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. To participate in either Venture Raise or Venture Scale, startups must apply to the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC). Venture Start is a virtual introduction to the Arizona's entrepreneurial ecosystem tailored to the needs of early-stage startups. Venture Start also hosts delegations to showcase Arizona's resources and talent, establish connections and support the relocation to startups to the state.
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.
MESA, AZ (January 21, 2026) – DSV today broke ground on its new Arizona regional headquarters in Mesa. The $14.5 million investment supports Arizona's high-growth industrial sectors with a 950,000-square-foot facility that will serve as a hub for DSV customers and house all service offerings, including air, sea, and road transport, and contract logistics, including inventory management solutions, with plans to employ a maximum capacity of approximately 160 employees. The groundbreaking ceremony featured key executives from DSV, their customers, and partners including the Arizona Commerce Authority, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and City of Mesa leaders.
READ MORE about DSV Breaks Ground On New Arizona Regional Headquarters In Mesa »MARICOPA COUNTY, AZ (January 21, 2026) – Electric Research and Manufacturing Cooperative, Inc. (ERMCO), a leading manufacturer of distribution transformers, today announced it will open a new manufacturing facility in Maricopa County, Arizona. This strategic expansion marks a bold step in ERMCO’s mission to be the Industry’s Most Valued Partner and reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, growth, and community engagement. The investment will create more than 500 new jobs. Located in Waddell, approximately 30 miles west of Phoenix, the Arizona facility will expand ERMCO’s Three-Phase transformer production capabilities and create opportunities to explore new manufacturing options.
READ MORE about ERMCO To Open New Manufacturing Facility In Maricopa County »NEW YORK & PHOENIX (January 15, 2026) — Forbes today announced an open call for nominations for the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 Local Arizona List, inviting the public to nominate the state’s top founders, creators, business leaders and changemakers under the age of 30. The list marks the first time Forbes will recognize young leaders statewide in Arizona as part of its expanding Under 30 Local franchise. The inaugural statewide list will spotlight young leaders across Arizona who are shaping the future of business, culture and community, spanning industries including technology, healthcare, consumer, sports, food, fashion and social impact. The 2026 Forbes Under 30 Summit will take place April 19-22.
READ MORE about Forbes Opens Nominations For 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 Local Arizona List »
