About this programme
Venture Start, Venture Raise, and Venture Scale are three free programs run by the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) to support startups at different stages, from validating an idea through to raising a Seed or Series A round. They are not funding programs on their own; they are structured coaching and accelerator tracks that sit alongside the ACA's Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC).
How it works
Venture Start is a six-week accelerator for early-stage startups. It uses interactive, live curriculum to help founders validate their idea and target market, define and refine a go-to-market strategy, and acquire early customers.
Venture Raise is a multi-step program for startups that already have a product in market and early users or customers. By the end of it, founders come away with a better grasp of their funding options, how to plan a fundraise, and how to ask for money.
Venture Scale is a six-month accelerator, but entry is not direct: to participate, a startup must apply to the Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC), and it is AIC awardees who go on to participate in and graduate from Venture Scale (the program was previously called Venture Ready). It provides customized consultation sessions and deep dives into product-market fit and scaling, and pairs each founder with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence, one of the most experienced mentors in the ACA's Venture Development Mentorship program. Venture Scale alumni also get repeated chances to refine their pitch and team, and to pitch to a growing pool of funders.
Who can apply
Venture Start is aimed at early-stage founders working on idea validation.
Venture Raise is for startups with a product already in market and early users or customers.
Venture Scale is only open to Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC) awardees; a startup cannot enroll directly and must first apply to and win the AIC.
Frequently asked
Can I join Venture Scale directly, without going through AIC?
No. Venture Scale participation is limited to Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC) awardees; you have to apply to and be selected in the AIC first.
What's the difference between Venture Start and Venture Raise?
Venture Start is a six-week program for early-stage founders still validating their idea and target market. Venture Raise is aimed at startups that already have a product in market and early customers, and it focuses on getting them ready to fundraise.
What do founders get out of Venture Scale?
A six-month accelerator with customized consultation sessions, deep dives into product-market fit and scaling, one-on-one pairing with an ACA Entrepreneur-in-Residence, and repeated opportunities to pitch to an increasing pool of funders.
More funding in Arizona
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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.