Sierra Vista, Arizona — The Sierra Vista Regional Chamber of Commerce invests in the region by helping develop its economy, workforce and leadership.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Melanie Edwards Burton and her team established the 5013c Foundation to help raise funds and apply for grants to help develop the economy, workforce and leadership. One of the ways they reach their goal is by helping to establish a science and technology business incubator here in Sierra Vista. Edwards Burton approached the city of Sierra Vista and said the idea had evolved into the first science and technology business incubator in rural Arizona.

“We needed a foundation so that we could raise money and obtain grants to support economic and workforce development in this area,” Edwards-Burton said. Please join this program. “

Local organizations are working with the University of Arizona Innovation Center to seek young companies with the ability to work in the incubator building space and who may benefit from the mentorship program. Those who run innovative science or technology-based businesses can apply to join the Sierra Vista Regional Chamber’s Incubator His Program. website.

According to the application, “Through collaboration and sponsorship with the City of Sierra Vista and the Southeastern Arizona Chamber of Commerce Foundation, UACI has selected three deserving startups with dedicated teams working to solve critical business incubators. “Contribute to social issues in the science and technology industry. This prize package also includes office space for the Sierra Vista Municipal Industrial Development Authority. Total prize package value per company It’s worth $5,000.”

Each sponsor decides which entries will receive a $5,000 cash prize and invites applicants who demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact on their local economy and workforce. Edwards-Burton said technology was chosen as the company’s theme because Fort Huachuca is in the county and because Cochise County has two universities with highly rated cybersecurity programs.

Edwards-Burton said one of the reasons the Chamber of Commerce wants to set up a foundation is because the funds will be paid by local sponsors, and to be part of the incubator it needs to be able to provide prize money to businesses. He said it was the body. Edwards Burton said he raised about $20,000 at his first fundraising event in April, which he said could lead him to sponsor multiple companies.

“Bringing business incubators here with the creation of our foundation is very important because the opportunities matter,” said Edwards-Burton. “And when we’re talking about leadership development, we’re talking about leader development. You can’t develop a leader without opportunity.”

The Southeastern Chamber Foundation’s third goal is to provide leadership development opportunities for young leaders. Edwards Burton said the leadership program will be transferred to the foundation so that scholarships can be offered to individuals participating in the 10-month program.

Edwards-Burton said he hopes the new foundation will help show residents and people outside the region the growth and business opportunities in southeastern Arizona.