Dozens of local, state and national organizations operate in the Tempe area to help businesses connect with each other and operate smoothly. Some of these include:

Arizona Technology Enterprises transfers technology invented at ASU to the private sector by mining university research, pursuing patents, negotiating licenses, and marketing inventions.

Exchange knowledge at Techie Tuesday.

ASU Technopolis provides education, coaching and mentoring to technology and life science entrepreneurs, faculty and students through a series of entrepreneurial training programs and events. The intent is to help researchers move their ideas into the marketplace by helping them create and expand their technology-based business.

Tempe Tech Oasis offers technology buffs and venture capitalists a chance to exchange ideas, seek customers and work out technical problems. The City of Tempe, Arizona Technology Council and members of Arizona Internet Professional Association support Tech Oasis.

Techie Tuesdays, hosted at the Owl’s Nest the second Tuesday of each month, bring people together socially. To learn more, call 480-350-2708.

The Arizona Bioindustry Association guides biotechnology companies from bench to boardroom with networking opportunities, educational events, job banks and lobbying efforts. Call (480) 752-2016.

The Arizona Technology Council is committed to driving the success of member companies across technology fields and building recognition of the state as a global leader in a knowledge-based economy. Representing over 30,000 employees across its more than 400 member companies, the Council champions technology and a common agenda for supporting the State's economic growth through a stronger technology industry. The Council provides leadership on the issues vitally important to the technology community and member programs and events. Call 602-343-TECH.

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. It is a group of both working and retired executives and business owners who donate their time and expertise as business counselors. SCORE was formed in 1964 and there are now about 12,400 volunteers in 389 Chapters throughout the country. SCORE operates under the sponsorship of the U.S. Small Business Administration and in cooperation with a variety of local institutions. Call 480-833-9020 or e-mail mesa-eastvalley@scorearizona.org.

The Tempe Chamber of Commerce offers business support, lobbying, education and networking. Committees include: Business Development Council, Tempe Manufacturers Council, Government Relations, Small Business Council, Women In Business Council, Transportation, Business/Education, and the Tempe Tech Task Force, among others. Call 480-967-7891.

The Greater Phoenix Economic Council is a one-stop resource for economic development contacts and demographic, economic, and related information about Maricopa County and the 14 communities that comprise the metropolitan area. Company executives searching for a place to expand or relocate business, or real estate consultants researching potential properties for a client will receive help to find information. GPEC’s research associates are also available to provide free, customized data and answer questions. For details, call 800-421-GPEC.

Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is a non-profit corporation organized to provide services, benefits, information and legislative representation to its members and to contribute to the growth and success of its member’s businesses. For additional information, contact the organization at 602-265-4563.