media@azfcu. org .

4/7/26 - Behind Arizona Financial's effort to explore new ways of supporting nonprofits through shared spaces ( STN ) ( STN ) 4/1/26 - Teresa Cutright, Arizona Financial VP of Employee Services, discusses Arizona Financial's employee healthcare benefits and resources ( In Business Phoenix ) 3/20/26 - Arizona Financial named top 10 credit union for 2026 ( AZ Big Media ) 2/20/26 - Arizona Financial opens flagship branch in Camelback Corridor ( In Business Phoenix ) ( CU Insight ) ( AZ Big Media ) 1/15/26 - Arizona Financial Foundation awards $300,000 in grants to local nonprofits ( AZ Digital Free Press ) 1/13/26 - Rachel Galvez, Arizona Financial Marketing Partnerships Manager, offers helpful tips to prepare for maternity and paternity leave ( Raising Arizona Kids ) 1/11/26 - Amy Hysell, Arizona Financial President/CEO joins AZ Big Podcast and discusses community impact ( AZ Big Media ) 1/8/26 - Arizona First Responders Foundation receives $15k grant from Arizona Financial Foundation ( Scottsdale Independent ) 12/17/25 - Avondale Firefighter Charities received a grant from Arizona Financial Local Causes Grant Ceremony ( West Valley View ) 11/25/25 - Arizona Financial Foundation gives $300K to 18 nonprofits statewide ( NewsBreak ) ( Daily Independent ) 11/19/25 - Rachel Galvez, Arizona Financial Marketing Partnerships Manager, offers tips on teaching kids the value of gifts and gratitude ( Raising Arizona Kids ) 11/18/25 - Kristi's Klimbers Foundation received a grant from Arizona Financial Local Causes Grant Ceremony ( NewsBreak ) 11/5/25 - David Kexel, Arizona Financial AVP of Brand and Communications, joins Local First to discuss Fall Fest ( Fox 10 ) 10/30/25 - Arizona's banks funding our future ( In Business Phoenix ) 10/28/25 - Arizona Financial recent grant to Arizona State Fire Training Committee helps fund scholarships for Arizona Fire School ( Mesa Independent ) 10/9/25 - Arizona Financial launches new Foundation to expand local philanthropy ( Arizona Digital Free Press ) 10/1/25 - Mohammed Ahmad, Arizona Financial AVP of Business Banking, offers feedback on the rise of semiconductor related businesses in the Valley ( In Business Phoenix ) 9/9/25 - Arizona Financial announces new Foundation ( Phoenix Independent ) ( CU Daily ) ( In Business Phoenix ) ( Credit Union Times ) 8/19/25 - Rachel Galvez, Arizona Financial Marketing Partnerships Manager, offers helpful tips on raising money-smart kids ( Raising Arizona Kids ) 8/18/25 - Career Moves: 7 Credit Unions & 2 Vendors Welcome/Honor Talent ( Credit Union Times ) 8/12/25 - Emelda Baca of Arizona Financial Credit Union named one of Arizona's Most Influential Women of 2025 ( CU Insight ) 7/25/25 - Local Causes grant recipient, Arizona Fire Training Committee, opens scholarship applications ( FOX 10 ) ( Tucson Local Media ) 7/16/25 - How a digital brand is reaching the underbanked ( America’s Credit Unions ) 7/5/25 - Emelda Baca, Arizona Financial Senior Vice President of Consumer Lending, named one of the most influential women of 2025 ( AZ Big Media ) 6/25/25 - Arizona Fire Training Committee opens scholarship applications ( The Gila Herald ) 6/24/25 - Black entrepreneurs receive up to $10,000 in grants from Arizona Financial at We Rise Demo Day ( NewsBreak ) ( Glendale Independent ) 6/23/25 – Arizona Financial CEO, Amy Hysell, awards $10,000 Kelvin Smith Small Business Grant during Local First Arizona’s We Rise Demo Day for the second year in a row ( Glendale Independent ) 6/19/25 - Arizona Financial ranked #6 on Ranking Arizona: Top 10 capital and finance companies in Arizona for 2025 ( AZ Big Media ) ( AZBEX ) 6/17/25 - Arizona Financial recognized by Forbes Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2025 ( Forbes ) 6/14/25 - Arizona Financial opens new branch in Chandler ( NewsBreak ) ( Chandler Independent ) ( The Business Journals ) 6/7/25 - Arizona Financial launches Azpire to assist underbanked residents ( Parker Pioneer ) ( Havasu News ) ( In Business Phoenix ) ( AZ Big Media ) 5/24/25- Rachel Galvez, Arizona Financial Marketing Partnerships Manager, offers helpful tips on how Arizonans can stretch their dollar when prices are rising ( Daily Independent ) ( Newsbreak ) 5/14/25- Arizona Financial awards Mesa special ed music education program with $12,500 grant ( Daily Independent ) 5/9/25- Juan Ruiz, Arizona Financial EVP, Chief People and Culture Officer, shares leaders are developed, not born ( Phoenix Business Journal ) 5/5/25- Arizona Financial grant supports local nonprofit United Sound ( Arizona’s Family ) 2/5/25- Gilbert nonprofit awarded $7,500 grant from Arizona Financial Credit Union ( Gilbert Sun News ) 3/19/25- Arizona Financial grants $10K to Friends of Quartzite Food Bank ( Desert Messenger ) 1/28/25- Arizona Financial awards $12,500 grant to Arizona State Fire Training Committee ( Gila Herald ) 1/26/25- Jennifer Villalobos named to Arizona Financial Board of Directors ( Chandler Independent ) 1/16/25- BASE Arizona receives generous donation of desktop computers from Arizona Financial ( Arizona Informant ) 1/15/25- Arizona Financial donates over 900 refurbished computers to employees, nonprofits ( InBusiness ) ( Green Living ) 1/10/25- Arizona Financial named AZ Business Angel for 2025 for Outstanding Community Impact ( AZBIGMedia ) 12/13/24- BASE Arizona awarded $12,500 Arizona Financial Local Causes grant ( Arizona Informant ) 12/10/24- Arizona Financial awards over $200K in community grants during Local Causes Awards Ceremony ( YouTube ) 11/30/24- 16 Top Leaders of 2024 – Valley leaders who are making a real difference: Amy Hysell ( In Business Phoenix ) 11/27/24- Arizona Business Angels for 2025: Arizona Financial recognized for outstanding community impact ( AZBIGMedia ) 10/31/24- Arizona Financial partners with Local First Arizona for Arizona Fall Festival ( Frontdoors Media ) 10/11/24- Arizona Financial celebrates 2 nd annual Arizona Credit Union Week ( AZBIGMedia ) 10/8/24- Participating Arizona Financial branches collect underwear donations for ‘Show You Care, Donate Underwear’ drive ( NewsBreak ) 10/1/24- Rachel Galvez, Arizona Financial Marketing Partnerships Manager, offers helpful tips on saving money for Halloween costumes ( Raising Arizona Kids ) 10/1/24- Rachel Galvez, Arizona Financial Marketing Partnerships Manager, offers helpful tips for Thanksgiving Hosting on a Budget ( Raising Arizona Kids ) 9/28/24- Arizona Financial ranked #1 by Forbes Best-In-State Credit Unions for 2024 ( In Business Phoenix ) 9/27/24- Arizona Financial sponsors donation boxes for ‘Show You Care, Donate Underwear’ drive for St.

Vincent de Paul ( The Society of St. Vincent De Paul ) 9/19/24- Danielle Valenzano, Arizona Financial VP of Leadership Development and DEI Organizational Development, pioneers inclusive workplace culture ( SanTanValley. com ) 9/5/24- Arizona Financial opens Local Causes grant applications for local nonprofits ( Arizona Daily Sun ) ( SanTanValley.

com ) 8/29/24- Amy Hysell, Arizona Financial President/CEO, recognized as one of the “Most Influential Women in Arizona Business” ( AZBIGMedia ) 8/27/24- Arizona Financial Local Causes deadline is Sept 9 ( Eastern Arizona Courier ) 7/21/24- Mohammed Ahmad, Arizona Financial AVP of Business Banking, gives back to the community ( Mesa Tribune ) 7/16/24- Arizona Financial ranked #1 on 2024 Forbes list ( Fountain Hills Times Independent ) ( In Business Phoenix ) 6/17/24- Arizona Financial ranked No. 1 on 2024 Forbes list ( Daily Independent ) ( In Business Phoenix ) ( Newsbreak ) 6/13/24 - Credit Union renews partnership with Phoenix Rising FC ( In Business ) 5/28/24 – Arizona Financial is voted #1 SBA Lender in 2024 ( AZBIGMEDIA ) 5/24 – Arizona Financial donates $15,000 to United Sound ( Frontdoors Media ) ( Mesa Independent ) 5/9/24 – How CEO Amy Hysell is guiding Arizona Financial Credit Union's organic growth in Arizona ( Phoenix Business Journal ) 4/30/24 – Mohammed Ahmad, Arizona Financial AVP of Business Banking, discusses the benefits of local banking for your business ( Phoenix Business Journal ) 4/27/24 – Arizona Financial donates $15,000 to United Sound ( Fox 10 AZ Morning ) 3/20/24 – Arizona Financial Local Causes grant helps combat food insecurity at Mesa Public Schools ( Mesa Independent ) 3/17/24 – Arizona Financial Local Causes helps feed Mesa kids ( Mesa Tribune ) 2/23/24 – Arizona Financial highlighted for Local Causes grants program ( AZCentral ) 2/20/24 – Arizona Financial establishes the Kelvin Smith Small Business Grant in partnership with Local First Arizona in memory of late Board member ( Arizona Digital Free Press ) 2/9/24 – Mohammed Ahmad, Arizona Financial AVP of Business Banking, shares simple strategies for small businesses to safeguard capital and support growth ( In Business Magazine ) 12/5/23 – Arizona Financial highlighted for Local Causes program ( Daily Independent ) 10/26/23 - Arizona Financial highlighted for $200 Free Checking Account bonus offer ( Moneysmylife.

com ) ( Doctorofcredit. com ) ( Reportwire.

org ) 9/14/23 – Arizona Financial highlighted for Local Causes program ( Daily Independent ) 8/22/23 – Amy Hysell, Arizona Financial President/CEO, recognized as one of the “Most Influential Women in Arizona Business" for 2023 ( AZ Big Media ), ( AZ Big Media ), ( AZ Big Media ) 7/31/23 – Arizona Financial renews partnership with Phoenix Rising FC ( Phoenix Business Journal ) ( Arizona Digital Free Press ) 7/25/23 – Daniela Ruiz, Arizona Financial Avondale Branch Service Manager, named a 2023 YP Lead by GoWest Association ( GoWest Association ) 6/20/23 – Arizona Financial recognized by Forbes in “America’s Best Credit Unions In Each State” ( Forbes ) 6/16/23 – Arizona Financial highlighted for Local Causes grant to The Barn House ( AZFamily ) 6/16/23 – Jason Paprocki, Arizona Financial EVP/Chief Strategy Officer, is interviewed on Good Morning Arizona to highlight Local Causes grant program ( AZFamily ) 6/15/23 – Arizona Financial is mentioned for the Local Causes grant program ( Glendale Independent ) 6/9/23 – Arizona Financial named “Best Places To Work in Arizona for 2023” by Ranking Arizona ( AZ Big Media ) 5/30/23 – Arizona Financial salutes 100 Club of Arizona at “Boots and Badges” Gala ( Arizona Digital Free Press ) 5/9/23 – Mohammed Ahmad, Arizona Financial Director of Business Banking, is interviewed on Good Morning Arizona to highlight partnership with Local First Arizona and their We Rise program for Black entrepreneurs in Arizona ( Arizona’s Family ) 5/7/23 – Arizona Financial is proud to support K-12 Foundation at their annual banquet recognizing Educators and Students in Lake Havasu ( River Scene Magazine ) 4/1/23 - Rachel Galvez, Arizona Financial Marketing Partnerships Manager, offers helpful tips for saving for kids’ summer camps ( Raising Arizona Kids ) 3/14/23 - Eric Givens, Arizona Financial VP/Research & Development, shares credit union trends to watch in 2023 ( AZ Big Media ) 3/8/23 - EDAC Booster Club receives a $2,500 grant from Arizona Financial Credit Union’s Local Causes Community Fund ( Online Publication) 3/1/23 - Arizona Financial is proud to support Dsquared’s mission to prevent homelessness for the Serious Mentally Ill population ( In Business Magazine ) 2/2/23 - Arizona housing market update: Why it’s a good time to buy ( Phoenix Business Journal ) 1/10/23 - Arizona Financial Credit Union issues $6 million member bonus payout ( Press Release ) 1/4/23 - Arizona Financial Credit Union Appoints Amy Hysell New President & Chief Executive Officer ( Press Release ) 10/30/22 - 2022 Excellence in Banking featuring Chad Forkenbrock 10/19/22 - Arizona Financial completes acquisition of Horizon Community Bank 7/31/22 - Arizona Federal Theatre in Downtown Phoenix Just Got a New Name 7/1/22 - Arizona Federal converts to a state charter, changes name 7/1/22 - Arizona Federal changes name to Arizona Financial Credit Union 6/1/22 - Best Places to Work in 2022 5/31/22 - The Lung Transplant Support Organization Receives $2,000 Grant from Arizona Federal Credit Union 5/27/22 - Arizona Federal 'Rises' in support of minority business owners 5/26/22 - Arizona Federal Named a Financial Literacy Partner of Local First Arizona Small Business Accelerators 5/20/22 - Ranking Arizona: Best Places to work for 2022 5/12/22 - Arizona Federal Credit Union Local Causes Program Adds Nine Additional Grantees To Community 'Family' 5/11/22 - Is it still a good time to refinance your house?

5/6/22 - Credit Union executive from Mesa a Lego master 3/10/22 - Arizona Federal expands across Arizona through the acquisition of Horizon Community Bank (Press Release) 2/23/22 - Arizona Federal recognized for excellence in banking as a top credit union for 2022 1/7/22 - Arizona Federal gives a $3 million bonus payout to members 12/7/21 - How the rise in Covid-19 cases is impacting Valley employers 12/7/21 - Arizona Federal Credit Union 'Gift of Savings Initiative' Promotes Youth Financial Literacy 12/7/21 - Raising Arizona Kids - Teach Your Kids How to Prevent Financial Fraud 10/12/21 - Raising Arizona Kids - It’s Time To Think Beyond The Piggy Bank in Arizona 10/1/21 - Arizona Federal makes the list of 30 most innovative companies in Arizona for the 2021 Veterans Benefits Banking Program 8/13/21 - Arizona Federal Credit Union joins the national Veterans Benefits Banking Program 8/13/21 - $2,000 grant from Arizona Federal Credit Union Local Artist, Local Causes debit card program helps fund upcoming workshops 6/28/21 - Arizona Federal Partners with Valley of the Sun United Way and Phoenix Rising for the Kicks for Kids Program (Footage Courtesy of AZ Family) 6/4/21 - Arizona Federal is highlighted as having rich diversity and inclusion initiatives (Business of Pride) 5/3/21 - Arizona Financial Credit Union gifts second round of community funds through Local Artist, Local Causes debit card program (Press Release) 4/23/21 - Arizona Federal Teams up with Valley of the Sun United Way and Phoenix Rising to Kick Hunger One Goal at a Time (Press Release) 3/10/21 - First of its kind in Arizona acquisition expands services and opportunities (Press Release) 2/15/21 - Arizona Federal supports Local First Arizona as a sponsor of the 2021 Devour at Home event (Press Release) 1/20/21 - Arizona Federal, and President and CEO Ronald L.

Westad recognized by AZ Business Magazine for excellence in banking 1/8/21 - Arizona Federal teams up with STN and Black, Hispanic Chamber to promote inclusion (Press Release) 12/11/20 - Arizona Federal Credit Union demonstrates the benefits of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) 12/1/20 - Acquiring a bank has helped Arizona Federal expand services while keeping money in the local community 12/1/2020 - Arizona Federal awards over $25,000 to local nonprofits through the Local Artist, Local Causes debit card program 11/25/2020 - Arizona Federal shares tips for teaching kids about money on Good Morning Arizona Arizona Federal's Employee Resources Group (ERG) program was featured on The Community Collaborative , a production of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Black Chamber of Arizona 9/14/20 - Arizona Federal becomes the only Arizona-based credit union to be named a Preferred Lending Partner (PLP) by the U.

S.

Small Business Administration (SBA) 9/2/20 - Arizona Federal joins more than 700 companies in the push to give employees time off to vote 8/20/20 - Arizona Federal joins national veterans banking program to improve financial futures for veterans and their families 8/12/20 - Arizona Federal launches Local Artist, Local Causes debit card program to benefit local nonprofits KNIX award Teacher of the Year Award 5/10/2020 - Arizona Federal employees surprise local healthcare workers for Mother's Day 5/8/2020 - Arizona Federal partners with HandsOn Greater Phoenix to thank local healthcare workers 5/6/2020 - Arizona Federal processes over 450 PPP loans for local businesses 3/26/20 - Arizona Federal makes sure employees have time to vote 3/4/20 - Arizona Federal announces extension of partnership with Phoenix Rising FC , remains the team’s official and exclusive credit union 1/2/20 - Arizona Federal gives back $6 million to members through Plus Payouts , bringing the total amount paid to members to more than $42 million since 2012 12/18/19 - Arizona Federal acquires name-in-title sponsorship of downtown theatre , now known as Arizona Federal Theatre 12/13/19 - Arizona Federal employees capture the Spirit Award at the Phoenix Business Journal’s Best Places to Work 2019 Luncheon 12/1/19 - Arizona Federal completes historical purchase of Pinnacle Bank , becomes the first Arizona-based credit union to acquire an Arizona-based bank