About this programme
The Arizona Venture Co-Invest Program, branded AVC Ignite, is one of three programs the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) runs under Arizona's allocation of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to strengthen state support for private financing of small businesses, with a particular focus on socially and economically disadvantaged businesses (SEDI-owned businesses) and very small businesses (VSBs). The ACA is explicit that SSBCI is not a grant program: each business still has to meet the requirements set by the lenders or investors it works with.
AVC Ignite makes direct equity investments in innovative seed- and early-stage Arizona businesses in targeted sectors, alongside institutional or venture capital firms, established angel capital associations, corporate VCs, and established accelerators and incubators. The program is administered through the non-profit AZ Venture Capital Inc. (AVC), not directly by the ACA.
Arizona's other two SSBCI programs sit alongside AVC Ignite: the Arizona Loan Guarantee Program (AZLGP), which guarantees up to 50% of the principal on loans that partner CDFI lenders (Clearinghouse CDFI, Lendistry CDFI, and Prestamos CDFI) make to Arizona small businesses; and the Arizona Multi-Fund Venture Capital Program, branded AVC Limited Partner, which puts equity into established venture capital firms rather than directly into companies. Both of the AVC-branded programs, Ignite and Limited Partner, are administered by AZ Venture Capital Inc.
Frequently asked
Does the state invest on its own, or only alongside other investors?
AVC Ignite invests directly in the company, but alongside an institutional or venture capital firm, an established angel capital association, a corporate VC, or an established accelerator or incubator, not on its own.
Who actually runs AVC Ignite?
It's administered through AZ Venture Capital Inc. (AVC), a non-profit, using Arizona's SSBCI allocation, rather than directly by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
Is this the same as the Arizona Loan Guarantee Program?
No. Both sit under Arizona's SSBCI allocation, but the Loan Guarantee Program backs debt made by partner CDFI lenders, while AVC Ignite makes direct equity investments in seed- and early-stage companies.
Is SSBCI a grant program?
No. The Arizona Commerce Authority states explicitly that SSBCI is not a grant program, and each business must meet the requirements set by the lenders or investors it works with.
More funding in Arizona
Angel Investment Tax Credit
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) · Arizona
Investors who put at least $25,000 into an ACA-certified Arizona small business can earn a state tax credit and skip capital gains tax on the exit.
Arizona Loan Guarantee Program (AZLGP)
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), part of Arizona's SSBCI allocation · Arizona
The state guarantees a portion of a loan through partner lenders so Arizona small businesses that fall short on collateral or credit history can still get financing.
Arizona Venture Programs (Venture Start, Venture Raise, Venture Scale)
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) · Arizona
Free ACA-run programs take Arizona founders from idea validation through fundraising readiness for a Seed or Series A round.
Qualified Facility Tax Credit
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) · Arizona
Arizona income-tax credit rewarding new or expanded manufacturing and headquarters facilities that create qualifying jobs, allocated first-come-first-served against an annual statewide cap.
Research & Development Tax Credit
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) / Arizona Department of Revenue · Arizona
Arizona businesses investing in R&D can claim a state income tax credit, and small companies under 150 employees can get part of it as a cash refund.
Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC)
Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) · Arizona
One of the country's largest business plan competitions awards $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to early-revenue Arizona tech startups.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.