Arizona Commerce Authority Launches New Start Up Section of AZCommerce.com Connecting All Things Entrepreneurial in Arizona

PHOENIX, AZ (March 5, 2015) — The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) today launched its new Start Up section at AZCommerce.com as part of its ongoing efforts to align resources, connect partners and strengthen Arizona’s vibrant innovation ecosystem supporting the state’s entrepreneurs.

The Start Up area was designed as a result of proactive engagement and strategic dialogue among leaders within Arizona’s startup community. Insights gathered from ecosystem partners and businesses has resulted in the development of a centralized resource connecting all things entrepreneurial in the state.

“The ACA is committed to making Arizona the most entrepreneurial, innovative state in the nation – creating the best place anywhere to start and grow a business,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority. “We are excited about the ongoing collaboration with the entrepreneurial community in this effort, and these enhancements to the ACA’s website is part of a suite of dedicated resources serving startups and early-stage companies at every phase of their business development.”

The ACA Start Up section offers users a menu of helpful tools to choose from including a robust interactive resource directory, which encompasses everything from locating capital resources to identifying local incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces. The directory’s Google Maps-like feature allows simple navigation for users to organize resources from a bird’s eye level view, down to a hyper-local area. All categories within the resource directory are searchable by region and highlight opportunities in the greater Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff communities.

Another key component of the Start Up area on AZCommerce.com was designed using direct feedback from the ecosystem. Business owners and entrepreneurs continually share that one of their greatest challenges is identifying what resources and programs would help them in each stage of their business lifecycle. To address this issue, the ACA created the business lifecycle planning tool. This interactive feature allows companies to self-select their own stage within the business lifecycle to view a tailored list of suggested statewide resources and programs most applicable to their businesses.

The Start Up section will be maintained by the ACA, in collaboration with industry partners throughout Arizona’s entrepreneurial community. The ACA plans to rollout additional site functionality in the coming weeks and months to include greater social networking features, a job boards section and many other useful tools.

Watson added, “The entire ecosystem has the opportunity to engage with us and contribute to the continuous improvement and long-term success of this statewide startup resource.”

The Start Up page is live and can be accessed via the Start Up tab on AZCommerce.com. The effort is part of the ACA’s ongoing initiatives designed to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy, and promote startup formation and growth across the state.

Media Contacts

Joseph Valdez, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1234, [email protected]

Susan Marie, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]