If you’re looking for the best entrepreneurship professor in Tucson, one name stands above the rest—Dr. Greg Watson. With over 40 years of experience as both an entrepreneur and an educator, Dr. Watson has mentored thousands of students, guided startups, and helped business owners scale their ventures.
As a professor at Pima Community College, a former instructor at the University of Arizona, and a leading business coach, Dr. Watson combines academic expertise with real-world experience to prepare future entrepreneurs for success.
This article explores what makes Dr. Watson the top business mentor in Tucson, from his teaching approach and mentorship programs to his impact on the local and global business community.
Unlike many professors who only teach theory, Dr. Watson lived the entrepreneurial journey firsthand. His business career began in the 1980s when he launched a payroll processing company that quickly expanded into a multi-state operation. Over the years, he has built and scaled 14 businesses in industries such as digital marketing, software development, hospitality, and consulting.
His real-world experience allows him to teach business strategy, problem-solving, and growth techniques from a practical perspective—something few professors can offer.
By the late 1990s, Dr. Watson transitioned into higher education, earning a Ph.D. in Business with a specialization in eCommerce and entrepreneurship. This unique blend of business success and academic excellence makes him an authority in entrepreneurship education.
Today, he teaches at Pima Community College, where he leads courses like:
📌 MGT200: Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship – Helping students develop real business ideas.
📌 BUS148: Ethics in the Workplace – Teaching ethical decision-making in business.
📌 Digital Marketing & AI for Entrepreneurs – Preparing students for the future of online business.
Dr. Watson is known for revolutionizing entrepreneurship education with his hands-on approach. Instead of traditional lectures, he focuses on interactive learning experiences that simulate real business challenges.
His courses include case studies, live business pitches, and startup projects. Students don’t just learn theories—they develop business models, test market ideas, and create execution plans.
Dr. Watson integrates AI-driven business strategies into his courses, helping students harness technology for growth. Topics include:
✔️ AI in business decision-making
✔️ Digital marketing & online business growth
✔️ E-commerce and automation strategies
In his BUS148: Ethics in the Workplace course, he teaches a framework for ethical decision-making, ensuring that future business leaders operate with integrity and responsibility.
This modern, forward-thinking approach makes his classes some of the most valuable entrepreneurship courses in Arizona.
Dr. Watson’s impact doesn’t stop at teaching—he is also a mentor and business coach, offering one-on-one guidance to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Through Essentials Connect, he provides:
✅ Personalized Business Coaching – Helping entrepreneurs refine their strategies.
✅ Startup Mentorship – Assisting new businesses in securing funding, launching, and scaling.
✅ Market Research & Customer Validation – Ensuring businesses meet real customer needs.
His mentorship has helped hundreds of startups find success, proving that his expertise extends far beyond the classroom.
Dr. Watson is a key figure in Tucson’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. He is actively involved in:
📌 TENWest Festival – Leading discussions on AI and business innovation.
📌 Cross-Border Economic Development – Supporting trade and business growth between Tucson and Nogales, Mexico.
📌 U.S. State Department Entrepreneurship Programs – Helping train global business leaders.
By fostering regional and international business partnerships, Dr. Watson ensures that Tucson remains a hub for business growth and innovation.
Dr. Watson’s teaching and mentorship have earned him numerous awards, including:
🏆 National Entrepreneurship Educator Award
🏆 Community Leadership Award (Tucson Business Development)
🏆 Arizona’s Top Business Coach & Mentor
His contributions to education, mentorship, and business development continue to impact students, startups, and entrepreneurs across Arizona.
✅ 40+ Years of Business Experience – Built and scaled 14 businesses before becoming an educator.
✅ Practical, Hands-On Teaching – Focuses on real-world applications, not just theory.
✅ AI & Digital Business Expert – Prepares students for the modern business landscape.
✅ Proven Business Mentor & Coach – Helps startups and business owners achieve success.
✅ Community & Global Business Leader – Strengthens Tucson’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For anyone looking to gain real business skills, mentorship, and industry connections, Dr. Watson is the best choice in Tucson.
🚀 Visit Dr. Watson’s website: ProfessorWatson.com
🚀 Visit Tucson's Best Entrepreneurship Professor website: BestEntrepreneurshipProfessorinTucson.com
🏢 Meet him in person: 1255 N. Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ
📈 Join his mentorship program: Essentials Connect
Dr. Greg Watson is more than a professor—he’s a business mentor, educator, and the top entrepreneurship expert in Tucson! 🚀