Venture Start: Arizona’s Runway for What’s Next

The Arizona Commerce Authority and ASU’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute have opened applications for the Fall 2025 Venture Start Cohort , a six-session accelerator built to help early-stage entrepreneurs validate their ideas, refine their strategy, and land their first customers.

Launching October 28, Venture Start pairs live workshops at ASU’s 850PBC with a digital platform that connects founders statewide. The design is simple: make Arizona’s startup ecosystem accessible to anyone with a big idea and the courage to build. “Arizona’s innovation community is one of the most welcoming in the world,” said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.“Through Venture Start, more entrepreneurs will gain the tools and support to thrive.” “Partnering with the ACA brings our inclusive model to even more founders,” added Kristin Slice, Director of Community Entrepreneurship at ASU Edson E+I. The program culminates in December with the Venture Challenge Showcase, where five startups will pitch live for $ 10,000 in grant seed funding sponsored by GoDaddy . Venture Start is more than an accelerator — it’sa gateway into Arizona’s growing innovation movement, where collaboration and ambition meet opportunity. Applications are now open at https://www.azcommerce.com/start-up/venture-programs/ . Follow Silicon Oasis for upcoming events, founder spotlights, and Arizona innovation news. 👉 Subscribe to the Silicon Oasis Magazin e to stay plugged in.