Business Startup, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Assistance and Grants for Single Mothers in Arizona

Last updated: September 2025

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Quick Help Box

• If you need emergency help now: Call 988 for mental health crises, 911 for immediate danger, and dial 2-1-1 for statewide resources including shelter, food, and rent assistance.
• Where to get free one‑on‑one startup help today: Contact the Arizona SBDC nearest you. Phoenix center (480-784-0590), Tucson center (520-206-4580), Yuma center (928-317-6151), Prescott Valley (928-717-7232). Book online via the Arizona SBDC locations page. (arizonasbdc.com)
• Women‑focused help: Phoenix Women’s Business Center at Prestamos (602-767-1581) and YWCA Southern Arizona Women’s Business Center (520-884-7810) offer bilingual classes, coaching, and funding prep. See Phoenix WBC and YWCA Women’s Business Center. (phoenixwbc.org, ywcatucson.org)
• Fast answers on licensing and taxes: Arizona Business One Stop makes registration and licensing a single online process. Start at Arizona Business One Stop. (businessonestop.az.gov)
• Funding prep and grants you can actually use: Start with the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Small Business Academy and SSBCI programs, and learn about export reimbursements via AZ STEP and competitive awards via the Arizona Innovation Challenge. Details below. (azcommerce.com)

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Emergency and Stability Supports First

• Cash flow gap and disaster losses: If your business lost revenue due to drought or another declared disaster, you may be eligible for low‑interest SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Call 800-659-2955 or apply from the SBA disaster portal; check current declarations for Arizona counties and deadlines. (sba.gov)
• Child care so you can work or attend training: DES Child Care Assistance generally serves families at or below 165% of the Federal Poverty Level with a cost‑share based on income. As of September 5, 2025, DES reports a waitlist of 4,411 families and 7,376 children. Apply via the A‑to‑Z portal and plan for up to 30 days processing. Use DES‑contracted providers to receive payments directly. Get details and the latest waitlist status at How to Apply for Child Care Assistance. (des.az.gov)
• Know your minimum wage and leave rights when hiring or being hired: Arizona’s minimum wage is $14.70/hour effective January 1, 2025 under the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act, which also provides earned paid sick time guidelines. Download the official 2025 poster from the Industrial Commission of Arizona. (azica.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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What To Do First In Arizona

• Create a simple one‑page plan and book a free advising session: The fastest way to get unstuck is a focused session with an SBDC advisor plus a Women’s Business Center class if you prefer women‑led, bilingual support. Call 480-784-0590 (Phoenix) or 520-206-4580 (Tucson) and request help with a “startup plan and funding prep.” (arizonasbdc.com)
• Register the business and get tax accounts in one sitting: Use Business One Stop to reserve a name, form your LLC, and trigger TPT licensing within the same workflow. It’s designed to cut down office visits and speed up approvals. (businessonestop.az.gov)
• Open a business bank account and set up bookkeeping: You’ll need your Articles, EIN, and TPT license. If you’re aiming for financing in the next 90–180 days, keep clean monthly financials (basic P&L and balance sheet) and separate business/personal spending. The ACA’s Small Business Lending Academy teaches exactly this and is free if accepted. (azcommerce.com)
• Line up child care and household backups: If you qualify, apply for DES Child Care Assistance now since there’s a waitlist. Ask your SBDC/WBC to connect you to local scholarship funds to bridge the gap. (des.az.gov)
• If this doesn’t work: Ask your SBDC advisor to escalate to the ACA SSBCI Technical Assistance program for free legal, accounting, and funding‑readiness services. Fill the SSBCI TA form on the ACA site. (azcommerce.com)

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Funding and Grants You Can Actually Use In Arizona

Arizona has real, state‑backed programs that single mothers can use to access funding, pitch for non‑dilutive awards, and prepare for bank or CDFI loans. Here’s what’s active in 2025.

Arizona Commerce Authority Programs

• Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC): Competitive, non‑dilutive awards with a minimum of $50,000 per awardee plus three months of customized support with an Entrepreneur‑in‑Residence. The Fall 2025 cycle focused on SaaS; applications closed August 11, 2025. Watch for the next cohort. See schedules, eligibility, and recordings on ACA’s AIC page. (azcommerce.com)
  • Reality check: AIC is competitive and time‑intensive. Treat it like a sales process. Draft answers early, attend ACA workshops, and get SBDC feedback before you submit.
  • What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply to ACA’s Venture programs (Venture Start/Raise/Scale) or the Small Business Academy to sharpen your pitch and revisit later. (azcommerce.com)
• Arizona SSBCI Loan Guarantee Program (AZLGP): The state can guarantee up to 50% of a qualifying loan’s principal to make lenders more willing to approve you. You still apply to a partner lender; eligible uses include startup costs, working capital, equipment, and tenant improvements. This is not a grant, but it improves your odds of approval. (azcommerce.com)
  • Plan B: If your bank declines, ask to be referred to a participating CDFI under SSBCI (Prestamos, Lendistry, Clearinghouse). These lenders are more flexible with credit or collateral gaps. (azcommerce.com)
• SSBCI Technical Assistance (TA) for SEDI/VSB: Free legal, accounting, and funding‑readiness services for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses and very small businesses. Covers items like financial statements, tax help, contracts, and pitch decks. Submit the short TA form to be matched. (azcommerce.com)
• Arizona STEP (State Trade Expansion Program): Reimburses eligible export expenses like international trade shows, missions, U.S. Commercial Service fees, and website localization. It’s ideal once you’re selling outside the U.S. Contact ACA’s International Trade team (602-845-1217) to confirm caps and eligible activities for the current year. (azcommerce.com)
• SBIR/STTR and FAST Assistance: For tech and product innovators, ACA hosts ongoing SBIR/STTR training and runs the FAST partnership to help submit competitive federal proposals. Check the webinar calendar and recordings. (azcommerce.com)
• Small Business Academy (ABCs, Digital, Lending): Free, time‑boxed programs to learn startup basics, digital marketing, and funding prep. The Lending Academy supports businesses targeting microloans under $50,000 with hands‑on accountant and attorney support. Cohorts re‑open each season. (azcommerce.com)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Book an SBDC session to build a lender‑ready plan, then approach CDFIs (below). (arizonasbdc.com)

CDFIs and Microlenders Serving Arizona

• Prestamos CDFI (Chicanos Por La Causa): Micro‑loans $5,000–$50,000, plus larger small‑business loans up to $1,000,000 and Community Advantage loans. Phoenix/Northern AZ (602-258-9911); Southern AZ (520-447-8001). Women’s Business Center training at 1008 E Buckeye Rd, Phoenix (602-767-1581). (cplc.org, cplc.azurewebsites.net, phoenixwbc.org)
• Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz): Microloans $15,000–$50,000 typically up to 5 years at around 9.25% with 2–3% admin fees; growth loans $51,000–$150,000. Call 520-382-9218; offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson. (growthpartnersaz.org)
• MariSol Federal Credit Union (Maricopa County): Micro‑business loans up to $50,000; posted rates vary by credit tier (examples: secured 7.75%–13.75%). Phone 602-252-6831. Note their policy currently excludes brand‑new startups. (marisolcu.org)
• Arizona Microbusiness Loan Program (State OEO): State‑funded pool of $2,000–$50,000 loans for businesses with ≤5 employees, delivered through CDFI partners with bundled training. Watch the OEO page for partnering lenders and windows. (oeo.az.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask SBDC/WBC to review your credit and cash‑flow story, then apply to SSBCI‑partner lenders with an SSBCI TA provider assisting on your file. (azcommerce.com)

SBA Microloans and Local SBA Help

• SBA Microloans: Up to $50,000 via nonprofit intermediaries, typically 8%–13% interest and up to 7 years maximum. Use for working capital, inventory, and equipment (not real estate). Apply through approved microlenders in Arizona. (sba.gov)
• SBA Arizona District Office: Call 602-745-7200 for lender referrals, counseling partners, and certification help. Offices in Phoenix (main), Tucson, and a Show Low virtual office. (sba.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Request a warm intro from SBA staff to SBDC advisors, SCORE mentors, or WBC counselors who can help restructure your loan package. (sba.gov)

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Arizona Registration, Licensing, and Taxes Without the Runaround

Your Core Filings and Fees

• Reality check: City sales tax rates and renewal fees change. For example, Scottsdale’s combined rate changes and Phoenix approved increases effective July 1, 2025. Always check your city’s tax page before pricing. (scottsdaleaz.gov, phoenix.gov)
• Timeline expectations: With e‑filing, ACC formations can be same/next day if you pay the accelerated fee. TPT registration online is immediate once paid. (azcc.gov, azdor.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: If an online filing is stuck, call the ACC Corporations Division at 602-542-3026 (walk‑in in Phoenix or Tucson) or use the APP Help Desk 602-542-7600 for state procurement portal issues. (azcc.gov, spo.az.gov)

Taxes and Employer Basics You Should Not Skip

• Arizona minimum wage and sick time: Pay at least $14.70/hour in 2025. Earned paid sick time accrues at 1 hour per 30 hours worked; small employers must allow up to 24 hours of use yearly, 40 hours for larger employers. Post the required notice. (azica.gov, ogletree.com)
• Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT): Arizona taxes the seller, not the buyer. The state license is $12\ast \ast perlocation;citiesadopttheirownratesandsomechargeanannualrenewalfee(forexample,\ast \ast$50 Scottsdale). File and pay via AZTaxes.gov. (azdor.gov, scottsdaleaz.gov)
• Phoenix example: The City’s TPT is administered with the state, but Phoenix’s city rate changed by 0.5% effective July 1, 2025 for several activities—verify your business class before setting prices. (phoenix.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Call ADOR or your city tax office and ask for a “new filer education” call. Phoenix taxpayers can reach 602-262-6785 (options shown on the City page) or email tax@phoenix.gov. (phoenix.gov)

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Certifications and Winning Government Contracts

• Register as a state supplier: Create your supplier account in the Arizona Procurement Portal (APP). Registration is free, requires completion of Parts 1 and 2, and enables bid notifications. For help, call the APP Help Desk 602-542-7600 or browse the state’s Quick Reference Guides and micro‑learning videos. (spo.az.gov)
• Free coaching from Arizona APEX Accelerator: If you want state, local, or federal contracts—including set‑asides for women or small businesses—APEX provides one‑on‑one advising at no cost. Main office number 623-845-4700; offices in Queen Creek, Phoenix (GateWay CC), Mesa, Glendale, and Tucson (Pima CC). (arizonaapex.org)
• Women‑Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB) certification: Apply at MySBA Certifications to bid on federal WOSB set‑asides. SBA aims to decide within about 90 days of a complete application. Help desk 866-443-4110. (sba.gov, certifications.sba.gov)
• ADOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification: Required for highway/transit/airport contracts using U.S. DOT funds. Arizona’s Unified Certification Program includes ADOT, City of Phoenix, and City of Tucson. Processing can take up to 90 days after a complete application. Call ADOT BECO 602-712-7761. (azdot.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask APEX to audit your SAM.gov, DSBS profile, NAICS codes, and capability statement; then target small buys or subcontracting while your certifications process. (arizonaapex.org)

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Women‑Focused Training and Startup Support

• Phoenix Women’s Business Center (Prestamos): Classes in English/Spanish, coaching, and capital readiness located at 1008 E. Buckeye Rd., Suite 215, Phoenix. Phone 602-767-1581. (phoenixwbc.org)
• YWCA Southern Arizona Women’s Business Center (Tucson): Training and coaching with wrap‑around economic advancement services. Phone 520-884-7810, 525 N. Bonita Ave., Tucson. (ywcatucson.org)
• ACA Small Business Academy: Free cohorts on startup basics, digital marketing, and lending prep. The Lending Academy provides direct time with accountants and attorneys to produce lender‑ready packets for microloans under $50,000. (azcommerce.com)
• SBA Arizona District Office: For women entrepreneurs needing lender introductions, certifications help, or federal resources, call 602-745-7200. (sba.gov)

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Cost and Timeline Snapshot For Busy Moms

(azcc.gov, azdor.gov, sba.gov, azdot.gov, growthpartnersaz.org)

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Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Skipping the TPT license because you’re home‑based: Home‑based sellers still need TPT if your activity is taxable. Register early to avoid penalties. (azdor.gov)
• Confusing Phoenix’s rules: Phoenix doesn’t have a general business license, but you may still owe Phoenix TPT and certain regulated permits. Verify before opening. (phoenix.gov)
• Waiting to set up bookkeeping: Lenders say no if you can’t produce a month‑by‑month P&L and balance sheet for the last 6–12 months. Use free SBDC spreadsheets first. (arizonasbdc.com)
• Applying for grants you’re not eligible for: Focus on reputable, Arizona‑specific programs (ACA, SSBCI, STEP, SBIR) and CDFIs rather than random “no‑strings grants.” (azcommerce.com)
• Letting certifications lapse: WOSB requires maintenance and SAM/DSBS updates; DBE requires an annual update. Put renewal reminders in your calendar. (sba.gov, azdot.gov)
• What to do if this doesn’t work: Book a free “funding readiness” session with SBDC, ask APEX for a bid‑match profile, and enroll in the ACA Lending Academy next cohort. (arizonasbdc.com, arizonaapex.org, azcommerce.com)

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Application Checklist

• Business basics:
  • Articles of Organization (or sole proprietor info) and EIN letter
  • Operating Agreement (simple is fine for single‑member LLCs)
  • TPT license confirmation and region codes added for each city you sell in
• Money & documents:
  • 12‑month cash‑flow projection and YTD P&L + balance sheet
  • Last 2 years personal tax returns and last 1–2 years business returns (if any)
  • Customer list, pipeline, and signed quotes/contracts if available
• Compliance:
  • City permits where required; Phoenix regulated activities if applicable
  • Employer items if hiring: wage poster, earned sick time policy, new‑hire reporting
• Funding extras:
  • Lean pitch deck (8–10 slides) and a one‑page executive summary
  • Copies of quotes for equipment/inventory you’ll buy with loan proceeds

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Quick “Where To Go” Tables

Arizona Startup Filings and Taxes

Capital and Grants

Lenders and Free Advising

Contracting and Certifications

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Diverse Communities and Tailored Resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Inclusive help: Both WBCs welcome LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and offer bilingual services. For contracting, APEX will help you register in APP and craft a capability statement without bias. Action: Book WBC coaching and ask for a warm handoff to APEX for certifications.
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: Work accommodations and funding prep: SBDC and WBC coaching can be virtual. When hiring, follow Arizona’s minimum wage and earned sick time rules; use state resources on wage/leave compliance to avoid penalties. Action: Ask SBDC to tailor operations for flexible schedules and ADA‑friendly customer access. (azica.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Federal set‑asides: Explore WOSB certification and ask SBA Arizona to connect you with the Veterans Business Outreach resources and lenders friendly to military families. Action: Call 602-745-7200 and request a veteran‑focused appointment. (sba.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: Microlending and training: Prestamos and GPAz serve ITIN borrowers in some cases; the IRC and local nonprofits may also offer microenterprise help. Action: Start at WBC for bilingual coaching, then request an intro to a CDFI. (cplc.org)
• Tribal‑specific resources: DBE and Native procurement: Native‑owned businesses can leverage APEX’s Native‑focused support and pursue DBE where applicable. Action: Contact APEX and your tribe’s economic development office for procurement and supplier registrations. (arizonaapex.org)
• Rural single moms (limited internet/transport): Low‑bandwidth options: SBDC centers in Show Low, Kingman, Prescott Valley, Yuma, and Flagstaff offer phone appointments and periodic local workshops. Use the SBDC map to find the nearest center and request a call. (arizonasbdc.com)
• Single fathers: Same playbook: All services are inclusive—SBDC, WBCs, ACA programs, and CDFIs support single fathers as well.
• Language access: Spanish‑first: Both WBCs and many ACA/SBDC offerings are bilingual; DBE and SOS sites provide Spanish pages for key filings. Action: Ask for Spanish materials when scheduling. (azdot.gov)

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Local Organizations, Charities, and Support Hubs

• Arizona SBDC Network: Free counseling on plans, pricing, financials, loans, exporting, and government contracting—centers statewide including Maricopa (480-784-0590), Pima (520-206-4580), Yuma (928-317-6151), and Yavapai (928-717-7232). (arizonasbdc.com)
• Prestamos CDFI + Women’s Business Center: Lending plus hands‑on training and bilingual coaching. Phoenix office (602-258-9911); WBC (602-767-1581). (cplc.org, phoenixwbc.org)
• YWCA Southern Arizona Women’s Business Center: Classes, coaching, and economic advancement services. (520-884-7810). (ywcatucson.org)
• Arizona APEX Accelerator: Free bid support and certifications help. (623-845-4700). (arizonaapex.org)
• SBA Arizona District Office: Central hub for lenders, certifications, and counseling partners. (602-745-7200). (sba.gov)

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10 Arizona‑Specific FAQs

• Q: Does Phoenix require a general business license
  A: No. Phoenix does not require a general business license, but regulated activities need permits, and you may still owe city TPT. (phoenix.gov)
• Q: What does the Arizona TPT license cost
  A: The state license is $12\ast \ast perlocation;somecitieshaveseparaterenewalfees(forexample,\ast \ast$50 Scottsdale, $20 Mesa). File at AZTaxes.gov. (azdor.gov)
• Q: What’s Arizona’s minimum wage in 2025
  A: $14.70/hour effective January 1, 2025. See the Industrial Commission’s 2025 poster. (azica.gov)
• Q: How fast can I form an LLC
  A: Online filings can be accelerated: Next‑Day $100\ast \ast ,\ast \ast Same‑Day$200, 2‑Hour $400 (plus filing fee). (azcc.gov)
• Q: Are there real grants for startups
  A: Competitive ones exist—Arizona Innovation Challenge (≥**$50,000**), export reimbursements via AZ STEP, and federal SBIR/STTR help through ACA. Most general “free grants” are not real. (azcommerce.com)
• Q: I was denied by my bank—now what
  A: Ask about the SSBCI Loan Guarantee and apply with a CDFI such as Prestamos or GPAz. Also request SSBCI Technical Assistance for free legal/accounting prep. (azcommerce.com, growthpartnersaz.org)
• Q: Where can I get help bidding on government contracts as a woman‑owned business
  A: Get WOSB certified through MySBA Certifications and ask Arizona APEX for bid coaching and registrations. (sba.gov, arizonaapex.org)
• Q: Do I qualify for DES Child Care Assistance while I launch
  A: Many families do at or below 165% of FPL, but as of September 2025 there’s a waitlist. Apply and check status weekly. (des.az.gov)
• Q: How do I register to sell to the State of Arizona
  A: Create a supplier account in the Arizona Procurement Portal and complete Parts 1 and 2. Help desk 602-542-7600. (spo.az.gov)
• Q: What city sales tax changes should I watch
  A: City rates can change; for example, Phoenix adopted increases effective July 1, 2025, and Scottsdale’s combined rate info is posted on its tax page. Verify before pricing. (phoenix.gov, scottsdaleaz.gov)

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What If You’re Starting With Almost Nothing

• Start with free help and the Lending Academy: Use SBDC/WBC to build a minimal plan and 12‑month cash‑flow. Apply to ACA’s Lending Academy to get financials and legal docs lender‑ready for microloans under $50,000. (azcommerce.com)
• Use CDFIs and SSBCI guarantees to bridge credit gaps: Ask your lender if your loan can be enrolled in the state’s guarantee (up to 50% principal). (azcommerce.com)
• Earn while you build: If you’re selling services, get set up for TPT quickly and start small contracts or subcontracting. APEX can match you to opportunities and registrations. (spo.az.gov, arizonaapex.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

Our methodology: We use only official state and federal sources and established nonprofits, verify links at publication, archive key policy pages, and track changes. See our full Editorial Standards.

State agencies and official sources used in this guide: Arizona Commerce Authority, Arizona Corporation Commission, Arizona Department of Revenue, Arizona Secretary of State, Industrial Commission of Arizona, Arizona Department of Transportation, State Procurement Office, Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Arizona SBDC Network. Key program pages and amounts are cited throughout.

Last verified: September 2025. Next review: April 2026.

How to suggest a correction: Email info@asinglemother.org. We investigate and fix verified errors promptly.

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Disclaimer

Important: Programs change, grant rounds open and close, and local implementation differs by city/county. Always verify amounts, deadlines, and eligibility with the agency or program before you apply.

Security note: For your safety, do not email Social Security numbers or full bank account numbers to anyone. Use secure portals provided by the State of Arizona, the SBA, or your lender.

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Citations

• Arizona Innovation Challenge details and 2025 schedule, and ACA venture programs. (azcommerce.com)
• AZ STEP program and trade team contact. (azcommerce.com)
• SSBCI Loan Guarantee and TA program. (azcommerce.com)
• ACC LLC fee schedule and accelerated service fees. (azcc.gov)
• ADOR TPT license cost and renewal fee examples. (azdor.gov)
• Industrial Commission 2025 minimum wage poster. (azica.gov)
• Phoenix licensing and tax rate change notice; Scottsdale combined rate notice. (phoenix.gov, scottsdaleaz.gov)
• SBDC statewide locations and phones. (arizonasbdc.com)
• WBC Phoenix and Tucson contact. (phoenixwbc.org, ywcatucson.org)
• Arizona APEX Accelerator contact and offices. (arizonaapex.org)
• WOSB certification process and MySBA portal; SBA Arizona District Office. (sba.gov, certifications.sba.gov)
• DES Child Care Assistance eligibility and waitlist status. (des.az.gov)
• Growth Partners Arizona loan terms; MariSol micro‑business loan rate table. (growthpartnersaz.org, marisolcu.org)

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If you need a tailored plan for your county and business type, reply with your city, industry, and the stage you’re in (idea, side income, or launched) and I’ll map your next 3–5 steps with the right contacts.

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🏛️More Arizona Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Arizona

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• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
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• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery