Peoria Forward
With the resources you need, leverage our robust programs to accelerate new growth for organizations, businesses and individuals in your community. The J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at Arizona State University and the city of Peoria are here for you to not just empower you, but grow with you.
Get started with the launch email series:
- Receive copies of key reports from a variety of partners with West Valley information, data, demographics, local statistics and the status of the current entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Gain access to on-demand training on how to start a business in Arizona
- Receive curated resources to build your organization
- Gain insight from your fellow entrepreneurs and neighbors on navigating your entrepreneurial journey
- Hear from local mentors, trainers and entrepreneurial resource providers about frequently asked questions and what they want you to know
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Most Recent Updates
March 2022 Newsletter- Entrepreneurship is diverse and so is this month's big list of opportunities within the ecosystem!
August 2021 Blog- Pitch In: A community event to pitch your idea, get real-time feedback
Read Peoria Forward curated blogs
Take a Catalyst Action
Even if you are not an entrepreneur or a business owner, EVERYONE is critical to small business owners and entrepreneurs’ success. We have created a list of simple actions anyone can take to support local entrepreneurs. Some take as little as 15 minutes to complete. The first step to getting involved is to take action.
Get Involved
Peoria Forward has different events all designed to build connections between the — people, ideas and resources — elements of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
New to entrepreneurship or just interested in exploring innovation? Welcome aboard the West Valley entrepreneurial ecosystem. ASU Edson E+I is committed to infusing research-based practices for developing an effective venture into every program, alongside the practical tools, experience and connections you need.
Events
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Pitch In (formerly 1 Million Cups) 9:00am - 10:00am (Arizona Time) | Spring Schedule: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month Explore what is happening across the Valley by listening to local founders share their ideas in a friendly 6-minute pitch format with 20 minutes of questions. These events are led by the local community and welcome everyone including students, nonprofit and business leaders, artists, and resource providers. If you would like to present, complete an application and a member of the commitee will reach out to get you on the schedule! Register to attend or submit an application to present at PitchInAZ.org |
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Founders Friday 9:00 am - 10:00am (Arizona Time) | The 1st Friday of the Month Peoria Forward offers high growth potential founders the opportunity to come together to share what they are working on, ask questions and gather targeted resources. Interested in participating? Reach out to Peoria.Forward@asu.edu for more information. |
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West Valley entrepreneurs crushing it online (POSTPONED) 5:30pm - 7:00pm (Arizona Time) | Wednesday, 05/18/2022 UPDATE: The speaker portion of this event has been postponed until the Fall due to unforeseeable circumstances. However, we are using our entrepreneurial mindset to pivot and will still offer an in-person opportunity on 5/18 to connect with Peoria Forward and City of Peoria Economic Development staff. If you are working on a venture and looking for assistance to overcome a challenge or are simply looking to connect with fellow entrepreneurs to share experiences, we will have delicious refreshments from 808 Social and other Hawaiian vendors ready! Please join us from 5:30-6:30pm at the City of Peoria Development and Community Services Building (9875 N 85th Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345. Park at the East entrance and enter through the glass double doors). We will reach out to all registrants as soon as the new date in the Fall for the speakers is scheduled and will also post the updated details on our website, event calendar, and newsletter. We apologize for any inconvenience this change has caused and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions: Peoria.Forward@asu.edu.
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Connect
Ready to take steps to move your idea into a reality? Meet with a member of our team in an informal meeting to learn about the resources available specifically for you. Cut through the resource noise online. During this 30-minute introduction meeting, our team will ask you general questions to learn more about your vision and what steps you have already taken to turn that vision into a reality. Then together you will discuss what next steps and resources make the most sense for you.
Leave a community connections meeting with:
- A customized list of local and national resources to help you build your vision
- Personal introductions to fellow local builders, dreamers, artists, and doers
- A clear next step to build your idea into a business through innovative approaches
- As you achieve your “next step” you can continue to meet with our team, until you are ready to connect with a coach, mentor or resources who can provide going support targeted support.
We are a flexible FREE resource, no memberships, no requirement to meet again, we are here to be of service to you.
Scheduled a community connection meeting with our team. Email Peoria.Forward@asu.edu