To remain competitive in the increasingly global competitive market Gilbert aligns economic development efforts and leverages collaborative relationships with regional and private sector stakeholders.

Arizona Mexico Commission (AMC) – The AMC’s mission is to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life for all Arizonans through strong, public/private collaborations in advocacy, trade, networking, and information. AMC supports this ever-upward cycle of growth by keeping its focus on improving four broad policy priorities: Competitiveness, Sustainability, Security, and Quality of Life. These four core areas represent the binational policy drive for the Arizona-Sonora region and will enable the opportunity to capitalize on the opportunities the region has to offer.

Canada Arizona Business Council – is a 501(C)6 non-profit Arizona Corporation whose purpose is to promote increased trade and investment between the State of Arizona and Canada. The Council is sanctioned by both the State of Arizona and the Canadian Government, with a mission to assist and facilitate through various means and ways, the commercial and social interaction of individuals, companies, and organizations in pursuing cross border relationships to increase business, support trade growth and investments.

Gilbert’s Sister Cities – Gilbert Sister Cities began in June 1995 to establish cultural and economic ties with other regions of the world. Our first Sister City relationship was formed with Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, on November 17, 1998. Our second Sister City partnership was formalized with Leshan, China on June 4, 2002. With each of these partnerships has come new programs, mission opportunities, and enriching delegation exchanges.

SelectUSA – Recognizing that the competitiveness and job-generating ability of a nation are determined by its desirability as a place for businesses to operate, SelectUSA was created at the federal level to showcase the United States as the world’s premier business location and to provide easy access to federal-level programs and services related to business investment. SelectUSA is designed to complement the activities of our states—the primary drivers of economic development in the United States.

United States Export Assistance Center-Arizona (USEAC) – The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce is the lead federal agency to help promote and develop U.S. exports. Our goal is to help U.S. based businesses develop and expand their revenue streams from potential foreign markets. The U.S. Commercial Service is dedicated to assisting small-to-medium sized companies that have the capabilities to export a product and or service. Our experienced staff is located in three U.S. Export Assistance Centers:

• Phoenix/Scottsdale U.S. Export Assistance Center
• Tucson U.S. Export Assistance Center

The U.S. Export Assistance Center is part of an international network consisting of U.S. Export Assistance Centers across the country and 165 commercial offices in 82 countries. Our domestic and international offices are directly linked through a worldwide communications and information network which offers a unique and valuable service to U.S. based companies. The International Trade Specialists will help you:

• Identify and evaluate international partners
• Navigate international documentation challenges
• Create market entry strategies
• Other export related guidance

Arizona District Export Council – The Arizona District Export Council (DEC) provides local leadership in international trade through its 30+ member council of international trade veterans and experts, all appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The District Export Council:

• Collaborates with Arizona business, public and private sector groups to stimulate economic growth through trade and investment;
• Advocates for a well-informed public and political dialogue about global business in Arizona;
• Prepares Arizona to be a “global ready” State; and,
• Supports the Arizona U.S. Export Assistance Center, a division of the U.S. Commercial Service.

Export-Import Bank of the US – The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank’s mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international markets.

US Small Business Administration – the International Trade Loan offers loans up to $5 million for fixed assets and working capital for businesses that plan to start or continue exporting

Arizona Commerce Authority STEP Grant -The ACA’s AZ STEP program will be offering a number of services and tools to Arizona small businesses as they go global for the first time with their sales or enter new international markets. Through various types of technical assistance/capacity building and levels of financial assistance, the continuum of services and tools offered under the STEP program.

Arizona Small Business Development Center (AZ SBDC) and International Trade Assistance Center – AZ SBDC has 8 centers around the county can provide no-cost and confidential business counseling to explore and enter global markets for exporting and/or importing goods and services. The Maricopa Small Business Development Center Network has resources to help you connect to and conduct business around the world.

Global Chamber – The Global Chamber is dedicated to helping business executives grow globally through education, certification, networking and collaboration. We hold monthly events, usually on the first Monday of each month.

Arizona Commerce Authority – The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.

East Valley Partnership – The East Valley Partnership (EVP) is a coalition of civic, business, educational and political leaders dedicated to the economic development and promotion of the East Valley of Greater Phoenix, Arizona. EVP actively advocates in areas such as economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, arts, behavioral health, and other important areas.

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce – The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 630 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations and representing more than 42,300 employees. The Chamber proactively serves as a business advocate to strengthen the business climate in Gilbert.

Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) – The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) is one of the region’s premier economic development groups. GPEC has been working on behalf of businesses looking to relocate and expand – at absolutely no cost to the company – for more than 25 years. GPEC is a public-private partnership representing Maricopa County, 22 communities throughout the region and more than 170 private investors.

Arizona@Work – As Arizona’s workforce development network, Arizona@Work helps connect employers and job seekers. By understanding the skillset companies are looking for, they can assist with the recruiting, development, and retention of employees.