National Economic Development Week and Small Business Week is May 12-16, 2025. Join the Gilbert’s Economic Development team as they celebrate by offering free events for Gilbert-based entrepreneurs / owners to educate, inspire and empower you to elevate your business to the next level, regardless of where you are in your business journey.
Here are the list of events that you can attend, for free, but registration is required to help with managing occupancy.
Mon., May 12 | Open House at The CATALYST
Pop in and meet your team and explore the many resources at The CATALYST, the Small Business Resource Center in Gilbert. Meet our incredible sponsors and community partners, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and learn how The CATALYST can support your business at every level of your journey. Check out the Gilbert Next Level booth and learn about additional business resources available through the Town of Gilbert.
Location: The Catalyst at Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
9 AM – 12 PM
Register Here
Tue., May 13 | How I Did It: From Leap to Launch!
Featuring Home-Based Gilbert Entrepreneurs
Gilbert is rapidly emerging as Arizona’s premier hub for entrepreneurship. This panel discussion offers a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights from local home-based entrepreneurs who have successfully carved out their niche and turned their business ideas into thriving ventures.
Join us for an inspiring session where our panelists will share their journeys—from concept to reality—highlighting the dedication, resilience, and strategic decisions that fueled their success. Whether you’re considering launching your own business or seeking valuable guidance to grow an existing venture, this seminar will provide actionable advice and real-world experiences to empower your entrepreneurial ambitions.
Are you ready to take the leap? Come hear incredible stories of perseverance, passion, and the drive it takes to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Panelists:
Jordanne Pallesen, Owner, Julep Publicity
Kara Ryan, Owner, Love & Lions
Rachel Gohel, Owner, Copper State Socials, LLC
Location: The Catalyst at Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
11 AM – 12 PM
Register Here
Tue., May 13 | Maricopa County Vendor University
Maricopa County purchases $750M in goods, services, and construction each year. This event will provide all you need to know about doing business with the County.
We’ll review vendor registration, finding and responding to bids, and what to do once you’ve got a contract. Join us for tips and strategies to find and keep county business!
Facilitated by Ryan Dixon, Kevin Tyne, and Lisa Bernhardt with Maricopa County
Location: The Catalyst at Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
8:30 AM – 10 AM
Wed., May 14 | AI Uncovered: Innovation, Safety, and Business Empowerment
Led by Eugene Mejia, Town of Gilbert’s Chief AI Strategy and Transformation Officer, this seminar will teach you how Gilbert utilizes AI across all departments and benefits from AI integration into workflow processes and automation. This discussion is designed to showcase how mindful adoption of AI can be done successfully. Satheesh Rao, managing director with Deloitte, will join us and cover how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your business operations and drive growth by exploring cutting-edge AI tools and applications. Learn how to leverage AI to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Join us to unlock the potential of AI and transform your business for the future.
10 AM: Networking
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Presentation followed by Q&A
Location: Kiln Gilbert
10 AM – 11:30 AM
Register Here
Thu., May 15 | Everyday Entrepreneur: Tools & Resources for Today’s Small Business Owner
Looking to strengthen and grow your business in Gilbert? Join the Gilbert Office of Economic Development for an exclusive panel discussion on essential tools and resources designed to support Gilbert businesses.
This insightful session will feature representatives from the Small Business Development Center, who will share their role in fostering small business success, as well as Local First Arizona. Learn more about the Town of Gilbert’s free transaction privilege (sales) tax and learn about licensing, tax filing and more. We will introduce the Gilbert Next Level HUUB—an innovative online community offering professional training, networking opportunities, and valuable business support.
Whether launching a new venture or seeking resources to elevate your business, this seminar will provide actionable insights and direct access to experts dedicated to your success.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and take your business to the next level!
Moderator:
Michael Martella, Economic Development Project Manager, Sr., Gilbert Office of Economic Development
Panelists:
George Kimble, Maricopa Small Business Development Center
Ashley Namor, Town of Gilbert, Taking Care of Small Business
Thomas Barr, VP of Business Development, Local First Arizona
9 AM: Networking
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Presentation followed by Q&A
Location: Kiln Gilbert
9 AM- 10:30 AM
Register Here
Follow @gilbertyourtown for more updates.
Copper State Socials 
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