Arizona Innovation Accelerator (AIA)

The Arizona Innovation Accelerator program, housed in Commerce's Innovation & Global Business Development Division, serves as a catalyst to accelerate the growth of emerging technology businesses throughout the state.

AIA is dedicated to providing commercialization assistance by connecting technology-focused entrepreneurs with the resources needed to ensure Arizona’s small high-tech businesses grow into large global enterprises; create a network of business support services that greatly improves the chances for start-up success and growth; and provide intensive hands-on assistance to entrepreneurs.

Below are descriptions of the services provided through the AIA program:

One-on-One Consulting - The AIA team is committed to helping Arizona’s high-technology entrepreneurs (techpreneurs) succeed. Our industry specific team members have the knowledge and tools to address the wide breadth of issues facing today’s techpreneurs. We are available to provide assistance with management, market, product development, operations, financials and investor geared proposals.

Utilizing the large networks of small and large business professionals, research organizations, industry clusters, industry associations, funding sources and other providers, the AIA team can provide the helping hand you need to walk through the right doors.

To take advantage of these services, contact us to set up an appointment.

Online SBIR/STTR Fundamentals Training - The free online training course is divided into four sections:

SBIR/STTR Overview
Proposal Planning
Intellectual Property Considerations
Finance and Accounting Considerations

Completing this training will equip you with a better understanding of what:

It will take to prepare for and write an SBIR/STTR Proposal.
You need to know in order to use the SBIR/STTR programs successfully.

Learn more about the SBIR/STTR programs, including participating agencies, solicitation dates and more.

AZ Investment Tax Credit Program offers an Arizona income tax credit to "qualified investors" who invest in "qualified small businesses." The income tax credit is equal to 30% of the investment amount, increasing to 35% for investments in "bioscience enterprises" and in companies located in rural Arizona.

Download the list of qualified small businesses and view their Client Profiles.
View the amount of available tax credits under the program
Frequently Asked Questions

Arizona Innovation Connection, each week an email will be sent with State and Federal funding opportunities through entities such as the Arizona Department of Commerce, Science Foundation Arizona, the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, National Science Foundation, and many other State, National, non-profit and foundation programs. Subscribe to AIC mailing list.

To view a list of companies who have previously benefited from other AIA programs, click on the links below: