PHOENIX, AZ (October 1, 2025) – Today, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and Arizona State University’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute (Edson E+I) are proud to announce the launch of the Fall 2025 Cohort of Venture Start, an accelerator designed to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools and community needed to grow their ventures. The Fall 2025 Cohort sessions will be held beginning October 28, 2025.

Launched in 2024, Venture Start is a six-session accelerator that helps early-stage startups validate their idea and target market, define and refine their go-to market strategy, and acquire early customers through interactive, live curriculum. Venture Start introduces a founder-centered, accessible pathway for early-stage entrepreneurs through hybrid programming hosted at ASU’s 850PBC and a digital platform open to all. Venture Start expands access to the Arizona innovation ecosystem with support from the Arizona Commerce Authority.

The ACA is committed to advancing our startup ecosystem, supporting small businesses, and  driving innovation to strengthen our economy, said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. Arizona’s innovation community is among the most welcoming in the world – and through our partnership with ASU Edson E+I on Venture Start, more entrepreneurs will have access to the tools, resources, and support to help them thrive.

Edson E+I has proven a new model for providing access to innovation tools that drive economic development, said Kristin Slice, Director of Community Entrepreneurship at ASU Edson E+I. Partnering with the Arizona Commerce Authority brings this approach to more people across the state. As the top university in innovation and a global leader in delivering accessible tools at scale, ASU is uniquely positioned to expand access for every Arizona entrepreneur.

The Venture Start accelerator includes:

• A free online community where entrepreneurs can access modules and connect with peers and mentors
• Six dynamic hybrid workshops on core startup topics including strategy, customer discovery, financial modeling, pitch prep, and more
• Ongoing access to statewide resources through the ACA’s Venture Programs
• Five startups will have the opportunity to pitch live for $10,000 in grant seed funding, sponsored by GoDaddy, at the Venture Challenge Showcase in December

The first Venture Start cohort will begin on October 28, 2025, with upcoming Hype Night sessions in Tucson and Flagstaff designed to introduce founders to the program.

Entrepreneurs interested in participating can sign up through the Venture Start online community at: azcommerce.com.

Media Contacts
Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority,  [email protected]

Sandy Keaton Leander, ASU Knowledge Enterprise, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.

About the ASU Edson E+I Institute
The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University is a national leader in inclusive entrepreneurship, supporting over 5,000 entrepreneurs annually through training, mentorship, funding, and community-based programming. Edson E+I builds accessible, place-based innovation ecosystems by partnering with cities, libraries, and organizations across Arizona to bring entrepreneurial resources directly into communities. We reduce barriers and provide access to funding, mentorship and professional resources. Through powerful partnerships and a connected network, we create a space where you belong. Learn more at: entrepreneurship.asu.edu