Arizona Commerce Authority Venture Programs
$250,000
About the Program
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Venture Start, Venture Raise, and Venture Scale programs were developed to support startups ready to take their businesses to the next level.
Arizona Venture Start Program
The Arizona Commerce Authority is proud to partner with the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University to launch the Venture Start Summer 2026 Cohort, a high-energy, week-long entrepreneurial bootcamp designed to help aspiring founders rapidly transform ideas into viable ventures.
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This immersive program is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, recent graduates, innovators, and individuals exploring entrepreneurship during the summer months. Participants will engage in five consecutive days of hands-on workshops, expert-led instruction, practical venture-building activities, and access to Arizona's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Hosted in a hybrid format at ASU 1951@SkySong in Scottsdale, Venture Start combines structured entrepreneurial education with a collaborative founder experience that encourages creativity, accountability, and rapid action.
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Participants who complete the program will be recognized as Venture Start Summer 2026 Founders, receive a certificate of completion, and have the opportunity to showcase their ventures during the Venture Start Graduation and Pitch Showcase.
Arizona Venture Raise Program
Venture Raise is a multi-step program designed for startups that have a product in the market and early users/customers. At the end of the program, founders will have a better understanding of funding options, fundraising planning, and how to ask for funds. All program graduates will have access to the ACA’s Founders Forum, a peer-to-peer networking group, as well as access to investor services.
Arizona Venture Scale Program
To participate in Venture Scale, startups must apply to the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), the nation's largest business plan competition. AIC awardees will participate and graduate from Venture Scale (previously known as Venture Ready).
Venture Scale is a six-month-long accelerator that provides founders with customized consultation sessions and deep dives into product-market and scaling. Each founder is paired with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, an entrepreneur who is in the most experienced ranks of the ACA Venture Development Mentorship program. As AIC Awardees and future Venture Scale Alumni, graduating founders have a number of chances to improve their pitch, their team and opportunities to pitch in front of an increasing number of funders.
Explore Arizona Communities
You've learned about the program. Now explore Arizona communities to see what it's like to live and work in the places where your business could grow.
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