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FAQ

We’re sure you have some questions. And Spark has the answers.

Whether it’s general inquiries or questions about accounting, insurance or consulting services, we can help. Please contact the Spark team directly, as these FAQs are general guidelines, and it’s essential that we have personalized discussions to understand your specific needs and best answer your questions. 

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GENERAL

Spark is a family-owned, full-service agency specializing in customized accounting, insurance and consulting services to fit any client and every sized business in all stages of development. 

Whether you need help with your personal finances or professional services, Spark specializes in customized solutions and personalized support for every stage of your business and for any individual need. Whether you require help with tax preparation, insurance, bookkeeping, accounting, financial strategy, consulting services, business formation, or beyond – it starts here.

From strategy to solutions to a host of accounting, consulting and insurance services, Spark is a local Tucson, Arizona small business itself and we are experts when it comes to providing valuable advice and financial insights, including personal and professional tax and insurance services, small business formation guidance, identifying cost-saving opportunities, assisting with budgeting, and offering strategic advice for your individual or business growth. 

 

We’re Tucson’s top small business experts because we are a small business too. Our years of experience and local expertise extends far-beyond compliance or basic consulting, as we customize every solution for you, contributing to the overall success of your business or helping you with your personal financial goals.

Sí, nuestro equipo hispanohablante habla español con fluidez. Nos enorgullece contar con un equipo conformado por personas de origen hispano, y estamos comprometidos en brindar un servicio de calidad para ayudar a la comunidad hispana. Si tienes preguntas o necesitas asistencia, no dudes en comunicarte con nosotros en español. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarte!

While large firms and big accounting services are an option, hiring a local firm has distinct and measurable advantages including proximity, personal touch, insight into the culture and community, and a better understanding of local rules, regulations, laws and trends. Plus, you’re supporting a small, local, family-owned business yourself. 

 

Boutique agencies like Spark provide far more personalized touch, help create deep, meaningful connections in the local area, and offer clients unmatched service, tailored solutions, and more flexible pricing options than any regional or national firm. Consider your preferences and the specific needs of your business when deciding between local and remote services, but with Spark, you get the best of both worlds.

Spark Business Solutions is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am – 5:00pm, but for our clients we try to always be available (within reason). Stop in during the week, or contact us any time by calling (520) 807-9886 or by emailing us at info@sparkbusinesssolutions.com.

Spark Business Solutions is conveniently headquartered in the heart of Tucson’s vibrant South Side, at 4048 S. 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85714. We love people visiting our office, so stop in. Say hi. And stay for a while!  

Yes. Serving Southern Arizona’s insurance needs for almost two decades – a core service that we’re proud to still offer – we’ve recently rebranded and expanded our offerings to better serve our clients and provide additional solutions. 

 

As the needs of Tucsonans and our local clients have evolved, so did our services that – in addition to insurance – now also include accounting, bookkeeping, and a variety of consulting solutions for both individuals and businesses.

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ACCOUNTING

Spark provides a wide range of accounting services for both individuals and businesses in Southern Arizona, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax strategy, payroll processing, financial statement preparation, auditing, analysis, and financial consulting. Your specific services will vary, so it’s essential to discuss your needs with our team.

Beyond having a real team of people there for you to answer questions, advise you, and advocate on your behalf, partnering with Spark provides a personal touch that is truly local, understands both individual and small business needs, and is familiar with local and regional tax laws and regulations. We’re also bilingual, go above-and-beyond, and can facilitate better communication and understanding than any software or service.

The cost of our accounting services varies based on your needs, timing, and the scope and complexity of the services you require. We’re transparent about what we charge, don’t have any hidden fees and our pricing is customized to your specific needs, so let’s chat about exactly what your goals are and how it aligns with your budget and expectations before we get started.

After a conversation with you and your specific needs, be prepared to provide Spark with your financial statements, bank statements, invoices, receipts, and any relevant tax documents. Clear communication about your business operations and goals will help us tailor your accounting services to your specific needs.

The frequency of meetings depends on your personal or professional business’s needs and your preferences. We’re here for you every step of the way and can communicate as much or as little as you want whether it’s in-person monthly check-ins, Zoom or phone calls, or quarterly or annual reviews, regular communication is imperative and ensures that we stay informed about changes in your situational or your business, so we can provide timely advice and don’t miss deadlines.

Yes, tax planning is a crucial service offered by Spark’s accounting team. We can help you minimize tax liabilities, ensure compliance with tax laws, and handle the complex tax preparation process including filing your business and personal tax returns.

Bookkeeping involves the day-to-day recording of financial transactions, while accounting encompasses a broader range of activities, including financial analysis, reporting, and strategic planning. Both are essential for maintaining accurate financial records – and both are services that Spark expertly provides.

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CONSULTING

We offer a wide range of services, including business formation, business licensing, tax prep & planning, marketing strategy development, financial analysis, process improvement, organizational development, technology recommendations, and overall business guidance. Looking to start a new business in Tucson, Arizona. It starts with Spark!

Spark can provide local insight, small business expertise, fresh perspectives, and customized strategies to address the unique challenges in Southern Arizona and help you capitalize on opportunities so your new business not only survives, but thrives. We offer guidance in areas such as growth planning, market positioning, operational efficiency, and more.

Beyond our advanced degrees and considerable experience, we take a collaborative, comprehensive approach to everything we do and are there with you every step of the way as you navigate the complex world of starting a new business.


We understand and appreciate the needs of small businesses in Tucson, Arizona better than most, because we are a small business ourselves. We’re well-connected in this city, are active in the Hispanic community, have vast industry knowledge, are bilingual with excellent communication and technology skills, we pride ourselves on our client testimonials, and we have the ability to tailor our solutions and pricing model to your specific business needs.

Frankly, small businesses often need far more help than bigger companies. Small businesses can benefit significantly from our consulting services, especially when facing challenges like navigating the local rules & regulations, growth planning, marketing, or process optimization. Consultants like us provide valuable insights and support that may not be readily available within your business.

The cost of our services varies based on your specific needs, the size and type of business, and the scope and complexity of the business services you require. Before we quote you, we’d love to meet you and better understand your needs, explain our services, and discuss our fee structure. Then we can put together a detailed quote and ensure it aligns with your budget.

Yes. Licensing is a crucial step in the process of starting and legally running a business anywhere in Southern Arizona, and though the requirements and procedures for obtaining a business license can vary depending on your specific location and type of business, Spark can help you navigate zoning laws, land use issues, choosing the right legal structure for your entity, health & safety regulations, consumer protection, lease or rental agreements, and much more.

Yes. We typically focus on the plan, processes and paperwork, but Spark has vetted and partnered with some of Tucson’s most creative, most trusted, and most affordable local marketing agencies who can assist with ideation, identifying target markets, creating effective marketing plans, and helping design and develop a cohesive brand identity, build your website, evolve your social presence and more. On your behalf, we’ll manage their efforts, and together we can enhance your business’s visibility in a variety of ways.

The duration and terms of any work with Spark varies based on the nature and scope of the services required and whatever works best for you, the client. We take a customized, comprehensive approach to marketing and there’s typically a lot to do in order to launch a business – so while we prefer ongoing relationships versus one-time “audits” or analysis, every client and project is unique. Some projects may be short-term, focusing on specific issues, while others could involve ongoing support for an extended period. 

Yes. In fact, it’s our sweet spot. As experienced Tucson, Arizona small business consultants, we often assist with financial management, budgeting, bookkeeping, insurance, and forecasting as well as business formation. We can help optimize expenses, improve cash flow, and implement financial strategies aligned with your business goals to help you start, scale or sell any-sized business.

Industry-specific experience can certainly be beneficial, as consultants with knowledge of your specific industry are more likely to understand its nuances and challenges. However, a consultant with a diverse background and local insight also brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Good news is, Spark is both. We are diverse and have helped dozens of businesses in all kinds of industries, but when it comes to certain small startups or self-employed – restaurants, food trucks, shops, truckers, cleaning companies, landscapers, etc. – our business expertise goes even deeper and we are highly specialized.. 

Your level of involvement depends on the consulting services you need and your personal preferences. We may require initial information and feedback, and regular check-ins may be necessary, but frankly – we can meet as often or as little as you want. Regardless, you’re in great hands with Spark, but open and constant communication fosters a collaborative and successful consulting relationship.

Yes, our consultants can provide guidance on technology adoption, software solutions, and digital transformation. From identifying issues to implementing new systems to our local insight, we can help streamline processes, improve efficiency, and ensure your business is leveraging technology effectively.

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INSURANCE

Common personal insurance types include health, auto, home, renters, life, and umbrella insurance. The specific coverage you need depends on your individual circumstances. Let’s chat and then we can help you choose the right provider, the right policy, and the right coverage – at the right price. 

As a local independent agency, we are authorized to represent different insurance carriers for personal, auto, business and other insurance needs. This allows us to match our customers’ specific insurance priorities with a respected company that will offer the right coverage at a reasonable price, including the following providers:

 

  • Progressive
  • Travelers
  • Western National
  • Commonwealth
  • Kemper
  • Gainsco

Together, we’ll assess your car’s value, your driving habits, and potential risks while we consider factors like liability limits, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage to ensure adequate protection at a price you can afford, so you never pay for anything you don’t need or won’t use.

Insurance costs are influenced by a variety of factors such as the property’s location, its value, your claims history, and the type and amount of coverage you choose. From property coverage to liability coverage and more, different policies offer various levels of coverage, and we can help customize your policy to suit your specific needs so you and your home are protected.

Many insurance providers offer discounts for bundling multiple policies, such as combining auto and home insurance. Bundling can often result in cost savings. We’ll do the research for you and make recommendations that are right for you and fit your family, lifestyle, and budget. 

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your primary policies. It’s advisable if you have significant assets or are exposed to higher liability risks. Spark can help determine whether an umbrella policy is right for you and your situation.

Yes. In fact, we highly recommend it and can help make sure that is happening so you never have to worry that you aren’t covered or might be over-extended or overpaying for your coverage. Spark can regularly review your insurance coverage and adjust it to reflect changes in your life, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or major purchases.

Business insurance is tailored to protect against risks specific to the business environment, such as liability claims, property damage, and business interruption. Personal insurance focuses on individual and family protection. 

Small businesses and the self-employed typically need general liability insurance, property insurance, workers’ compensation, and, depending on the industry, professional liability insurance – but the insurance experts here at Spark will help you determine exactly what you need to protect you personally and safeguard your business.

Your policy should protect you comprehensively and be customized just for you. Let Spark help ensure that you are getting exactly what you need, and only paying for the protection you’re actually getting. Insurance pricing varies based on many factors and can be affected by macro-trends, but insurance costs are affected by the type of business, its size, location, industry risks, revenue, and the coverage limits and deductibles you choose.

In many jurisdictions, workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for businesses with employees. It provides coverage for workplace injuries and protects both employees and employers. While we typically recommend it for most businesses, we’ll help determine whether it’s legally required. 

Yes, business interruption insurance can provide coverage for lost income and additional expenses incurred when a covered event disrupts normal business operations. 

Spark recommends regularly reviewing your policies, especially when there are significant changes in your business, such as expansion, new products or services, or changes in ownership. That’s what we do best and where we come in – helping you with ongoing bookkeeping, accounting, and insurance optimization.   

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