Turn Up the Heat - Let’s Build Something Bold Together. 🌵

May in the desert is no joke, but neither are the dreams you’re chasing. As the temps rise, so does the energy across Tucson’s entrepreneurial scene. From networking to partnerships, new launches to leveling up, Startup Tucson is turning up the dial on support and inspiration this month. Let’s make it a scorcher (in a good way).

 

May is packed with opportunities to connect, grow, and get your big ideas off the ground (preferably somewhere air-conditioned). So grab your shades and let’s get to work!

Are you looking to secure a loan for your business or simply want to better understand the process? This session is for you! Join us TODAY learn how to obtain financing for your business, including the key documents you'll need and how lenders evaluate applications. Our goal is to help you assess whether you're ready to apply for capital and, if not, create a plan to get your business on the path to being capital-ready. Learn more and register here!

Got a big idea or a growing business and want to level up fast? Startup Fundamentals is a full-day, hands-on workshop that guides you through everything from building your business model to identifying your customer and refining your market position. You'll participate in interactive sessions and get real-time feedback from Startup Tucson mentors with a wide range of industry experience. Ready to dive in? Learn more and register here!

Whether you're exploring an idea or you're already running a business and ready to fine-tune your foundation, Startup 101 is designed to meet you where you are. This hands-on workshop will walk you through essential tools, local resources, and how to plug into the Startup Tucson community. Ready to take the next step? Learn more and register here!

Startup Drinks is back on May 22nd, and this time we’re raising a glass to BIPOC Entrepreneurs Day. We're celebrating the founders, dreamers, and doers who keep Tucson’s business scene thriving. Recognized last year by the City of Tucson, Pima County, and the State of Arizona, BIPOC Entrepreneurs Day honors the incredible contributions of BIPOC-owned businesses during National Small Business Week. Expect good vibes, great convos, and the chance to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and local champions. Whether you’re new to the community or a longtime builder, this is your invitation to show up, celebrate, and plug in. Register here!

Whether you're just starting to explore a new idea or looking to refine your business, Startup 101 is the perfect way to get things moving without stepping into the summer heat. This online workshop will introduce you to essential tools and resources that support every stage of your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're looking to launch or just need a solid refresher, this course is your cool solution to connecting with Startup Tucson and getting the support you need to succeed. Learn more and register here!

Sabores de Tucson: May 2nd from 6:00 to 8:30pm – Join SAACA and the Tucson International Mariachi Conference for a vibrant celebration of Tucson’s Mexican food heritage, featuring regional dishes, music, and art. This culinary festival will showcase the flavors of Northern Mexico, Central Mexico, the Pacific Coast, and Southern Mexico & the Yucatán Peninsula. Learn more and buy your ticket here!

Join Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, author, and scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. for a lecture on community building as a collective practice. Known for Finding Your Roots and The Black Church, Dr. Gates brings a wealth of knowledge on history and culture. This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of the most influential voices in American culture today. We hope to see you there! Get your ticket here!

Spring 2025 BoardConnect: May 14th from 5:30 to 7:30pm – Join the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and Tucson Young Professionals for Spring BoardConnect this month! BoardConnect is a fun, high-energy event that connects community-minded people with local nonprofits seeking board members, volunteers, and committee support. Whether you're new to Tucson, shifting gears, or simply want to make an impact, this is a great way to find a mission you care about and connect with others who care too. Learn more and register here!

Playful Paradox Fashion Show by PCC Fashion Design Department: May 17th at 7pm – Catch the Playful Paradox fashion show, featuring PCC fashion students, emerging brands, and local designers. The event will highlight sustainable designs created in collaboration with Goodwill of Southern Arizona. The show starts at 7:00pm and all donations benefit the Fashion Design Program’s scholarships and student support. Buy your tickets here!

Hustle Hour Resilient & Ready – Thriving Through Change: May 21st from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Join Local First Arizona and HUSTL Financial at the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center for Hustle Hour, a business education and networking event for small business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs. This month’s theme, "Resilient & Ready," explores how to embrace change, face uncertainty, and build resilience in both business and life. Learn more and register here!

Ballet Tucson Pop-Up Performances: Select Days in May – Ballet Tucson is bringing dance to the community with Pop-Up Performances all over town. In partnership with some of Tucson’s most beloved cultural spots like the Tucson Museum of Art, Tohono Chul Gardens, La Encantada, and more, Ballet Tucson is offering live performances and community dance classes in unique and unexpected settings. It’s a chance to experience the beauty of ballet up close and connect with the arts in a whole new way. Come catch the magic in motion. Learn more here!

Thank you to our organizational sponsors for their continued support of the Southern Arizona startup ecosystem!