Venture Start
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.
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.
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.
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.
To get started, click the link below to create an account on ASU's entrepreneurial learning platform, connect with the Venture Start community and access program resources.
Venture Start Summer 2026 Schedule
Day 1: Entrepreneurial Foundations & Opportunity Discovery
Monday, July 13, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hybrid – ASU 1951@SkySong or Virtual
Explore the entrepreneurial mindset, discover tools used by successful founders and begin developing a Business Model Canvas to frame and evaluate your venture opportunity.
Day 2: Customer Discovery & Problem Validation
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hybrid – ASU 1951@SkySong or Virtual
Learn how to identify and validate customer needs, conduct meaningful customer discovery and define the problem your venture is uniquely positioned to solve.
Day 3: Value Proposition Design
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hybrid – ASU 1951@SkySong or Virtual
Develop a compelling value proposition, refine your customer segments and strengthen your understanding of how your solution creates value in the marketplace.
Day 4: Business Models & Venture Development
Thursday, July 16, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hybrid – ASU 1951@SkySong or Virtual
Explore revenue models, venture development strategies and growth opportunities while refining the foundation of your business.
Day 5: Pitch Development & Showcase Preparation
Friday, July 17, 2026
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hybrid – ASU 1951@SkySong or Virtual
Prepare and practice a concise, investor-ready pitch while receiving guidance and feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors.
Venture Start Graduation & Pitch Showcase
Friday, July 17, 2026
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
ASU 1951@SkySong, Scottsdale, Arizona
Celebrate the accomplishments of the Summer Sprint cohort as participants receive certificates of completion and selected founders present their ventures during the Venture Start Pitch Showcase. Participants will gain valuable feedback from judges, community leaders and Arizona's entrepreneurial ecosystem partners.
What You'll Gain
By the end of Venture Start Summer 2026, participants will:
- Complete structured customer discovery and problem validation activities
- Define a clear target customer segment
- Develop a compelling value proposition
- Build a Business Model Canvas
- Strengthen their venture development strategy
- Prepare and deliver a concise, investor-ready pitch
- Connect with Arizona's entrepreneurial support network and resources
Whether you're exploring your first business idea or accelerating an existing concept, Venture Start Summer 2026 provides the tools, mentorship and community needed to take the next step on your entrepreneurial journey.