Last month, Council President and CEO Steven Zylstra had the honor of meeting with Vietnamese Consul General, Hoang Anh Tuan, as part of the Consul General’s official visit to Arizona. 🤝 The meeting spotlighted the potential for deeper collaboration between Arizona’s robust technology ecosystem and Vietnam’s rapidly growing tech sector. With shared interests in semiconductors, AI and digital transformation, both sides discussed opportunities for companies like Council member and annual sponsor FPT Americas, to partner and grow across global markets. As Arizona continues to attract international investment and shape technology policy, these connections are key to advancing innovation and driving mutual growth. 🔗 Full article here: aztechcouncil.org/news-and-press #ArizonaTech #GlobalInnovation #Semiconductors #DigitalTransformation https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXsJ8FSeZ-

Mark your calendar for 4 p.m. May 13 at Mesa Community College (1833 W. Southern Ave. in Mesa). That’s when three of the East Valley’s most prominent leaders – Clate Mask of PHX FWD, Jenn Daniels of Horizon Strategies and Monica Trejo of Arizona Board of Regents – share insights and best practices on leadership for the future at PHX EV NEXT – Nurturing Exceptional Talent. To register, contact Jessica Hubbard at jhubbard@phxeastvalley.com. There is no cost to attend. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325776671872024577

Happy National #SmallBusinessWeek! Arizona is proud to support the entrepreneurs and small business owners who make up the backbone of our economy. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXWgdjNW5T

If you're a woman entrepreneur looking to build smarter strategies and lead with greater clarity, join us for the Women Entrepreneur Network on May 8 at Venture Café Phoenix. Abbie Richie will be delivering a thought-provoking session: "6 Lessons White Lotus Can Teach Women Entrepreneurs." Through the lens of leadership, decision-making, and resilience, Abbie will offer lessons that every business owner can apply to strengthen their path forward. Networking begins at 4:30 PM, and the session starts promptly at 5:00 PM. Hope you’ll join us for an evening of connection, inspiration, and real-world learning. #WomenEntrepreneurNetwork #LeadershipLessons #VentureCafePhoenix https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXHU3VP5st

Behind every successful startup is a network of support that helps turn bold ideas into scalable ventures. This Thursday, discover the key programs, accelerators, incubators, and funding resources fueling Arizona’s innovation economy. Hear directly from leaders and ecosystem builders Eric Miller, Thomas Schumann, Rodney Fuller, and Kyle Jardine who are providing critical lifelines—from early-stage mentorship to strategic growth support. Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale, this conversation will spotlight the tools and connections that can help your startup thrive in Arizona. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJXCX7oPQJi

BATTERY-FOCUSED FUTURE48 WORKFORCE ACCELERATOR IN PINAL COUNTY

“This training center at CAC will be a cornerstone of our efforts preparing a highly skilled workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.” @lgenergysolution @TownofQueencreek @Centralarizonacollege https://www.instagram.com/p/DJW7r6PpBsd

Arizona’s life sciences ecosystem is experiencing rapid growth, driven by innovation, talent, and strategic investments. This Thursday, leading investors Chris Yoo, Bob DeLean, and James Goulka will share insights into what’s fueling their interest in the region’s MedTech sector—from cutting-edge startups to emerging healthcare technologies. Join us for a dynamic conversation on funding trends, investment criteria, and the unique opportunities that make Arizona a rising hub for life sciences. Whether you're an entrepreneur, researcher, or investor, this session will offer a valuable look at how capital is shaping the future of MedTech in the state. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJUwNl8zQmc

Small Business Boot Camp Session 361 Mastering P&L: Unlocking its Potential for Efficient Business

🥇 🥇 🥇 THREE YEARS IN A ROW: @businessfacilitiesmag selected Arizona for its Economic Development Award, recognizing the state’s unprecedented broadband expansion efforts. @GovHobbs #Economicdevelopment #Broadband #Arizona #Award #Broadbandexpansion https://www.instagram.com/p/DJUiJgZu4BB

Meet the Augment Community ⬇️ Entrepreneurs, operators, and doers, all in one place. Weekly events. Real connections. Lifelong support. If you want to go further, this is who you go with. Welcome to Augment. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJUHw9ZIcAl

This Thursday, investors, ecosystem leaders, and key resource providers will each deliver 1–2 minute lightning pitches spotlighting who they are, what they offer, and how they’re supporting innovation. You’ll also hear from a curated selection of international startups introducing their groundbreaking solutions. It’s the perfect way to discover new connections, opportunities, and collaborations—all in under an hour. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJS2oN5p0Ft

🔐 Cyber threats don’t wait. Neither should you. Join us for the 12th Annual Cybersecurity Summit on May 14! Presented in partnership with @azcommerce and ARIZONA CYBER THREAT RESPONSE ALLIANCE INC (ACTRA), this must-attend event brings together cyber security experts to tackle today’s AI-driven security challenges. 🔗 Link in bio to register now Many thanks to our additional event sponsors: @gcu, @dataprise, @10to1pr 1, & @uatedu #Cybersecurity #AZTechCouncil #DataProtection https://www.instagram.com/p/DJSb5XchgHy

What an exciting day at the Plug and Play Expo at #PhxStartupWeek! Plug and Play #accelerateAZ announced a new corporate partnership with Shamrock Foods. In addition, we were proud to celebrate the Venture Scale graduations of our 10 AIC awardee companies. #PlugandPlay #Arizona #Startups #Entrepreneurs #Phoenix #Smallbusiness #NationalSmallBusinessWeek #Graduation #ShamrockFoods https://www.instagram.com/p/DJSDd3Uv2Yf

Hot Takes from Day 4 of PHX Startup Week ⚒️ BUILD Bootcamp was lead by CRO Chris Sterbenc “deliver your first pricing proposal in person so you can see how the customer responds, it’s instant feedback and allows for you to overcome objections.” 💥 Anthony Sarandrea gave us a process to help sort through the overwhelming tasks a founder faces, “ ask yourself can I Deflect, Defer, Delete, Delegate, Do.” 🪴 Qwik and shopd CEO’s Jamie Baxter and Retta Kekic shares how they are “Seed Strapping” to fund their business through running lean, using AI and testing and iterating quickly with minimal investment. 👭 The FemTech AZ panel was an education on health in our society. In over 700 diseases women as being diagnosed later than men because of a lack of research. The panel agreed if this research was fully funded, it would equate to a change in many of our societies limiting beliefs. #yesPHX https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7324089566133391363

“Arizona is in the business of growing business.” - @GovHobbs #Axon #Arizona #economicdevelopment https://www.instagram.com/p/DJKt7pXO6gX

📈 Last Night was Venture Cafe 150; Grow Like a Pro – Business Growth Strategies We explored how to break free from the owner/operator mindset, embraced smarter strategies for automation and delegation, and tapped into the tools and mindsets that power real growth. 🚀 Here Highlights from the Night: 🔹 1:1 Mentor Hours: Attendees had the rare opportunity to meet one-on-one with top-tier experts: Brian J. Burt shared legal strategies to future-proof your business. Brady Young shared HR insights to help founders build people-first companies. 🎯 Business Strategy 101 Workshop: Alexander McElfish showed entrepreneurs how to refine their business story, clarify their value propositions, and what operational levers drive success. 💼 Build the Team Before You Build the Dream: Bethany Graver shared how to shift from solo hustle to strategic hiring — including how to attract, onboard, and scale with the right talent. 🧠 The Future Has a Mentor (TED-style Talk): Forbes Shannon and Aaron Bare, founders of Baryons, challenged us to think beyond traditional mentorship. They showed how AI mentors aren’t replacing us — they’re here to raise us. The future of leadership development is personal, adaptive, and exponential. 🖼️ Student Art Grant Showcase: The night was also a celebration of creativity, as we honored student artists from ASU, NAU, and U of A who fused research and artistry in powerful ways. 📸 Professional Headshots: Attendees also go to the chance to update their Image with sleek new headshots — because your first impression deserves to be as bold as your vision. 🙌 Thank you to all who joined us to grow, connect, and level up. The future of business in Arizona is bright — and we’re just getting started. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJKqt_3T0FP

Why Software Exits Matter

Strong ecosystems are built when leaders put community over ego. This week, StartupAZ and PHX FWD announced their merger — a major milestone for our tech community. Being part of StartupAZ’s 2024 journey has been an incredible honor and I’m forever grateful for the leadership support that has propelled me to where I am today. Fragmentation has long been a challenge in emerging innovation hubs. What Phx FWD is building — with its sharp focus on making Phoenix a Top Software City by 2035 is ambitious, necessary, and inspiring. This is exactly the kind of bold, aligned effort Phoenix needs. The high-quality community education, founder-first ethos, and deep sense of collective progress that Phx FWD brings makes me excited for what’s ahead. I’m grateful to have been part of this chapter — and even more hopeful for the bigger and brighter future we are building together! Onward & congratulations! Brandon Clarke Clate Mask Gregg Scoresby Jackson Scoresby Becky Winter https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7321911110683525120

No matter how insanely busy I am, when I have a moment to just step back and connect with humans like this- it’s like a breath of fresh air. Even better when we get to hear from amazing people like Gregg Scoresby Clate Mask and Ron Gabrisko and be part of the magic announcing the transition of StartupAZ into a new era with PHX FWD. Phoenix is on to something big- and I’m so honored to be here for it 💕 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7321898728435417088

Just a reminder that I will be hosting a workshop with PHX FWD for the start-up community in #Phoenix tomorrow about the power of storytelling in scaling your business. See the link below. I look forward to seeing my local friends there! https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7325685397819183106

SIGNED! @GovHobbs signed into law SB 1543, legislation to support Axon's multi-billion expansion in #Scottsdale and the creation of hundreds of new jobs. Congratulations, Axon! #Axon #Arizona #EconomicDevelopment https://www.instagram.com/p/DJIOa5lOtSE

OMG. I love my VERY limited edition Arizona-shaped earrings from AZ StRUT! 🧡 💻 Yesterday I picked up a custom order of circuit board earrings to gift during an upcoming delegation trip, but Maryanna Milton surprised me with this extra special Arizona-shaped pair (thanks for sacrificing a couple of drill bits in making these! 😅). 💽 These aren’t just accessories. They’re a nod to Arizona, to sustainability, to youth upskilling, and to the creativity behind AZ StRUT's mission. I’ll be wearing them proudly, representing both Arizona and the incredible work happening here. 💻 Thank you, Maryanna! These are everything. 🫶 💽 Wanna get your own? Reach out to AZ StRUT and submit those orders. 💻 #AZStRUT #Sustainability #TechStyle #Upcycling #ArizonaInnovation #STEM #DelegationGifts #AZCollab https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323521045305458688

📅 Save the Date for AADM 2025! Join the Arizona Technology Council and the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona for the 13th Annual Aerospace, Aviation, Defense and Manufacturing (AADM) Conference — returning to Tucson on July 11! 🛩️ Dive into Arizona’s dynamic aerospace and defense ecosystem ⚙️ Explore the latest in advanced manufacturing and innovation 🤝 Network with 225+ industry leaders, clients, and colleagues 📍 Tucson, Arizona 📆 July 11, 2025 Learn more: https://www.aztechcouncil.org/event/aadm-2025/ #AADM2025 #AZManufacturing #TucsonEvents https://www.instagram.com/p/DJHpOYOvDVV

SEMI Arizona Chapter breakfast. Excitement is high for SEMICON West in October in Phoenix! Joe Stockunas Sandra Watson https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7323596215986638850