Arizona is a leading location for testing, launching and scaling new business ideas. With policies that support emerging technologies and encourage corporate partnership, the state has a growing ecosystem of global companies, startups and skilled talent.
Best Cities for Entrepreneurs
Scottsdale
CoworkingCafe, 2024
Large City for Startups
Phoenix
Commercial Café, 2025
State for Technology & Innovation Manufacturing Employment
Lightcast, 2024
Most Innovative States
Consumer Technology Association, 2024
State for Small Business Growth
Wallet Hub, 2025
Best City for Gen Z
Tucson
Commercial Cafe, 2024
Best State to Start a Business
Wallet Hub, 2025
STARTUP AND ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAMS
The Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), one of the largest business plan competitions in the U.S., helps early-stage ventures grow by promoting innovation and technology in Arizona. All applicants receive feedback on their business plans from experienced entrepreneurial judges. Up to ten finalists are awarded a minimum $50,000 of non-dilutive funding and three months of customized support from an ACA Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
Arizona Innovation Challenge Arizona Innovation Challenge
The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Venture Start, Venture Raise and Venture Scale were developed to support startups who are ready to take their business to the next level. Venture Start 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 Raise is a multi-step program designed for startups who have a product in market and early users/customers.
Venture Programs Venture Programs
Plug and Play accelerateAZ, a program of the Arizona Commerce Authority, was established to connect startups to corporations and develop pilots that provide innovative solutions for corporate teams and allow a founder to test their emerging technology. As a steadfast commitment to grow on the state’s startup ecosystem, Plug and Play accelerateAZ has launched two initiatives: the accelerateAZ Manufacturing program and the accelerateAZ Sustainability program.
Plug and Play accelerateAZ Plug and Play accelerateAZThe Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) competitive programs fund startups and small businesses across technology sectors to stimulate technological innovation.
SBIR & STTR Resource Center SBIR & STTR Resource Center
The Arizona Commerce Authority's Small Business Checklist is a free interactive tool designed to guide in-state and out-of-state startups and small businesses needing licensing information. The checklist also includes contact information for statewide resources and assistance to accelerate business growth.
Small Business Checklist Small Business Checklist
The Small Business Academy equips small businesses across the state with the knowledge to scale their business. The Arizona Commerce Authority works with experienced and successful business owners to share their insights and strategies with entrepreneurs and SMBs. These courses are often out of reach and the Academy aims to provide the resources and close the knowledge gap completely free of charge.
Small Business Academy Small Business AcademyThe Arizona Commerce Authority is proud to offer opportunities for investors to connect with companies of all sizes and stages. This includes the ACA's investor platforms or through innovative ACA-led partnerships such as AZ Venture Capital Inc. (AVC) and Plug and Play. Contact the ACA to learn more.
The Arizona Venture Alliance (AVA) will work to promote Arizona’s startup and investor ecosystem, exponentially increase funding for Arizona startups and grow deal flow for investors both inside and outside Arizona.
Arizona’s longest-running venture capital startup conference, presented by Invest Southwest in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority. The annual one-of-a-kind competition pits the most promising early-stage firms against one another in a live, pitch-style event, attracting the region’s most active investors looking to grow their investment portfolios.
Instant access to startup resources including incubators and accelerators, coworking spaces, university resources and more.
Find tax credits, grants, start up competitions, bonds, training and mentorship and more.
VENTURE CAPITAL PROGRAMS
The Arizona Commerce Authority has partnered with non-profit AZ Venture Capital Inc. (AVC) to provide two venture capital programs. The Arizona Venture Co-Invest Program—AVC Ignite is designed to make direct equity investments in innovative seed- and early-stage businesses in targeted sectors alongside institutional/venture capital firms, established angel capital associations, corporate VCs and established accelerators and incubators. The Arizona Multi-Fund Venture Capital Program—AVC Limited Partner is designed to make equity investments in established venture capital firms to attract new capital in innovative Arizona-based businesses.
Ecosystem of Innovative Support
Arizona's dynamic community of innovators are leading the charge to make Arizona a top state for entrepreneurial vitality.
PHOENIX, AZ (February 24, 2026) – Arizona’s strong international ties fueled record-breaking trade and investment in 2025, creating thousands of new jobs and driving more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment. Exports by Arizona companies surged from $32.4 to $44.4 billion – a 37% increase and the second fastest growth in the nation. By comparison, U.S. exports grew by 5.7%. Key trade highlights include: Taiwan surpassed Canada and China to become Arizona’s second-largest trading partner (behind Mexico), with more than $21.2 billion in total trade and Arizona leads the nation in international investment, with more than $195.7 billion announced since 2020.
READ MORE about Arizona Emerges as a Global Economic Powerhouse »KAYENTA, AZ (February 24, 2026) – Northland Pioneer College (NPC), in partnership with the Kayenta Township and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), celebrated the groundbreaking on February 24 of NPC’s relocation and expansion project in Kayenta, Arizona. Governor Hobbs joined town and tribal leaders, NPC officials, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Kayenta Township, and other dignitaries to celebrate the project, which will house new academic facilities for NPC, including classrooms, science and health labs, a computer lab, library and more.
READ MORE about Governor Hobbs Joins Groundbreaking Ceremony For Northland Pioneer College’s Expansion In Kayenta »TUCSON, AZ (February 17, 2026) – As the state is anticipated to add over 25,000 new jobs in the semiconductor industry in the coming years, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the University of Arizona are strengthening the workforce pipeline with a $35.5 million facility expansion. University, government and industry leaders unveiled the Office of Research and Partnerships’ Nano Fabrication Center semiconductor cleanroom with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 17. The cleanroom prepares students for the state’s booming tech sector while supporting faculty research and industry collaboration on chip fabrication, optical devices and quantum computing systems. The Arizona Commerce Authority awarded funding in 2023 to expand the cleanroom from 2,800 to 6,800 square feet, equip it with ultramodern tools, and support a statewide workforce development program.
READ MORE about ACA and U of A Launch $35.5 Million Semiconductor Nano Fabrication Center »
