The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and Arizona State University’s Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute (Edson E+I) have announced the launch of the Fall 2025 Venture Start Cohort, an accelerator program for early-stage entrepreneurs. The sessions for this cohort will begin on October 28, 2025.
Venture Start, which began in 2024, is a six-session accelerator aimed at helping startups validate their ideas, identify target markets, develop go-to-market strategies, and acquire early customers. The program offers hybrid workshops at ASU’s 850PBC location and provides access to digital resources statewide.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, said: “The ACA is committed to advancing our startup ecosystem, supporting small businesses, and driving innovation to strengthen our economy. Arizona’s innovation community is among the most welcoming in the world – and through our partnership with ASU Edson E+I on Venture Start, more entrepreneurs will have access to the tools, resources, and support to help them thrive.”
Kristin Slice, Director of Community Entrepreneurship at ASU Edson E+I, added: “Edson E+I has proven a new model for providing access to innovation tools that drive economic development. Partnering with the Arizona Commerce Authority brings this approach to more people across the state. As the top university in innovation and a global leader in delivering accessible tools at scale, ASU is uniquely positioned to expand access for every Arizona entrepreneur.”
The accelerator includes a free online community for entrepreneurs to connect with peers and mentors; six hybrid workshops covering topics such as strategy, customer discovery, financial modeling, and pitch preparation; ongoing access to ACA’s Venture Programs; and an opportunity for five startups to compete for $10,000 in grant seed funding at the Venture Challenge Showcase in December. GoDaddy sponsors this grant funding.
Hype Night sessions are planned in Tucson and Flagstaff ahead of the cohort start date to introduce founders to the program. Entrepreneurs interested in participating can sign up through the Venture Start online community at azcommerce.com.
The ACA has played a significant role in Arizona’s economic growth. In September 2022, it was reported that Arizona set a record for projected job creation during Fiscal Year 2022 by working with companies to create over 24,000 new jobs—exceeding its goal by more than 50 percent—and generating $10.75 billion in investment within local communities (https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2022/9/more-jobs-than-ever-before-arizona-economic-development-sets-record-again/).
The ACA describes itself as Arizona’s leading economic development organization focused on attracting out-of-state companies, supporting business expansion within Arizona and beyond, and assisting entrepreneurs in targeted industries. More information can be found at azcommerce.com or by following @azcommerce on X.
ASU’s Edson E+I Institute supports over 5,000 entrepreneurs annually through training programs and partnerships designed to make entrepreneurial resources accessible throughout Arizona communities.
