Sonoran Stitch Factory in the News
Mar 4, 2026
Women's History Month
Celebrating Women-Owned Businesses
@TucsonMayor
Mar 4, 2026
59m
Throughout Women’s History Month I’m sharing the stories of Tucson’s many women-owned businesses and the ways they improve our community. Now more than ever, we need to stay rooted in reality and support our local shops, restaurants and other businesses. Keeping our dollars in our community is a strong response to what’s happening at the national level, so please support the wonderful Tucson business owners you’ll meet all this month.
Today we’re meeting Erica Yngve, owner and president of Sonoran Stitch Factory at 609 W. Rillito St. Sonoran Stitch is a cut-and-sew manufacturer specializing in sewn goods and apparel. It started when Erica was looking to start her own apparel line and found a small manufacturer: “One thing led to another, and the owner ultimately offered to sell me her small, one‑client shop along with some of her machines. I decided to take the leap, purchased the business, and slowly grew it.”
What started as a search for a manufacturer for her own products turned into a full business that continues to grow and evolve. She now manages more than a dozen contract manufacturing accounts while developing two of her own brands. “Our staff includes refugees, people with disabilities, single moms, tribal members, veterans, students, and others seeking meaningful, purpose‑driven work,” Erica says. “Seeing how this industry can open doors for so many different people is what inspires me every day.”
For her, “Women’s History Month is an acknowledgment of the women throughout history who had to push through systemic barriers just to pursue their dreams. It’s a reminder that many have had to work harder, often without recognition or equal opportunity, and that their perseverance shaped the path I am on today.” She’s glad to see so many people “continue to recognize these systemic issues and remain committed to improving them, not only for women but for anyone who has been denied an equitable chance to turn their dreams into reality.” Follow her and the business at @sonoranstitchfactory and see the many unique products Sonoran Stitch offers our community.
Feb 23, 2026
Sonoran Stitch Factory boosts Tucson workforce
Tucson’s Sonoran Stitch Factory blends fashion manufacturing, workforce training and sustainability as owner Erica Yngve works to grow local industrial sewing jobs.
Inside a modest Tucson workshop filled with humming industrial machines and bolts of fabric, Sonoran Stitch Factory is quietly producing everything from apparel to shower curtains, all sewn locally by a skilled team of tradespeople...
Jan 27, 2026
RTA Next is an investment in ourselves
Small Business support RTA Next Props 418 & 419
I’m writing again as a small business owner and resident of Southern Arizona who believes RTA Next (Props 418 and 419) is a local investment we must make ourselves, because no one else is going to do it for us....
Nov 20, 2025
Local Opinion: Vote yes on Propositions 418 & 419 to keep Pima County moving forward
As the owner of a cut and sew factory here in Tucson, I know firsthand how vital infrastructure is to the success of small businesses. Propositions 418 & 419 aren’t just about roads — they're about keeping our region moving forward. These measures continue the half-cent sales tax we’ve paid for the past 20 years to fund the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) plan. It’s not a new tax; it’s a proven investment in our community’s future...
Sep 19, 2025
Local opinion: Let’s build Tucson together -- a smarter path to economic growth
New taxes are not the key to smart growth
As a proud Tucson business owner, I’ve always believed in investing in our community. I’ve hired locally, supported neighborhood initiatives, and worked hard to create a space that supports both my family and my neighbors. That’s why I’m writing today — not to criticize, but to offer an alternative solution and collaborate — as the City of Tucson considers new tax increases that could have unintended consequences for the very people we all serve...
May 2, 2025
Sonoran Stitch Factory is 1 of 3 finalists for the BBB's Ethics Torch award
BBB awards multiple Ethics Awards to Tucson Small Businesses
Sonoran Stitch Factory was 1 of 3 finalists that was awarded the Better Business Bureau's Ethics Torch Award in 2025 for the medium-sized business category. “The Torch Award is the premier award the BBB can present to an organization. While the BBB seal is the “The Sign of a Better Business,” Torch Award winners demonstrate remarkable ethical standards and the highest level of dedication to four key attributes - character, culture, customers, and community” said Irene Coppola, CEO of the BBB Serving Southern Arizona.
Jan 23, 2025
2025 Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy Fellows Named
19 local leaders selected for Fellowship from Center for the Future of Arizona, Pima Community College & Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program
Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) has selected 19 Fellows for its second Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy (Academy), a professional development program offered in partnership with Pima Community College and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. This ten-month leadership program brings together local leaders to collaborate on workforce development transformation across all points, including hiring, training, and retaining talent.
Over the next year, the 2025 Fellows will have the opportunity...
2025 Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy Fellows Named | Center for the Future of Arizona
Nov 15, 2024
Creative Mornings with Erica Yngve at Sonoran Stitch Factory
Thread with Erica Yngve
Nov 15, 2024 • 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM MST • Sonoran Stitch Factory
About the speaker
Erica Yngve is an entrepreneur and owner of multiple companies based in Tucson, AZ including:
Sonoran Stitch Factory – a cut & sew manufacturer supporting small to mid-size apparel clients with production, kitting, fulfillment, and shipping services. Winner of Tucson Metro Chamber’s Copper Cactus UAIC sponsored “Startup of the Year” award in 2022. W....
part of a series on Thread
Jun 3, 2024
Meet the Flinn-Brown Fellows
The Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation has selected 28 civic leaders from around the state as the newest Flinn-Brown Fellows. (Erica Yngve was selected in the 2024 cohort...)
https://www.flinn.org/civic-leadership/programs/flinn-brown-fellowship/flinn-brown-seminar-series/
May 21, 2024
Business awards earned in Tucson and Southern Arizona
Business Awards earned in Tucson and Southern Arizona
University of Arizona: The University of Arizona has been ranked No. 93 — a two-spot increase from 2023 — in the 2024 edition of the Center for World University Rankings. UA also placed at No. 48 among U.S. institutions and No. 26 among public colleges and universities....Business awards earned in Tucson and Southern Arizona
Apr 25, 2024
SBA Arizona Honors National Small Business Week Award Winners
In celebration of National Small Business Week (NSBW), April 28 – May 4, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is honoring Arizona entrepreneurs, small business champions and lending partners for their contributions to the economy. Over 99 percent of the businesses in the state are small businesses. Small businesses drive innovation and job growth, vital to Arizona’s dynamic economy.....Greater Phoenix InBusiness Magazine
Dec 21, 2023
Sonoran Stitch Factory and Tucson Metro Chamber's Coalition Against Retail Theft Grant Impact
Coalition Against Retail Theft: Brainstorming solutions for issues businesses are facing
By: Madison Thomas
Posted at 5:58 PM, Dec 21, 2023
and last updated 5:58 PM, Dec 21, 2023
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — As businesses in Tucson face issues like theft and vandalism, Tucson Metro Chamber’s Coalition Against Retail Theft is working with business owners and law enforcement to find solutions.
Tucson Metro Chamber’s Vice President of Business Advocacy, Zach Yentzer said, “You have to tackle different parts of the ecosystem that allow for negative activity to grow over time.”
The coalition was created a few years ago but was recently re-engaged due to an increased need.
The coalition meets once a month to brainstorm ideas to create both short-term and long-term solutions.
Earlier this year the coalition partnered with Ward 4 to provide a total of $100,000 in grants to 11 different business owners to help improve their safety and security features.
One of the recipients was Sonoran Stitch, which is located in Midtown near Grant and Oracle.
Through the grant, Sonoran Stitch was able to install security cameras, new exterior lighting and a ramp.
Sonoran Stitch’s Owner, Erica Yngve said, “The little alleyway between my building and the next building has a lot of illegal activity sometimes and so I’m able to see that immediately when somebody comes in the area and activates either the alarm or light or whatever to ask them to move on.”
The grants are just the beginning of the coalition’s plans, but Yentzer explained that all parties must work together.
“We are preparing a brief policy agenda that we can work with our county attorney, with our city attorney, with our jurisdictions and law enforcement to really plug some of the gaps and have a cohesive regional policy to tackle these challenges,” Yentzer said.
——Madison Thomas joined KGUN 9 in July of 2023 as a multimedia journalist. She graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2023 with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She has lived in Arizona her entire life and grew up in Douglas. Madison is thrilled to share the stories from the community she grew up in. Share your story ideas and important issues with Madison by emailing madison.thomas@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
Sep 22, 2023
Sonoran Stitch Factory Owner, Erica Yngve, receives the CopperPoint "Small Business Leader of the Year" award from Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce's Copper Cactus Awards
Red more: https://tucsonchamber.org/copper-cactus-awards/
Congratulations to all the winners at this year's Copper Cactus Awards!
Sep 21, 2023
Minority and Small Business Alliance of Southern Arizona - "Manufacturer of the Year" award
Aug 22, 2023
Winner of the Arizona Department of Education's Exceptional Student Services award
The Arizona Secondary Transition Services Community Member Award, awarded to Erica Yngve, in recognition of Outstanding Services to Students with Disabilities
Jun 20, 2023
Local Non-Profit teaches industrial sewing to students across Arizona
Growing the AZ Stitch Lab throughout Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Inside the Arizona Stitch Lab, the whirl of the sewing machine is a constant sound. Because between layers of material and thread, Eddie Jeon said he's learning how to make more than just clothes or upholstery. He said it's an art.
"I just want to make things that I'm proud of," Jeon said. "I think clothing is one of the most accessible forms of artistic expression there is." ... read more here: https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/local-non-profit-teaches-industrial-sewing-to-students-across-arizona
Mar 20, 2023
Sonoran Stitch Factory joins Tucson Metro Chamber
Tucson Metro Chamber welcomes Sonoran Stitch Factory and celebrates AZ Stitch Lab 1 year anniversary
New Member Announcement for Sonoran Stitch Factory | Tucson Metro Chamber
Jan 17, 2023
Vantage West Credit Union Member Magazine - Stitching together a community
The story of Sonoran Stitch Factory
At 625 W. Rillito Street in Tucson, there used to sit a beige, windowless building with no conspicuous signage. It was the type of industrial warehouse you might drive by every day and never really notice. This one happened to be home to a cut and sew manufacturer called Postcraft, which had been operating there since the 1970s. Few people knew about it, not even those who lived in the neighborhood... read more at: https://vantagewest.org/stitching-together-a-community-the-story-of-sonoran-stitch-factory/
Oct 3, 2022
Sonoran Stitch Factory Featured in Printing News for Made in America
Highlights Sonoran Stitch as part of the reshoring of the North American textile industry.
"Erica Yngve founded Sonora Stitch Factory a couple years ago in Tucson and acquired two existing businesses. She has about 150 sewing machines to address a wide range of cut-and-sew applications, from apparel and home decor to boat and airplane interiors. Due to the difficulty in sourcing local sewing skills, she has also established a training program for sewists, to benefit both her business and others in the area that require these skills. This is another example of a start-up that is helping to reshore the North American textile industry."
Watch the interview at PrintingNews.com
Sept 28, 2022
Sonoran Stitch Factory Wins the 2022 Startup of the Year from Tucson Metro Chamber
Winners Announced at the 2022 Copper Cactus Awards
The Arizona Daily Star featured a summary of the winners from the Tucson Metro Chamber Copper Cactus Awards, presented by Wells Fargo. The winners were announced at the Chamber's September 23 event, and included:
Tech Parks Arizona Start Up of the Year: Sonoran Stitch Factory....
To see all the nominees and finalists, visit:
https://tucsonchamber.org/copper-cactus-awards/ https://tucson.com/business/business-awards-earned-in-tucson-and-southern-arizona/article_42ae3800-3daf-11ed-9e21-d797c79f1a46.html