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Statewide economic developers meet
with legislative leaders
Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) hosted its annual Legislative Lunch on the Lawn event at the Arizona Capitol on Jan. 13, 2026, to talk to state leaders about the importance of supporting economic development efforts statewide.
Nearly 200 people participated in the conversations among statewide economic development leaders and state legislators to reinforce the vital role statewide economic development policies play in supporting Arizona’s long-term economic stability.
TENWEST IdeaFunding applications due Feb. 1
Applications for Arizona’s longest-running pitch competition, IdeaFunding, are open for early-stage companies to win some prize money and are due by Feb. 1, 2026.
The competition is open to Arizona-based tech startups, creative businesses, and community innovation ventures. IdeaFunding provides pitch training, mentorship, and access to more than $50,000 in non-dilutive prizes.
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U of A research expenditures exceed $1B, ranked among top 20 public universities
Newly released data from the National Science Foundation's Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey showed that the University of Arizona exceeded $1 billion in total research activity in fiscal year 2024, making it the leading research organization in Arizona and ranking among the nation's top 20 public research institutions for the seventh consecutive year.
The rankings firmly underscore the University of Arizona's position as one of America's premier research institutions due to its record of discovery that drives significant real-world impact. Examples include the university's legacy of exploring the outermost edges of the solar system and the deepest reaches of the universe, which has enabled its leadership in space technologies critical for national security, and its nation-leading expertise in water resources undergirding arid lands farming practices that allow Yuma to feed North America.
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Arizona Technology Council appoints Santiago to lead Southern AZ office
The Arizona Technology Council announced the appointment of Paloma Santiago to lead its Southern Arizona Regional Office on Jan. 12, 2026.
As Vice President, Southern Arizona Regional Office, Santiago will oversee the Council’s Tucson-based operations, including member engagement, sponsorship development, and support of regional programming and events.
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Small Business Development Center is hiring
Pima Community College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hiring for a coordinator.
This full-time position, federally grant-funded, supports the SBDC's operations and client services, including client intake, workshops, compliance documentation, and provides business counseling to early-stage entrepreneurs. For more information, please see the job posting on PCC’s website.
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Save the date: Pima County hosts career fair
This February, Pima County is celebrating careers with heart. Save the date for the Pima County Career Fair — where work you love makes a difference and community connection matters.
- Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
- Kino Event Center, 2805 E. Ajo Way
- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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Follow us on LinkedIn
Keep up on the latest economic development news in the region by following the Pima County Economic Development Department on LinkedIn.
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