For Immediate Release
February 8, 2026
Phoenix, AZ – Growth Partners Arizona is excited to announce the upcoming launch of Growth Partners Arizona Academy (GPAZ Academy), a new financial education platform designed to help small business owners prepare for capital and build stronger financial systems. Launching in early 2026, GPAZ Academy is the education engine within Growth Partners Arizona’s Financial Empowerment Framework, providing structured, self-directed learning that helps entrepreneurs assess readiness, strengthen their financial systems, and make informed decisions before pursuing funding.
The Academy offers two guided learning tracks, Capital Readiness and Financial Empowerment, providing entrepreneurs with tools, clarity, and confidence to make informed financial decisions and become funder-ready. Each pathway includes practical steps to help business owners assess their current state, build systems, and prepare essential documentation for funding.
As part of the broader Capital Compass rebrand, the platform will also introduce a redesigned Entrepreneurial Survey and an updated Financial Competency Model, ensuring each user receives a personalized and actionable learning experience.
“GPAZ Academy is about putting power in the hands of entrepreneurs — helping them move forward on their own terms, with the clarity and confidence to pursue capital when they’re ready,” said Andre T. Whittington, Executive Director at Growth Partners Arizona.
This launch is made possible by significant grant funding from Wells Fargo, whose philanthropic investment underpins Growth Partners Arizona’s financial education programming.
“We believe that access to financial education and resources is vital for the growth and resilience of small businesses,” said Kathryn Campana, Philanthropy and Community Impact Manager for Wells Fargo. “We are proud to support Growth Partners Arizona and the launch of GPAZ Academy, which empowers entrepreneurs across Arizona to build stronger financial skills, enhance their readiness for capital, and achieve long-term success. Investing in programs like this strengthens local economies and creates opportunities for business owners to thrive.”
GPAZ Academy builds on Growth Partners Arizona’s broader ecosystem of support, including the Capital Compass, and brings the platform fully in-house to strengthen integration, scale, and long-term impact.
As the self-directed learning pathway within the Financial Empowerment Framework, GPAZ Academy helps early-stage entrepreneurs build the clarity, capability, and confidence needed to grow and ultimately access capital that fits.
GPAZ Academy launches in early 2026. Learn more or sign up for early access at: https://www.growthpartnersaz.org/academy/