What Arizona Commerce Authority does

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is Arizona's official quasi-governmental economic development organization, established by statute and governed by a public-private board of directors chaired by the Governor. It pursues a three-pronged mission: recruiting out-of-state and international companies to expand or relocate in Arizona, growing existing in-state businesses, and partnering with entrepreneurs to create new ventures in targeted industries. The ACA serves a wide ecosystem that includes Fortune-scale semiconductor manufacturers (TSMC, Intel), aerospace and defense prime contractors and supply chains (Airbus, 1,250+ A&D suppliers in its directory), healthcare anchors (Mayo Clinic), startups (Arizona Innovation Challenge, Plug and Play accelerateAZ), and Arizona's 706,000 small businesses.

The ACA's core products are not commercial software but a portfolio of programmatic services: no-cost workforce development (Navigator Program, Future48 Workforce Accelerators), technical assistance (AZ MEP, AZSTEP export program, SBIR/STTR training), financial programs (SSBCI, Qualified Facility Tax Credit), venture and startup programs (Arizona Innovation Challenge, Venture Programs, LaunchAZ, Plug and Play accelerateAZ), and sector-specific initiatives including the National Semiconductor Economic Roadmap (NSER), Arizona Semiconductor Asset Map, Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain Directory, BEAD broadband program, Film & Digital Media Program (MPPP), AZ SkyTech, and the Institute for Advanced Mobility. Underlying infrastructure includes interactive digital tools such as the Arizona Assets Map (27 categories), the Semiconductor Asset Map, and the A&D Supply Chain Directory.

The ACA's business model is non-commercial: it is funded through state government appropriations, not sales revenue, and services are provided at no cost to qualifying businesses. It does not hold equity in companies it supports. Leadership is President & CEO Sandra Watson; the organization has 51-100 employees at its Phoenix headquarters (100 N. 7th Avenue, Suite 400). Its go-to-market is enterprise field sales delivered through dedicated account managers, international trade offices (Mexico, Canada, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, Taiwan relationships), regional Navigator one-stop locations, and self-serve digital portals such as the Arizona Business One Stop.

Name

Arizona Commerce Authority

Legal name

Arizona Commerce Authority

Website

https://azcommerce.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Arizona Commerce Authority is Arizona's quasi-governmental state economic development organization that recruits out-of-state and international businesses, grows existing Arizona companies, and supports entrepreneurs across targeted industries including semiconductors, aerospace & defense, and advanced manufacturing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. State Government Funding: The Arizona Commerce Authority is funded through state government appropriations and operates as the state's leading economic development organization. Revenue comes from legislative budget allocations rather than commercial revenue streams.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Arizona Commerce Authority is Arizona's state-level economic development organization that delivers no-cost workforce development, site selection, financial incentive navigation, export assistance, and technical advisory services to businesses looking to locate, expand, or start in Arizona. Its core function is a three-pronged approach: recruiting out-of-state and international companies to expand in Arizona, growing existing Arizona companies through workforce and financial support, and partnering with entrepreneurs to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries such as semiconductors, aerospace & defense, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing.

Product overview

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is Arizona's primary economic development organization, offering a portfolio of business development programs and services rather than a unified software product. The organization provides workforce assistance through the Navigator Program and Future48 Workforce Accelerators; small business support via the Small Business Academy, SSBCI financing, and startup programs including the Arizona Innovation Challenge and Venture Programs; international trade assistance through Arizona STEP; manufacturing advisory services via AZ MEP; and sector-specific initiatives including semiconductor development (NSER, Arizona Semiconductor Asset Map), broadband infrastructure expansion (BEAD, Middle-Mile), film production incentives, and autonomous vehicle programs (IAM, AZ SkyTech). These programs function as complementary services under the ACA umbrella rather than an integrated software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Navigator Program No-cost talent acquisition assistance program that helps companies moving to or expanding in Arizona with job-ready talent pools, customized recruiting services, skills and assessment screenings, HR consulting, and workforce partnerships. Delivered across 12 One Stop locations statewide.
• AZ MEP (Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership) NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership program helping Arizona manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees improve business and operational performance through consulting and process improvement services.
• Arizona STEP (State Trade Expansion Program) Program assisting Arizona small businesses with exporting products or services into new international markets through export readiness assessment and trade support.
• Small Business Academy Free courses and training equipping small businesses with the knowledge to scale operations, led by experienced business owners.
• SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative) Federal program supporting private financing for small businesses by partnering with private lenders to extend capital to businesses with limited access to loans.
• Arizona Innovation Challenge One of the largest business plan competitions in the U.S., awarding up to ten finalists a minimum of $50,000 in non-dilutive funding plus three months of customized Entrepreneur-in-Residence support.
• Venture Programs (Venture Start, Venture Raise, Venture Scale) Multi-tiered programs supporting startups at different stages from early validation to scaling, including curriculum, customer acquisition, and market expansion support.
• Plug and Play accelerateAZ Program connecting Arizona startups with corporations and developing pilots for innovative solutions, including accelerateAZ Manufacturing and accelerateAZ Sustainability verticals.
• Future48 Workforce Accelerators Initiative connecting students with skills needed for advanced manufacturing jobs, including semiconductor-focused training at community colleges.
• Arizona Broadband Development Programs Collection of broadband expansion programs including BEAD ($967M, largest in Arizona history, targeting universal broadband by 2030), Middle-Mile Program ($152M), Rural Broadband Grant ($3M), and Arizona Broadband Development Grant Program ($100M).
• Qualified Facility Tax Credit Program Refundable income tax credit for companies making capital investments to establish or expand facilities in Arizona.
• Film & Digital Media Program (MPPP) Film production incentive program offering cash rebates, streamlined permitting, and location services to attract film production to Arizona; established by HB2156 in 2022 and administered by ACA.
• International Business Services Dedicated international business services team experienced in worldwide relocations, serving as the central source for global companies considering Arizona expansion, supported by trade offices in Mexico City and Chihuahua and partnerships across Canada, Europe, Israel, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
• LaunchAZ Community-powered program connecting growth-stage startups with mentors, corporate partners, investors, and research institutions for commercialization and scaling.
• Institute for Advanced Mobility (IAM) Consortium of industry leaders and academia focused on research, development, testing, and evaluation of automated driving systems and autonomous transportation solutions.
• AZ SkyTech Program advancing unmanned aircraft systems (drones) development and deployment in Arizona through partnerships with national and private industry leaders.
• Site Selection Services Dedicated project managers providing confidential site selection including existing buildings, build-to-suit opportunities, customized research, and coordination for site visits in Arizona.
• Arizona Business One Stop Portal Secure portal centralizing business registration, licensing, and compliance across multiple state agencies for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Quantifiable outcome

• 248 international expansion projects attracted between 2020-2025, representing over $195 billion in investment and 55,000 potential jobs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Partnership for Economic Innovation (PEI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2026PEI secured $1.2 million in combined public-private funding for six Arizona health technology projects through its Applied Research Centers program, with $600K in state funding from ACA matched by private funds. Since 2019, the program has guided 35+ health technology projects from prototyping to FDA approval.
• Arizona Technology CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2026ACA and Arizona Technology Council partnership on GCOI awards recognizing innovation and STEM education. Council praised ACA extension through FY2028, State Seal of Computer Science Proficiency (HB2762), and business-friendly FY2027 budget with $1.4 billion tax cut.
• Canada Consulate OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Opening of Canada Consulate office in Phoenix to strengthen Arizona-Canada economic relationship. Governor Hobbs joined Canadian dignitaries and ACA President Sandra Watson at ribbon cutting ceremony.
• Area Development MagazinecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Area Development Magazine recognized Arizona with sixth consecutive Gold Shovel award and named Amkor and Axon as 'Projects of the Year', validating Arizona's economic development strategy.
• AirbusflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2026Airbus and ACA hosted Supplier Day showcasing Arizona's A&D leadership. Over 60 A&D suppliers attended. Since 2020, Arizona attracted 62+ A&D expansions representing $3.3 billion investment and 18,400+ new jobs.
• National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2026UCLA joined NNME Southwest, a five-state regional consortium designated as an official Regional Node by ACA in partnership with NNME, SEMI Foundation, and NSF. The consortium brings together 47 partners across Arizona, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Southern California to expand industry-aligned education, hands-on training, and career pathways in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Gunnison CopperminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 May 2026Gunnison Copper partnered with Arizona state government and ACA to develop copper resources using sustainable mining practices, focusing on environmental protection, community engagement, and streamlining regulatory processes.
• Gunnison Copper Corp.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 May 2026Gunnison Copper received approval for Qualified Facility Tax Credit Program, securing non-dilutive refundable state income tax credit tied to copper production and development activities in Cochise County.
• SEMI FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 May 2026SEMI Foundation is Hub Operator for NNME, launching first four Regional Nodes with potential funding up to $20 million per node over five years from NSF and DOC. Addresses projected shortfall of 127,000-157,000 semiconductor workers by 2030.
• NuCube EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 May 2026NuCube Energy, developer of high-temperature modular microreactor technology, opened first Phoenix office. Company was awarded DOE GAIN voucher with Argonne National Lab and selected for DOE Nuclear Energy Launch Pad program. $16 million financing led by Arizona Nuclear Ventures.
• Arizona Motion Picture Production Program (MPPP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 May 2026ACA administers the Arizona Motion Picture Production Program (HB2156, 2022) which has issued 34 pre-approvals totaling $26.3 million and 9 post-approvals worth $2.1 million, with 17 projects currently in production.
• LG ElectronicsflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 April 2026ACA partnered with LG Electronics to launch an AI venture studio (WaveX) targeting energy, healthcare, sports, and entertainment enterprises. LG serves as anchor investor in NovaWave Capital, demonstrating public-private partnership reducing venture failure rates.
• Arizona Venture AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2026Partnership to promote Arizona's startup and investor ecosystem, increase funding for startups, and grow deal flow. Organizing AZ Tech Week (April 6-12) expected to attract over 25,000 visitors with total VC investment increasing 330%+ since 2010.
• Emagine Solutions TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2026Emagine received $250,000 ACA grant through WearTech Applied Research Center for maternal health research study using The Journey Pregnancy app and Preeclampsia Foundation Cuff Kits. Arizona ranks 44th of 51 for maternal outcomes.
• Kaohsiung City Government (Taiwan)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2026International MOU to strengthen bilateral ties supporting semiconductor innovation and workforce growth between Arizona and Taiwan regions, representing expansion of Arizona-Taiwan economic and technological cooperation.
• TUBR (UK AI Startup)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 March 2026Sheffield-based AI startup TUBR launched commercial trials of TUBR Pulse predictive analytics platform in Phoenix through ACA trade program. Downtown Phoenix Inc. connected TUBR with local business networks. Company currently raising seed investment for UK and US expansion.
• University of ArizonacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2026Six-party MOU signed between University of Arizona, National Sun Yat-sen University (Taiwan), Pima County, ACA, City of Tucson, and Kaohsiung city government to strengthen semiconductor, optics, and photonics research, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing collaboration.
• Litix LegalcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 10 March 2026Litix Legal selected as qualified legal services vendor for ACA's SSBCI Technical Assistance Program, providing free legal services including entity formation, operating agreements, employment contracts, and capital readiness for eligible Arizona startups and small businesses.
• HonorHealth, Southwest Medical Imaging, ASU Edson CollegeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 February 2026Sponsors for Phoenix screening of 'The M Factor 2.0' documentary on perimenopause, featuring The Pause Technologies and its AI-powered app. Event sponsored by Flinn Foundation, BTAC Capital, ACA, and City of Phoenix.
• University of Arizona (Nanofabrication)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026$35.5 million ACA investment to expand University of Arizona's Nanofabrication Core Facility cleanroom. Expansion supports semiconductor research, industry collaboration, and workforce development with state-of-the-art equipment and training programs.
• Arizona State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026ASU hosting events at AZ Tech Week spotlighting research, partnerships, and ideas shaping Arizona's tech future. 20+ events featuring fusion energy panel and 'Partnering for Impact' hosted by Tech Launch Arizona.
• MoonshotcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026Moonshot's 7th Annual Rural Arizona Pitch Competition supported by title sponsors BCBSAZ, APS, and ACA. Competition runs April 2 through September 23 across rural communities, culminating in Phoenix for Moonshot's 25th anniversary.
• Plug and PlaycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 February 2026Plug and Play accelerateAZ connects startups with corporations and develops pilots for corporate teams. Programs include accelerateAZ Manufacturing and accelerateAZ Sustainability.
• Integro BankminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 January 2026Integro Bank CEO Club Event featuring ACA President & CEO Sandra Watson delivering statewide economic insights. Event limited to CEOs, founders, and senior decision-makers for meaningful engagement.
• Kanto PPC Advanced ChemicalsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2025KPPC Advanced Chemicals broke ground on $120 million initial phase U.S. manufacturing campus in Casa Grande, with total projected investment of $500 million by 2035. Facility will produce ultrapure chemicals for semiconductor fabrication for TSMC, Intel, Micron.
• Phoenix Aviation DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2025Phoenix Sky Harbor and ACA submitted joint proposal to FAA's eVTOL Pilot Program for advanced air mobility. Framework targets pilot training, cargo/freight movement using new technology at Phoenix-area airports.
• Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SW MAC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2025SW MAC partners with ACA on ODI initiative, selecting eight defense technology projects from Arizona universities including explainable AI, wireless power transfer for space, zero-trust security for drones, and distributed sensing systems.
• Arizona Office of Defense Innovation (ODI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2025ACA and Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SW MAC) launched ODI to advance dual-use technology and support DoD missions. Eight defense tech projects from Arizona universities received $90,000 each plus accelerator access, from 55+ proposals.
• RoviSysminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 November 2025RoviSys opened new 9,000 sq ft Tempe office focusing on data center opportunities and growth in life sciences and semiconductor manufacturing. Plans to create up to 100 new jobs. Data center energy in Greater Phoenix doubled from 2023 to 2024.
• Amkor TechnologyflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 October 2025Amkor broke ground on new state-of-the-art advanced packaging and test campus in Peoria, Arizona, with expanded planned investment of $7 billion. ACA is co-announcer of the largest advanced packaging facility in the U.S.
• eX² TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2025eX² Technology, in partnership with ADOT and ACA, executed 20-year IRU agreement with Cox Communications for 141 miles of dark fiber along I-17, enabling broadband to 1,700 households plus schools in Black Canyon City. Part of ConnectAllAZ initiative.
• GTI EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 May 2025GTI Energy (division of Buffalo-based GTI Fabrication) announced $33 million initial investment to open 530,000 sq ft manufacturing facility at Lakin Park in Goodyear. Will serve renewable energy and data center sectors, creating 250 jobs initially (600 by 2026).
• Arizona Applied Research Centers (Wearable Tech)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2025ACA invested $4.2 million in seven applied research projects in wearable tech sector in collaboration with local universities and companies through Applied Research Centers program.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Texas Economic Development Corporation: Private nonprofit leading Texas's economic development marketing and business recruitment; the most direct functional peer to ACA given similar scope (business recruitment, site selection, brand promotion) and competition for the same large semiconductor, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing projects.
• JobsOhio: Ohio's private nonprofit economic development organization, frequently cited alongside ACA as a top U.S. state EDO. Comparable in mission (recruitment, incentives, workforce), funding model (private-sector backed), and aggressive pursuit of semiconductor and advanced manufacturing projects (e.g., Intel Ohio fab).
• Empire State Development (New York): New York's umbrella economic development organization administering state incentives, site selection, and sector-specific programs. Comparable function as a state-level EDO with significant discretionary incentive authority.
• North Carolina Department of Commerce: North Carolina's state economic development arm, a major competitor in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing (e.g., Toyota battery plant). Comparable recruitment, workforce, and incentive programs and comparable industrial-sector focus.
• Georgia Department of Economic Development: Georgia's state EDO, a frequent competitor to ACA in semiconductor and electric vehicle manufacturing recruitment (e.g., Hyundai Metaplant, SK battery plants). Comparable function across business recruitment, international trade, and small business support.
• Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development: Tennessee's state EDO directly competing with Arizona for automotive, EV battery, and advanced manufacturing projects (e.g., Ford's BlueOval City). Comparable scope and incentive-driven recruitment model.
• Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC): Indiana's public-private economic development agency, structured similarly to ACA with public-private governance and a focus on advanced manufacturing, semiconductor, and defense recruitment. Comparable scope and incentive toolkit.
• California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz): California's state-level economic development entity serving as the primary business-facing government office for recruitment, retention, and expansion. Comparable in being a state-government EDO with international trade promotion, site selection, and small business support mandates.

Regional players

• Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development: Nevada's state EDO with comparable remit (business recruitment, incentives, workforce) and overlapping competition with Arizona for logistics, advanced manufacturing, and data center investments in the Mountain West.
• Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT): Colorado's state EDO operating in a neighboring Mountain West geography; shares ACA's regional competitive landscape (Site Selection Mountain Region rankings) and offers comparable business recruitment, workforce, and innovation programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/azcommerce
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AZcommerce
• Facebookfacebook.com/azcommerce
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/35851
• Instagraminstagram.com/azcommerce

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments18 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Arizona Commerce Authority