Mcguire New Venture Development program
From big idea to bigger impact.
It’s more than a system for learning. The McGuire New Venture Development Program brings students, experts and business leaders together to launch something bigger than any textbook or classroom could hold. Here, people build ideas and nurture inspiration into innovation.
Program Overview
This is where game-changers are made. Any University of Arizona undergraduate or graduate student can participate in this yearlong, team-based program to learn the principles of entrepreneurship and innovation.
In just one year, you’ll build a new venture from the ground up. Working closely with students from other fields of study as well as mentors, industry experts, investors and real-world entrepreneurs, you’ll go from early-stage idea to launch-ready venture.
Not only is the program excellent preparation to lead in the business world, but it will change your way of thinking. In fact, you’ll never look at an untapped idea quite the same way again.
1500
undergraduate and graduate students take entrepreneurship courses every year.
#6
ranked graduate program among public programs.
2000+
graduates from the McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship.
The McGuire Experience
Translate entrepreneurial thinking into entrepreneurial action by building hands-on skills and experience.
- Build a new venture from the ground up in one year
- Team up with students from other fields of study
- Work closely with experienced entrepreneurs-in-residence, mentors, legal advisors, industry experts and investors
- Participate in new venture competitions
The New Venture Development Program will prepare you to:
- Step into any role after your undergraduate or graduate experience better prepared to lead confidently and innovate in everything you do.
- Launch new ventures
- Take leadership roles at startups
- Innovate in a corporate setting
- Work at venture capital firm
New Venture Competition and Innovation Expo
New Venture Development Program participants have an incredibly exciting range of events and competitions they can choose to participate in. These include regional and national business plan competitions, an Innovation Expo tradeshow on the University of Arizona Mall and the program finale, the McGuire New Venture Competition and Showcase.
New Venture Development Program Courses
Each student admitted to the competitive McGuire Program will need to take Venture Development I and II. These are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels as outlined below.
All students admitted into the competitive-entry McGuire Program take Venture Development I and II.
Fall Semester: Venture Development I |
Course Date/Time |
| Undergraduate Students: ENTR 487 New Venture Development and Industry Analysis | Tuesdays 3:30-6:15 p.m. / Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. |
| Graduate Students: ENTR 534 Industrial Analysis and New Venture Development | Tuesdays 3:30-6:15 p.m. / Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. |
Spring Semester: Venture Development II |
Course Date/Time |
| Undergraduate Students: ENTR 484 Development of New Venture Plans | Tuesdays 3:30-6:15 p.m. / Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. |
| Graduate Students: MGMT 539 Planning of New Ventures | Tuesdays 3:30-6:15 p.m. / Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. |
Want to learn more about the application process?
Links you may need:
Applications start in Spring 2025
Academic Programs
Entrepreneurship Major
Eller undergraduates who are accepted into the McGuire New Venture Development program can complete its two core courses and additional marketing and finance classes to earn a second major, in entrepreneurship. It’s an excellent way to add even more business value to your first Eller major.
Certificate in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development
Students in other University of Arizona majors can be admitted into our yearlong McGuire New Venture Development program. By completing its two courses plus three additional related courses, you can earn a certificate that stands out to employers in any field.
MBA Entrepreneurship Concentration
Eller MBA students can apply to participate in the McGuire New Venture Development Program for their final year of study to earn an entrepreneurship concentration with their MBA.
Applied Doctoral Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
University of Arizona doctoral students can earn a Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Taking a two-semester course in new venture development as well as two other entrepreneurship courses, you’ll change the way you approach problem-solving in your own research and future career.
Putting an idea through a rigorous process of external validation is essential, and the McGuire New Venture Development Program’s structured phased approach was very helpful. It was rewarding to see our concept evolve over the semester from an idea to a feasible business
Amelia Klawon '15 MBA, Co-founder, Co.Host
Learn More
Application Process
Undergraduate students should apply during their junior year to participate during their senior year. Master’s students should apply in their second-to-last year to participate during their final year. Doctoral students can apply during any year of study. Check the yearly application deadlines posted online.
Up to 140 applicants may be invited to interview. Selections will be announced in February for the following year. If you have questions, just attend an information session or reach out.
Innovation Lab and Team Resources
The Innovation Lab contains a CoLab workspace, a maker space and two private meeting rooms, all of which are available around the clock for McGuire New Venture Development Program students. The CoLab space features everything students could need to meet and collaborate, while the Make Space offers materials like a 3D Printer, Oculus Rift, VR Headsets and software for bringing ideas to life.
Ready, set, excel.
If you have questions about our programs or are ready to learn more, get in touch with us!