Pima County expands cross-border
supply chains with Baja California
The Arizona Commerce Authority and the AZ Mexico Commission held a Binational Economic Development meeting on April 9, 2026, highlighting the ongoing efforts of statewide partners, including Pima County, to advance foreign direct investment and strengthen supply chain and integration between Arizona and Mexico.
As part of the program, Pima County Economic Development shared its ongoing collaboration with the Mexican state of Baja California. This partnership includes the development of a capabilities portfolio program designed to connect businesses in Pima County with companies in Baja California — and vice versa — creating new pathways for cross-border manufacturing and supply chain alignment.
Small Business Pulse:
Listening to the heartbeat of Pima County’s small businesses
Insights from Janay Arenas of the Pima County Small Business Commission
Every community has a rhythm.
You can see it early in the morning when restaurant lights turn on before sunrise. You hear it in the service trucks heading out across Tucson before the day heats up. You feel it in the storefronts opening their doors and familiar faces greeting customers by name.
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Agreement strengthens support for startups to grow in AZ
A major milestone in international collaboration in bilateral partnerships with Taiwan was inked on April 10 when the Arizona Commerce Authority, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sustainable Impact Capital during AZ Tech Week.
The agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral startup investment, strengthening pathways for Taiwanese companies to successfully land, scale, and grow in Arizona. Through this partnership, startups will gain more comprehensive support, enhanced access to capital, and deeper connections into Arizona’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem.
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Entrepreneurs gather
to reinforce Pima County’s startup ecosystem
As a continuation of TENWEST Fest and an extension of the newly launched AZ Tech Week, Pima County Economic Development joined the University of Arizona Center for Innovation, Startup Tucson, and Community Investment Corporation to host a dynamic happy hour that brought together members of the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The event served as a valuable opportunity for funders, founders, nonprofit leaders, government partners, and startups across industries — including tech and retail — to connect in an informal setting. Attendees shared ideas, explored potential collaborations, and strengthened relationships that are critical to building a resilient and innovative business environment in Southern Arizona.
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SBC Profile:
Meet Ken Goodman
The Pima County Small Business Commission (SBC) was created in 2003 to advise the Board of Supervisors on current and proposed County policies affecting small business. It also helps facilitate communication between the County and small businesses by providing a forum for issues to be brought to the attention of the Board of Supervisors.
We will be featuring each of the Small Business Commissioners in our newsletter. This month’s feature is Ken Goodman, an appointee of District 5 Supervisor Andrés Cano. Goodman was first appointed to the Commission in 2007 by Supervisor Richard Elias.
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Arteris Bio relocates into UA Tech Park to advance novel topical technology platform
The University of Arizona (UA) Tech Park is pleased to welcome Arteris Bio, a life sciences company developing advanced topical technologies focused on skin physiology, microcirculation, and peripheral comfort. The company is led by founder and CEO Bruce Register, Ph.D., whose more than 30 years of experience span scientific research, global pharmaceutical leadership, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Arteris Bio is moving forward with Redoxiv, a new topical platform created to help keep skin healthy and comfortable. The company combines research and product development in the United States with clinical work overseas, allowing it to test and refine its technology efficiently while upholding high scientific and regulatory standards.
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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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