Sky Islands Regional Partnership to sponsor one tech startup into UA Center for Innovation program

Melanie, director of the Sky Islands Regional Partnership (formerly Sierra Vista Chamber), told KWCD the group's Sky Islands Foundation partners with the University of Arizona Center for Innovation and the City of Sierra Vista to sponsor a tech company each year for a year‑long business acceleration program.

"We have approximately 400" member businesses across southeastern Arizona, Melanie said. She described the foundation as a 501(c)(3) that focuses on economic development, leadership and workforce development.

The sponsored program provides entrepreneurs with consultants, attorneys and business specialists to help move a technology concept toward a viable company. "The cost for that program is actually $10,000," Melanie said; she said the foundation will cover that cost for the selected company and that this is the third year the program has been offered.

Why it matters: The sponsorship helps regional innovators access a structured incubation program that the partnership says supports commercialization and scaling of technology businesses. The foundation also runs local events including an August expo and other annual activities.

Details: Melanie said the foundation's sponsorship targets tech companies across southern Arizona; companies based in Sierra Vista will pitch to the city's Economic Development Commission, and out‑of‑city applicants may be considered by the foundation. She directed interested entrepreneurs to skyislandsrp.com for application information.