Startup Tucson
Video Library
MEET STARTUP
TUCSON
Transforming Southern Arizona’s economy through entrepreneurship and innovation.
ABOUT STARTUP TUCSON
Startup Tucson is a nonprofit working to transform the Southern Arizona economy through entrepreneurship and innovation.
As the region’s one-stop hub for entrepreneurship, we help increase the quantity, quality, and diversity of local businesses—while building a more connected innovation ecosystem.
Through high-quality, low-cost technical assistance, mentoring, and community programs, we reduce barriers to success for founders of all backgrounds. We believe entrepreneurship empowers individuals and communities to reach their full potential when opportunities are accessible and equitable.
Founded in 2012, Startup Tucson sits at the frontier of grassroots economic development and has been vital to the rapid growth of our region’s creative and entrepreneurial community. In 2024–2025, we directly engaged more than 2,000 entrepreneurs and ecosystem supporters through our programs and events.
Our Entrepreneurs are Diverse and Driven:
OUR MISSION, VISION & VALUES
MISSION
Working to transform the region’s economy through entrepreneurship and innovation.
VISION
We imagine a Tucson known nationwide as an ideal place to start and grow a business.
GOALS
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Increase the number, quality, and diversity of startups and entrepreneurs.
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Change the narrative of Southern Arizona as a top place for innovators.
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Be recognized as the hub for community-facing entrepreneurship.
VALUES
Optimism. Inclusivity. Customer-Centric. Collaborative.
Relationship-Focused. Quality Execution.
OUR MODEL
Our Learn–Build–Grow–Discover model provides structured yet flexible pathways for founders to move from idea to scale. Whether you’re exploring an idea or scaling a company, Startup Tucson provides the mentorship, accountability, and community to help you take the next step.
LEARN
BUILD
GROW
DISCOVER
OUR IMPACT
Entrepreneurship changes lives and strengthens communities.
Each year, Startup Tucson helps founders grow stronger, more sustainable businesses.
These business create jobs, bring revenue to our community and support future generations.
2024–2025 Impact Highlights
$8.3M
capital raised
115+ new jobs created
43% of founders saw revenue growth
340+ mentor & coaching hours
240+ resource referrals
90
active
members
Lifetime Impact
950+
jobs created
280M+
in total
capital secured
OUR TEAM
Liz Pocock
Chief Executive Officer
Megan Finck
Director of Programs
& Events
Keneshia Raymond
Capital Access &
Growth Advisor
Paige O’Rourke
Program Manager
Anita Chavarin
Marketing Manager
OUR BOARD
Gina Catalano, Chairwoman
Founder, Venture Solutions, LLC and
Co-founder, La Suprema Works & Events
Serving since February 2023
Fletcher McCusker
Chief Executive Officer, UA Venture Capital
Serving since July 2014
Andrew More, Secretary
Venture Capitalist
Serving since February 2023
Gabrielle Morlock
Associate, Snell & Wilmer
Serving since March 2024
David Smallhouse, Treasurer
Managing Director, Miramar Ventures
Serving since December 2013
Cristie Street
Senior Vice President & COO
Southern Arizona Leadership Council
Serving Since July 2025
OUR HISTORY & EVOLUTION
Founded in 2012 on the heels of Tucson’s first Startup Weekend, Startup Tucson quickly became the advocate, educator, and connector for entrepreneurs across Southern Arizona.
We’ve grown from a volunteer initiative to an award-winning regional organization with hundreds of founders in our network.
2014
2015
2012
2019
2020-21
2022-24
2025
& Beyond
Founded by volunteer entrepreneurs after Tucson’s first Startup Weekend.
Received first federal funding through the SBA ScaleUp Program.
Launched the TENWEST Impact Festival.
Named Copper Cactus Nonprofit of the Year.
Received EDA and USDA awards; pivoted to virtual support during COVID.
Expanded programs countywide; opened Launch Lab & Media Studio.
Launching Startup Tucson 3.0 and new Learn–Build–Grow pipeline.
MAJOR GRANTS & PROJECTS
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2025 OneAZ Legacy Grant
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2024 Rooted Relative Fund Partner
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2022 EDA Build Back Better Finalist
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Multiple SBA, USDA & EDA awardees
AWARDS
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2021 SBA National Super Connector
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2021 Copper Cactus Innovation Award
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2019 Copper Cactus Nonprofit of the Year
GET INVOLVED
Join the community of founders, mentors, and supporters shaping the future of Tucson’s economy.
BECOME A
MENTOR
Contribute your experience through coaching, workshops, or advisory sessions
PARTNER
WITH US
Collaborate on programs and events that strengthen our regional economy.
SPONSOR A
PROGRAM
Stay connected with founder stories, upcoming events, and ecosystem news.
