Twelve fresh-faced companies in Tucson are slated to get a leg-up, courtesy of Startup Tucson’s Thryve Next growth accelerator program.
The program focuses on high potential companies, with only a few years behind them, and annual revenues between $150,000 and $500,000.
The goal is to help such companies grow and create jobs.
Thryve Next is funded by a $1.44 million, five-year contract from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s ScaleUp America program that Startup Tucson was awarded last September.
Additional funding comes from contributions made last summer by the city of Tucson, Holualoa Properties and the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation.
Nearly 90 companies applied. The 12 chosen, announced at a news conference Monday, have already started a rigorous 14-week training and mentorship program, based on a curriculum derived from courses at Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of Arizona.
Thryve companies
CalendarMakers — Creates desktop calendar cases and promotional and fundraising calendars, with design, printing and mail services.
Earth Knowledge — Develops software to help businesses and government agencies analyze environmental data to help guide decision making.
Electronic Instrument Technologies — Develops high-performance instrumentation, including hand-held analyzers, for optoelectronics.
Glacier Beverage — Provides private-label water for companies, organizations and nonprofits.
Marcus Engineering — Offers electronic product development services to the manufacturing and medical device industries.
NP Photonics — Creates fiber lasers and optical fiber products for the metrology and defense markets.
Nuanced Media — Serves as a digital marketing firm for mid-to-large companies.
Pedal Crawler — Manufactures multiperson and pedal-powered vehicles for tour businesses and operates Arizona Party Bike.
RBar Energy — Produces nutrition bars with a high moisture content for easier digestion.
RN Patient Advocates — Offers guidance and advocacy for aging medical patients.
The Sensor Group — Provides electro-optics for commercial and defense customers.
SummerSmith Inc. — Assists students and professionals in overcoming fears and improving academic performance.
