This article originally appeared in the Arizona Alumni Magazine-

This innovation ecosystem also builds student resilience through programs like Arizona FORGE. Headquartered in downtown Tucson’s historic Roy Place Building, FORGE launched in 2019 with a core mission that includes cultivating entrepreneurial thinking, advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and driving the scale-up and launch of entrepreneurial projects.

Tucson, Arizona, has long been known for its rich history, stunning desert landscapes, and thriving entrepreneurial spirit. In recent years, Tucson has become a hub for innovation, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs from across the country to take part in programs like FORGE Ahead. Launched by University of Arizona FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs), the FORGE Ahead program is instrumental in helping new businesses in Tucson achieve their goals.  

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Roy Place is celebrating its reopening, discussing ways to create new economic possibilities in the community, and shining light on past partnerships that are still thriving today.

Formerly known as the Montgomery Ward, the University of Arizona took over the building to establish a set location for Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs or FORGE. The building was planned to open in March 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FORGE at UA was opened online instead. Today, FORGE at Roy Place is open to the community.

The "Business of Helping Entrepreneurs Succeed" episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in supporting startups and entrepreneurs. Hosted by the Tucson Metro Chamber, the episode features Founding Executive Director Brian Ellerman and Marketing and Communications Manager Erika Mitnik of the University of Arizona FORGE.

In the early going, much of a founder’s endeavor is building the right team and proving the solution solves a big enough problem (product-market fit). Later, the challenge shifts to scaling that solution and maintaining or improving its margins (profit-market fit).

FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs) is a unit of the University of Arizona Research, Innovation, and Impact. FORGE develops programs and events that engage students, entrepreneurs, researchers, mentors, and investors in entrepreneurial thinking and startup acceleration.

(From Tucson Foodie)  University of Arizona FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs) recently announced the new Tucson City of Gastronomy (TCoG) speaker series, “The Business of Heritage Foods.” They’ll take place every second Thursday from 9 – 10 a.m. at FORGE at Roy Place, 44 N. Stone Ave.

The monthly series, which is part of the “Thursdays at FORGE” event series, is free to attend and provides resources on building and sustaining food-based businesses in Southern Arizona.

In a Sims-style video game, students from UA and Pima and Cochise community colleges competed to make the most revenue for their virtual businesses.

Take Inspiration from Player Who Has Already Won the First Two Open Venture Valley Tournaments

A University of Arizona program has expanded to help members of native Arizona tribes grow their businesses. The program, Native FORGE, is an expansion of Arizona FORGE.