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What is AAAME?
AAAME is a unique and successful two-year business mentoring program, which combines business skill training, one-on-one mentoring, group projects, individualized goal setting and action plans. AAAME is designed to help businesses grow to the next level of business success. AAAME is honored to have received national recognition for its innovation in helping businesses succeed in our community.
What is AAAME’s mission?
The AAAME mission is to support the successful growth of small, minority- and women-owned enterprises in order to enhance economic health and stability within the region. On their way to financial and professional success, AAAME graduates have incorporated the AAAME process in their business.
What is the AAAME Process?
AAAME begins a new class once a year, with applications due by the end of June. After the initial review of the applications, interviews are conducted in July. The selected companies will begin “Boot Camp” for AAAME in late-August. Boot Camp is a weekly meeting for the first 14 weeks. Once Boot Camp is completed, AAAME CEOs meet at least twice a month as a group, at least once a month with their assigned AAAME advisors and once a month with the AAAME director. It is estimated that a monthly commitment of at least 16 hours is required to participate in AAAME for the balance of the two years. AAAME celebrates the graduation of a completing class each September.
Where can I go to get more information about AAAME?
Information is available in a variety of ways:
Visit our website at www.pinnaclewest.com/AAAME
Contact Rena Huber, Director of AAAME at 602-250-4712
Send an e-mail to AAAME@aps.com
When are the applications due?
Applications are accepted between March and June annually, with all applications due by the last Friday of June of each year.
Why do you need my financial information and/or business plan?
AAAME requests a variety of information so that our selection panel can make an assessment of where the applicant is in its business cycle. This information is kept confidential, no copies are made, and all copies are shredded after the selection process. This information is critical in making the assessment as to whether the resources of AAAME are a good match for the needs of the applicant.
How big is an AAAME class?
Each year, AAAME accepts 12 to 14 new companies into the program. Since some companies have two business owners, class size can vary from 16 to 20 members.
Do I have to attend all the meetings?
It is recommended that the AAAME participants attend as many meetings as possible to maximize the AAAME process and resources. We have a goal of 80 90 percent attendance for all participants.
Who participates?
The AAAME participant must be the business owner. If there are two partners, it is recommended that both partners attend and participate. This may vary based on the specifics of each company.
What is the cost to participate in AAAME?
There is no fee for participation in AAAME. However, we do require a commitment of time on the part of our participants.
Who are the AAAME Advisors?
AAAME Advisors are volunteers from a wide variety of community organizations and businesses, who are experts in their respective field and contribute their time and talent to assist an AAAME company reach its two-year goals. Participants will meet with at least one AAAME Advisor once a month to work on their business needs.
Who are the AAAME Presenters?
AAAME Presenters are individuals who present at the AAAME CEO meetings on their area of expertise. They volunteer their time and talent to assist the participants expand their business knowledge and acumen, and guide them to understand the wide variety of business resources that are available in this community.
What is an AAAME Coach?
An AAAME Alumni, who has completed the two year program, can return to AAAME as an AAAME Coach. The coaches provide the unique perspective of a fellow business owner who has participated in the program. AAAME Alumni are proud of their achievements and want others to enjoy the success they have accomplished. Often, AAAME Coaches are part of the AAAME Advisor team for a current AAAME participant.
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