Startup Tucson Awarded $50,000 OneAZ Legacy Grant to Expand Programs Supporting Southern Arizona Entrepreneurs

July 30, 2025 (Tucson, AZ) - Startup Tucson is proud to announce it has been selected as one of three recipients of the OneAZ Community Foundation’s prestigious Legacy Grant. The $50,000 grant will directly support the expansion of Startup Tucson’s Learn-Build-Grow pipeline and introduce some new programming this Fall. These programs are aimed at equipping Southern Arizona entrepreneurs with the mentorship, coaching, and peer networks they need to thrive in the earliest, most critical stages of business growth.

“This funding from the OneAZ Community Foundation is a major accelerator for our work at Startup Tucson,” said Liz Pocock, CEO of Startup Tucson. “It allows us to scale and expand some of our most important programs, providing deeper and more customized support for entrepreneurs as they navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business.” 

Startup Tucson is one of three nonprofits selected for the 2025 Legacy Grant program. A total of $130,000 was awarded by OneAZ Credit Union to support economic empowerment and entrepreneurship initiatives statewide. Other recipients include Change Labs and JobPath. 

“We’re honored to partner with these incredible organizations that are truly transforming Arizona’s economic landscape,” said Robert Raygoza, Executive Director of the OneAZ Community Foundation. “Through these Legacy Grants, we’re helping create opportunities for individuals and entrepreneurs to thrive. Investing in education, workforce development, and Native entrepreneurship is a vital part of building stronger, more resilient communities across our state.”

The Legacy Grant aligns with the organization’s mission to reduce barriers to entry and help build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Arizona. Since 2016, the OneAZ Community Foundation has invested over $2 million in programs that promote financial empowerment, community leadership, and economic opportunity throughout Arizona.

About Startup Tucson

Startup Tucson is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming Southern Arizona into a nationally recognized hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Through accessible, high-impact education and programming, Startup Tucson empowers founders to launch, grow and scale sustainable ventures that contribute to a thriving local economy. Learn more at www.startuptucson.com.