Venture Programs

The Arizona Commerce Authority’s Venture Start, Venture Raise and Venture Scale were developed to support startups who are ready to take their business to the next level. Venture Start Venture Start is a six-week accelerator that helps early-stage startups validate their idea and target market, define and refine their go-to-market strategy and acquire early customers through interactive, live curriculum. LEARN MORE Venture Raise Venture Raise is a multi-step program designed for startups who have a product in market and early users/customers. At the end of the program, founders will have a better understanding of funding options, fundraising planning and how to ask for funds. Learn More Venture Scale To participate Venture Scale, startups must apply to the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC) the largest business plan competitions in the nation. AIC awardees will participate and graduate from Venture Scale (previously known as Venture Ready). Venture Scale is a six-month long accelerator that provides founders with customized consultation sessions and deep dives into product-market and scaling. Each founder is paired with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, an entrepreneur who is in the most experienced ranks of the ACA Venture Development Mentorship program. As AIC Awardees and future Venture Scale Alumni, graduating founders have a number of chances to improve their pitch, their team and opportunities to pitch in front of an increasing number of funders. Learn More about AIC