The City of Phoenix, the Institute for Digital Progress (iDP), and the StartupAZ Foundation are teaming up on a new, free program to help startups, entrepreneurs and innovators launch, develop or grow scalable businesses.The Summer Startup Institute is a series of workshops led by a diverse group of experts that will cover a wide range of entrepreneurial, business, and technology topics.  In addition to great content, the Institute also is a chance for participants to meet others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. With the assistance of local community partners, the program is offered at no cost.

The Startup Institute is a new feature of the 2016 Smart City Hack (SCH), a global competition that encourages civic entrepreneurship and innovation by empowering residents to develop technology products and startup companies that solve our community's greatest challenges. More information and registration for the competition is available online at azidp.com. The Startup Institute is open to any business owner or aspiring entrepreneur; participation in the Smart City Hack is not required.

"The Summer Startup Institute and the Smart City Hack are collaborative efforts unlike any we've seen in Phoenix," Mayor Greg Stanton said. "Everyone is coming together: public sector, private sector, nonprofits, and education institutions. This is an incredible opportunity and I encourage innovators and entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to take advantage."

"Workforce development is critical for the city to remain competitive in today's ever-changing economy," said Councilwoman Debra Stark. "The Summer Startup Institute will provide residents with the tangible skills and knowledge necessary to start their own businesses, grow as professionals, and further their careers."

There will be Institute sessions for all aspects of the startup community from established business owners to aspiring entrepreneurs or individuals with an idea. Sessions will cover general business topics such as lean startup methodology and also more specific subject matter such as innovating within the realm of sustainability. 

"The Summer Startup Institute and Smart City Hack are key tools to fuel our growing entrepreneur ecosystem and further advance Phoenix's position as a global startup and innovation leader," Councilman Daniel Valenzuela said. "Attracting, retaining and developing top talent is critical to our economic success, and the Summer Startup Institute will play a crucial role in continuing our momentum and supporting our innovators and entrepreneurs."

Though participation in the Smart City Hack is not required, the Summer Startup Institute is designed to help competitors develop their entrepreneurial skills, develop stronger SCH products, and deliver a strong pitch at the SCH City Finale in October - and perhaps even at the Smart City Expo in Barcelona.

These sessions will run throughout the Incubation Period of the SCH contest from late July through September. The Incubation Period concludes on Oct. 1 when all submissions for the SCH competition are due. The workshop series will take place at a variety of locations throughout the Valley. 

For more information, please visit Phoenix, AZ