Sky Islands Regional Partnership funds tech incubator slot with UA Center for Innovation

Melanie, director of the Sky Islands Regional Partnership, said the organization's Sky Islands Foundation sponsors one regional tech company yearly to participate in the University of Arizona Center for Innovation program, which she said costs about $10,000.

"Our foundation will sponsor 1 tech company each year to go through that program. The cost for that program is actually $10,000," Melanie said on First Watch. She described the Center for Innovation program as offering consultants, attorneys and specialists who help entrepreneurs build business operations and move from concept to revenue.

Melanie said the regional partnership is a membership-based nonprofit with about 400 member businesses across southeastern Arizona and that the foundation focuses on economic development, leadership and workforce programs. She urged innovators to apply through the partnership's website, skyislandsrp.com, and noted other upcoming events: a "Good Morning Sierra Vista" networking event in July, an annual expo on Aug. 23 and a golf tournament in October. She also referenced the organization's social channels for outreach.

Why it matters: The sponsored slot reduces a major cost barrier for local startups seeking business development support and connects regional entrepreneurs to university resources and mentorship.

Supporting details: Melanie said the foundation partners with the City of Sierra Vista and that the sponsorship is available to companies across southern Arizona; Sierra Vista-based firms may be routed through the city's Economic Development Commission while others apply through the regional partnership. She said the program has run three years and that more than one cohort of companies has taken part.

Ending: Interested entrepreneurs were directed to skyislandsrp.com for application details and media releases about the program.