March Economic Development ENEWS

Current News

Apply Now for Skysong Innovations Startup Challenge

Calling all Scottsdale innovators! The Skysong Innovations Startup Challenge is back, offering a chance for recently formed ASU-affiliated startups to compete for seed investments totaling up to $175,000—including a grand prize of $50,000.


The 2025 Challenge is open to startups formed to commercialize ASU innovations with option or license agreements executed with Skysong Innovations between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. The deadline to enter the Challenge is June 30, 2025.

More info

Scottsdale’s Signature Events: A Must-See Lineup This Winter & Spring!

From world-class golf tournaments to vibrant arts and culinary festivals, can’t-miss events drive tourism and economic growth in Scottsdale.


Through the Scottsdale Signature Events campaign, Experience Scottsdale is showcasing all there is to see and do in Scottsdale from January through March. Targeting 23 cities across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City, and Chicago, this campaign highlights Scottsdale’s premier events and attractions to drive tourism and economic impact.


Join in on the fun during the final weeks of Scottsdale’s signature event season.

Details

Unlock Funding Opportunities with the Small Business Lending Academy

Securing funding can be challenging, even for seasoned businesses. To help, the Arizona Commerce Authority has launched the Small Business Lending Academy—a free, six-week program designed to assist Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Businesses (SEDI) and Very Small Businesses (VSBs) in preparing the necessary documentation for microloans under $50,000.


Applications for the program opened March 10, 2025. This competitive program has business experience and time requirements, with limited spots available.

More info

Optimize Your Water Use: Free Commercial Water Consultations Available!

When was the last time your business evaluated your water use? Your irrigation system is your landscape’s lifeline - a well-maintained system will help keep your landscape healthy while using water efficiently.


When Scottsdale Water conducts commercial consultations, the number one, easily correctable finding is large outdoor water leaks. The number one topic is rebates. Get a consult for more information or go to ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search "water conservation.” 

Request a free consult

Upcoming Events

Aerospace Innovation Day

March 19, 2025

8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

ASU Skysong Building 3

1365 N Scottsdale Rd

Scottsdale , AZ 85257


Get ready to soar to new heights with the latest advancements in the aerospace industry. Join Plug and Play accelerateAZ on Wednesday, March 19, at SkySong Building 3 for a day filled with exciting presentations, insightful thought leadership, and incredible networking opportunities.


The event will connect industry leaders, founders, investors, institutions, and professionals to discuss the future of manufacturing and aerospace technologies. This event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about making Arizona a hub for aerospace innovation.

Register

2025 Arizona Good Business Summit

April 2, 2025

Arizona Broadway Theatre

7701 W. Paradise Lane

Peoria, AZ 85382


Featuring inspiring speakers, practical workshops and thought-provoking presentations, the Arizona Good Business summit is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that harnesses the collective power of our state’s locally owned businesses to fuel a thriving, inclusive and lasting Arizona economy.

Register

Venture Madness Conference

April 2 - 3, 2025

Mountain America Stadium

500 E Veterans Way

Tempe, AZ 85287


The Venture Madness Conference is Arizona's longest-standing venture capital and pitch conference where the region's most promising ventures live-pitch their way to accredited investors at this live event. Companies selected to present from each track receive prize money.

Register

Small Business Innovation Research Day in Arizona

April 10, 2025

2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

850 PBC

850 North 5th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85004


Join the Arizona Commerce Authority for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Day in Arizona. Meet successful SBIR winners and coaches who will share their secrets to success in accessing startup capital from “America’s Seed Fund.”

More information

Scottsdale Company Spotlight 

The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, founded in 1989 by Barbara G. Peters, is an independent bookstore specializing in fiction. Discover with us current and classic works of mystery, thrillers, historical and literary fiction, and literature of the American Southwest, much of it offered in Autographed First Editions and imports. Our Book Clubs bring exciting new work right to your door.


Located in Old Town Scottsdale’s Art District, The Pen is celebrated for its schedule of author and literary events and its global outreach through webcasts and worldwide shipping.


 "Scottsdale’s vibrant community and love for the arts make it the perfect place to run a bookstore. It’s inspiring to connect with readers who share a passion for stories in such a beautiful and dynamic city." - Barbara G. Peters, publisher and bookshop owner

Visit The Poisoned Pen
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