Hundreds apply to relocate to Tucson through incentive program | Business News

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They represent industries in technology, engineering, telecommunications, cybersecurity, healthcare, and higher education. More than half previously lived in Tucson.

“We got so many positives out of it,” said Dre Thompson, executive vice president of Startup Tucson. “The number of applicants was a huge surprise – we achieved our goal of 150 applicants in the first week.”

Advertising partners Visit Tucson, Tucson Metro Chamber, Sun Corridor, Rio Nuevo, Local First Arizona, the University Arizona Alumni Association, SAHBA, and the Tucson Realtors Association helped promote the program.

“The launch of this program has been a huge success in all respects and has opened a diverse group of talented people to choose Tucson,” said Barbra Coffee, director of business initiatives for the city.

Thompson said the screening process was challenging.

“It took a while to reduce it to 200 highly qualified applicants,” she says with a laugh. “But we have found a good mix of ethnic diversity, specialist areas, young families and experienced professionals.”

The startup Tucson is receiving calls from cities across the country to try to replicate what the local program has accomplished.

Thompson said startup Tucson is planning another round of the program this summer that will include talent retention.

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