City of Show Low Approves New Pre-Incubation Program from White Mountain Economic Development

12-Month Program Will Support Food and Construction Startups, Begin July 1st, 2025

White Mountain Economic Development (WMED) is proud to announce that the City of Show Low, Arizona has officially approved the launch of a new Growth Acceleration Program (GAP), set to begin on July 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2026. This new initiative is designed to prepare local food-related and construction businesses for success as part of the region’s growing economic development efforts.

Donald Laughlin, CEO of White Mountain Economic Development, speaks to stakeholders from the City of Show Low, Arizona

This program builds on the recently-completed feasibility study of a proposed business incubator in Show Low, along with a successful first GAP program, which helped bring together key stakeholders within these industries and communities through roundtables and other events—all with the goal of highlighting the opportunities for the city and region.

It also represents another critical step forward in the collaboration between WMED and the City of Show Low, as the two partners continue to progress toward the EDA-funded remodeling of the former Show Low Elementary School into a future business incubator.

As part of GAP II, WMED will engage at least ten startup companies and/or early-stage businesses from throughout the region—five focused on food and five on construction—through an intensive, application-based program over the course of 12 months. It is designed to lay the groundwork for their transition into the physical space of Show Low’s future business incubator, and ultimately turn them into drivers of sustainable growth and job creation in the White Mountains region.

"We are thrilled to expand our GAP program in Show Low and provide the necessary support for food and construction entrepreneurs," said Donald Laughlin, CEO of White Mountain Economic Development. "Our team, the City of Show Low, and our incredible collection of partners continue to show our unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy for the entire region."

Participants in GAP II will have access to a wide range of resources and support services at no direct cost to the entrepreneurs. This includes:

• Monthly one-on-one counseling sessions with WMED staff and expert mentors to create and refine 90-day action plans

• Open Book Accounting practices to track growth, financials, and operations

• Ongoing business plan development tailored to participant goals

• Specialized workshops on essential topics like QuickBooks, health regulations, OSHA compliance, and contract law

• Quarterly group networking sessions with guest speakers and peer collaboration

• Youth and community engagement opportunities, such as internships and mentorships

• Public showcase events celebrating participant milestones and community impact

Food entrepreneurs will benefit from increased access to shared-use kitchens around Show Low and a new Kitchen Use Certification program designed to enhance food safety and compliance.

Construction-based businesses will work closely with Northland Pioneer College to develop technical skills and workforce pipelines, with added support through Local First Arizona’s Good Jobs Network grant.

The City of Show Low, Arizona, recently approved a pre-incubation program for local food and construction entrepreneurs

To prepare potential applicants, WMED will also launch a "Pre-GAP II" program running April through June 2025. This lead-up initiative will focus on marketing and recruitment efforts, providing applicants with one-on-one support to craft their business presentations, and offering interview preparation workshops to ensure they are fully ready for the formal selection process​.

"The City of Show Low is proud to partner with White Mountain Economic Development on this important initiative," said Steve North, Economic Development Director for the City of Show Low. "Through programs like GAP, we are giving local and regional businesses the resources they need to succeed, while also contributing to our long-term vision of creating vibrant economic opportunities for our residents."

In addition to the strong collaboration between WMED and the City of Show Low, these initiatives involve a number of key partners including Local First Arizona, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Northland Pioneer College, Arizona@Work, the Show Low Chamber of Commerce, and REAL AZ.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying for the GAP program are encouraged to visit https://www.wmedev.org and complete the online interest form.