High-level CEOs and serial entrepreneurs are coming together to build a network of support for Arizona’s startups that are most poised for success. Recognizing that high-wage jobs in high-value industries are critical to building Arizona’s long-term vitality, the Arizona Commerce Authority’s (ACA) Venture Ready program targets high-tech and life science startups and performs free mentoring services to help refine their business models and propel their success even further.

Venture Ready captures the top 25 semifinalists from the Arizona Innovation Challenge and begins by partnering the companies with an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) who will act as their coach throughout the process. Each company participates in a 4 stage panel process that focuses on the marketing, financial, and overall business model. Surrounded by a team of CEOs and professional experts, a company will pitch their business model to the group and receive very specific points of feedback that point out gaps or strategic opportunities that the entrepreneur could consider. The program is not an investment matching program, but has been designed to provide the maximum benefit to all applicants by helping them better articulate their value and, where appropriate, to enhance their prospects for securing investment capital in the future.

Venture Ready is part of a collaborative effort to create winning companies while retaining and developing the entrepreneurial talent in the State of Arizona.

Are you an expert in your field or industry? Have you been successful in starting your own business? Venture Ready is currently looking for qualified individuals who are interested in volunteering their time to serve as Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) or mentors.

If you think you would be interested in helping to change revolutionary ideas into useful products, please contact Hilary Hirsch at the Arizona Commerce Authority at hilaryh@azcommerce.com or 602-845-1277.