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Arizona does not have a “go to” online community for the startup and early stage business ecosystem. Resources are fragmented across websites and startup communities that focus mainly on narrow market segments and/or investors. None are free, open platforms driven by, and focused on, the needs of early stage companies. Proposed SolutionGrowAZ (the organization) - a sponsor-supported non-profit providing an online community for entrepreneurs to help each other with their business challenges.
GrowAZ.org (the online community) – a FREE, early-stage business "marketplace" for ideas, advice, community, resources, jobs, news, mutual support and marketplace awareness. Member business listings will highlight what each business provides and needs as follows:
Member Company Profile Information, Plus…
We Provide: products, services, community/social capital We Need: advice, customers, employees, suppliers, exchange (classifieds) The listed information will be structured in searchable databases resulting in featured “open” needs that community members can easily find, through on-site search or alert subscriptions, and fill through purchase, exchange or service.
GrowAZ is open to any business in Arizona, however early in its development. The non-profit community is being developed by volunteers and will feature sponsors interested in supporting Arizona’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. Sponsor fees and donations will support the growth and maintenance of the organization and online community. "Building a Support Community for Arizona Entrepreneurs"
Value Creation ExampleAn artist needs a website and a technology firm needs a logo – these two can exchange their services, saving both parties money and connecting two firms that might find future marketplace synergy right here in Arizona. Proposition & BenefitsJoin the FREE GrowAZ Community where "Entrepreneurs Help Entrepreneurs." By establishing your listing you'll be touting what you provide (products, services, community) while reaching out to others in Arizona's business community with what you need (advice, employees, project support, resources, barter opportunities and more).
Businesses: Increased visibility through their published profile and expressed offerings and needs. Community engagement to help each other through barter, purchase of local services, shared resources and creation of Arizona marketplace synergy. Service Providers and Job Seekers: The extended community of job seekers, early stage firms and suppliers can identify to meet project, resource and hiring needs. Community Members: Awareness via automated alerts notifying them of updates for companies they are tracking.
Community Members include universities, economic development non-profits, media, investors, associations, organizations and events that support business and community. StatusGrowAZ.org (the website) has been in the planning stage this summer (2010) and is now entering the development stage for the launch of the online community. Detailed website wireframes, specifications and work plan are complete and assignments are being placed among volunteers that will receive “Development Sponsor” community recognition in return for their contributions. Contact: growaz.join@growaz.org for more information until the website launches.Follow the initiative by joining our Google group at http://groups.google.com/group/growaz
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The Concept |