This event features Tyler Thorp, Program and Community Manager at Startup Tucson. Tyler developed SoAZ Made, a virtual marketplace for local food artisans, and created websites for local food entrepreneurs. The vision for the SoAZ Made program, in partnership with Visit Tucson, Startup Tucson, and the Tucson City of Gastronomy, is to create a thriving local food economy in Southern Arizona, where local artisans and entrepreneurs can showcase their unique products and experiences to a wider audience. By supporting these businesses, we can help preserve the rich culinary heritage of the region, and promote a stronger sense of community and connection among local consumers.

The goal is to foster a sustainable and equitable food system, where everyone has access to fresh, locally-sourced and locally-made products, and where food entrepreneurs are able to build successful and fulfilling careers doing what they love. SoAZ Made envisions a Southern Arizona where the local food scene is vibrant and diverse, and where consumers are proud to support the artisans and entrepreneurs who make it all possible.

Two startups go head to head in presenting their concepts. Witness the excitement as new entrepreneurs showcase their innovative ideas and ventures. Each company will give its pitch and then answer questions from our moderator and the audience. As part of the audience, you play a crucial role in voting on which one of these startups is most likely to scale.

For The Hustle Hour, September 2023, our panel topic will be Coaching, Consulting, and Mentoring with:
Fabiola Bedoya, Jessica Carr, Michael Tucker, Eric Franco, Christin Marvin

This month's event features Barbara Eiswerth the Executive Director and Founder of Iskashitaa and Chef Devon Sanner, TCOG Chef Ambassador, co-founder of GUT (Gastronomic Union of Tucson), award-winning chef, and co-owner of Zio Peppe restaurant.

Join FORGE founding director Brian Ellerman and his guests, every third Thursday, for a lively conversation about programs and ideas that are growing entrepreneurship in our community.

This interview will take place virtually on Zoom, but all are welcome to join us for a live viewing downtown at the FORGE HUB.

At this month's Curiosity Club, hear from “E” Elizabeth Locke-Thomas, Chief Mission Delivery Officer for Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona

The Girl Scout Cookie Program isn’t just about providing customers with tasty treats; it’s the foundation of an entrepreneurial experience. The Girl Scout Research Institute reports that 91% of all Girl Scouts have some interest in becoming an entrepreneur! With the Cookie Program, Girl Scouts is paving the way for millions of girls across the United States, preparing them for a lifetime of leadership. By encouraging girls to take on an entrepreneurial mindset and build business skills, we’re not just preparing them for success in the marketplace, but also giving them the tools to solve problems, be innovative and flexible thinkers, collaborate with others, and be resilient while they reach for their dreams.

Hear from Tucson Tamale owners, Todd and Sherry Martin on how they are using WeFunder to raise over $450,000 to expand their local food business. Inspired by family recipes they transformed this ancient Latin tradition of tamale making with an eye on healthier and cleaner ingredients.

This event will feature FORGE founding director Brian Ellerman and the team at Pueblo Vida as they engage in a lively conversation about success in the craft brewing space.