Venture Start
The Arizona Commerce Authority is proud to partner with ASU Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute to launch the Venture Start Spring 2026 Cohort. Attendees will have access to six dynamic hybrid sessions, self-paced modules, cutting-edge tools and a supportive statewide entrepreneurial community.
Participants who attend all six sessions will be recognized as a Venture Start Spring 2026 Founder and will receive a certificate, presented in front of local experts, funders and supporters. Five lucky startups will have the opportunity to pitch live for seed funding at the Venture Challenge Showcase, held during the cohort’s last session on May 19, 2026.
To get started, click on the link below and set up an account on ASU’s portal to get connected with the Venture Start community, register for a session and access resources.
Spring 2026 Cohort Sessions
Session 1: Building Effective Strategies
Tuesday, April 7, 2026*
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Hybrid - ASU 850 PBC in Phoenix or Virtual
Learn the entrepreneurial mindset and tools like the Business Model Canvas to test and refine your idea—walking away with frameworks that connect you to Arizona’s innovation ecosystem.
*Held during Arizona Tech Week! Spend the day attending AZTW events in Phoenix, then join us in-person for Session 1.
Session 2: Desirability
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Hybrid - ASU 850 PBC in Phoenix or Virtual
Explore how to identify customer needs, design strong value propositions and speak the language of customer discovery.
Session 3: Viability
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Hybrid - ASU 850 PBC in Phoenix or Virtual
Discover what makes a venture financially sustainable—mapping revenue streams, cost structures and scalable models.
Session 4: Feasibility
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Hybrid - ASU 850 PBC in Phoenix or Virtual
Move from idea to action with prototyping, team building and partnerships that prove you can deliver.
Session 5: Legal & Pitch Prep
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Hybrid - ASU 850 PBC in Phoenix or Virtual
Cover the essentials for starting your venture—registration, licensing, compliance—while learning how to tell your story in a compelling pitch.
Session 6: Venture Challenge & Celebration
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
5:00pm to 7:00pm
Hybrid - ASU 850 PBC in Phoenix or Virtual
Celebrate all startups who engaged in all six sessions with certificates in front of community leaders. Then watch as five selected startups pitch live for seed funding and community recognition.