University of Arizona FORGE
FORGE is Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs
• Inspiring entrepreneurial thinking in all students (FORGE Student Venture Pathways)
• Amplifying community entrepreneurial ecosystems (FORGE Communities)
• Accelerating startup growth and profitability (FORGE Ahead)
Offerings
Programs & Services
Programs & Services
FORGE hosts programs and events that engage students, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, mentors, and investors in entrepreneurial mindset development and startup acceleration.
Venturing 101 is a free, online, curriculum of core venture concepts including Getting Started with a Venture, Ideation, Problems, & Solutions, Customer Development, Failure & Resilience, Business Modeling, Communicating Your Idea, Building Your Team, and Financial Literacy. Participants who complete the 8 core modules can receive a virtual badge and sign up for additional specialized content.
FORGE at Roy Place, in downtown Tucson, hosts weekly events, business networking and drop in mentorship opportunities.
FORGE hosts two startup accelerator programs through its FORGE Ahead Programs.
FORGE Ahead Residency is a yearlong program for companies that have reached at least level 4 on Abaca's Venture Investment Levels. Residents in this competitive accelerator work on a custom development plan with experienced entrepreneurs and investors and meet regularly with peers and a team of expert mentors. Graduates go on to national caliber accelerators, significant venture capital raises, or acquisition.
FORGE Ahead Crucible is an accelerated 8-week version of the successful yearlong FORGE Ahead Residency program for venture development. Participants receive a small stipend to attend, and companies must have reached at least level 5 on Abaca's Venture Investment Levels to apply.
FORGE Communities offers space and support to qualified organizations helping to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Services
Entrepreneurial assessment tools
Venture education
Meeting and classroom space
Event and conference space
Community workspace
Mentorship from industry experts
Startup Accelerators
Prerequisites or Exclusions
A startup does not need to be affiliated with the University of Arizona to apply to FORGE programs.
Getting Connected
Sign up for the University of Arizona FORGE newsletter to learn about ongoing events and application deadlines for FORGE programs. Visit us at forge.arizona.edu to learn more about our work and follow up on social media.
Primary Contact
Holly McAnally
Additional Information
“We want to be part of the community and create opportunities for more than just ourselves, and working with FORGE we can not only get exposed to resources and ways to raise money and find experts, but we can also make friends and expand our network, even find new clients.” David DiCosola, co-founder of FORGE Ahead Resident startup company PackDash.