As an ongoing effort to provide tools and resources to the vibrant AZ startup ecosystem, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) released its new Start Up portal at azcommerce.com.
Based on insights and feedback gathered from AZ’s ecosystem leaders and partners, the portal was designed with an edgy vibe and to be used as a centralized source for all things entrepreneurial in the state.
The portal offers a menu of tools to help startups navigate their way around the AZ ecosystem and discover everything from co-working spaces and social events to pitch competitions and capital resources.
Delving into the site, startups will find the Get Social tab listing networking, competition and educational events going on around the state. The Planning Tool section (to be renamed later) offers startups a simplified way to drill down their resource needs depending on their business phase. If you are just getting going with your business or looking to bring your company here, the Small Business Checklist helps founders maneuver through the administrative details and find business skills training.
Sandra Watson, President and CEO, ACA said, “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. 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.”
Another valuable tool is the resource directory, a Google-like interactive map that lists events, incubators, capital resources and more from around the state that will help entrepreneurs find what they need with ease. The ACA does manage and vet the site to ensure that each resource and event is represented accurately.
Steve Zylstra, President and CEO Arizona Technology Council, commented on the site, “I think that this new startup resource at the ACA is just what the doctor ordered. For years, I have heard complaints that technology entrepreneurs had to go to far too many organizations and websites to find all the information and connections they needed. Now we just need to get everyone to help populate it and use it.”
In the coming year the ACA plans to add more social networking features, a job board and other tools helpful to grow ones’ business.
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Photos provided by Arizona Commerce Authority
