We are deeply grateful for all your support of our people and programs.
Here at FORGE, we are Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs anywhere the University of Arizona has a presence. From student development to tribal entrepreneurs to startup founders, our work helps cultivate entrepreneurial mindset throughout the state.
Please consider making a gift to our programs. With your continued support, we can keep growing tomorrow's entrepreneurs.
- Brian Ellerman, FORGE Founding Executive Director
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FORGE has three central missions:
Inspire entrepreneurial thinking in all students (FORGE Student Venture Pathways)
Amplify community entrepreneurial ecosystems(FORGE Communities)
Accelerate startup growth and profitability (FORGE Venture Advisors)
FORGE develops programs and events that engage students, entrepreneurs, researchers, mentors, community supporters, and investors in entrepreneurial mindset development and startup acceleration.
Hear from some of our students, founders and partners how FORGE has made an impact in their lives, and become part of the mission by making a gift to FORGE.
Student Venture Pathways
“I’ve become more confident professionally,” said student Destiny Velez. “I now understand what I’m capable of handling on my own. Prior to working with FORGE, I was very unsure of myself and ability to handle myself professionally, and now I have confidence that I can do the things I seek out to do.” Read Destiny's story here.
FORGE Student Venture Pathways (SVP) is a unique resource available to students at the University of Arizona who want to build their entrepreneurial skills and toolbox. SVP programs are available for any student, in any program, regardless of major. SVP includes both in-person and virtual resources and programs. These include assessments, asynchronous online curriculum, skill building, and workshops.
Communities
“In small business, the first five years are really crucial. … Us being in a rural area, it is even tougher. I am hoping with this assistance, they can navigate through those waters, and five years from now, they will still be standing strong.” Kodee Goseyun, San Carlos Apache Tribe. Read about the San Carlos Apache Native FORGE cohort here.
FORGE Communities works alongside organizations and individuals passionate about their local innovation ecosystems, providing support for entrepreneurs and change-makers striving for impact wherever the University of Arizona has a presence. Communities programs include Thursdays at FORGE programs open to the public to connect with entrepreneurs, Drop in coworking, Office, meeting, and event spaces and support services for qualified community partners and the Native FORGE program for entrepreneurs in Arizona's 22 federally recognized tribes.
Venture Advisors
“My aspirations for attending university weren’t strong in high school. I always felt more connected to the idea of working on projects that I’m passionate about and with people who share that same drive and determination. FORGE has only furthered that experience of connection and has opened a lot of doors - continuing that growth journey for me.” said Evan Zavitz, GRAV Co-Founder, UArizona alum, and FORGE Venture Advisors participant. Read how Grav went from students to startup founders
FORGE Venture Advisors™ includes Residency at FORGE, a 12-18 month "prove-out" program for young, rapidly emerging, innovation-driven companies seeking profit-market fit, and Crucible at FORGE, an 8-week program where founders take residency and collaborate with mentors and subject experts to accelerate their ventures toward investment readiness.