Economic Development Week, May 12 – 16
Join us all week long as we celebrate Gilbert’s business community!
Learn more about the role of economic development and meet your Gilbert Office of Economic Development Team at the following events. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support your favorite local business with a “Gilbert Business Shout Out!”, our way to help you share your support and appreciation for Gilbert’s vibrant business community during Economic Development Week.
Gilbert Economic Development Week Events
Register using the links provided below.
Mon., May 12: Open House | The Catalyst at Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
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.
The Catalyst at Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
9 AM – 12 PM
Tues., May 13: Workshop: Maricopa County Vendor University
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
The Catalyst at Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
8:30 AM – 10 AM
Tues., May 13 Seminar: How I Did It: From Leap to Launch! Unlock the Secrets to Entrepreneurial Success in Gilbert
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
The Catalyst at Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Wed., May 14 Seminar: AI Uncovered: Innovation, Safety, and Business Empowerment Presented by the Town of Gilbert & Deloitte
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
Kiln Gilbert
10 AM – 11:30 AM
Thurs., May 15 Seminar: 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
Kiln Gilbert
9 AM- 10:30 AM
Love a local business? Send them a “Gilbert Shout Out!”
Share your support for your favorite Gilbert business by leaving them a ‘Shout Out!” at one of our mailboxes. Our team will collect your messages of appreciation for Gilbert business and deliver them on your behalf at the completion of Economic Development Week.
Take a moment this week to say “Thanks!” “We Love You!” and “Keep Making Gilbert Shine!”
The mailboxes will be on display from May 7 – May 17 at these locations:
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce
119 N. Gilbert Rd., #101
Kiln Gilbert at SanTan Village
2162 E. Williams Field Rd., #111
The Gilbert Office of Economic Development and the Gilbert Chamber teams will visit businesses featured in our “Shout Out!” campaign following Economic Development Week. Visits will be confirmed ahead of time and may take up to four weeks to complete.
Support Gilbert Businesses with Discover Gilbert’s Make It & Take It Pass
Immerse yourself into a series of exclusive experiences that can only be enjoyed in Gilbert. Celebrating our community’s makers and creators, register and sign up to access a curated to-do list featuring hands-on, artisan, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Make the thing, take the class, and get rewarded. Complete details online.
This is Gilbert
The Gilbert, Arizona Office of Economic Development is committed to attracting, growing, and retaining business and industry in the Gilbert community. The Office provides expert site selection services, including operational cost analysis, incentive comparisons, workforce studies, research and information reflective of state and local tax structures, connectivity to key resources, and project management.
Subscribe to our monthly newsletters to learn more about regional news, upcoming events and more.