PHX East Valley Innovates’ Entrepreneur Week beginning Feb. 10, offers free networking & workshop series

PHX East Valley Innovates in Gilbert, AZSix East Valley cities are coming together to support entrepreneurs. Apache Junction, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek and Tempe are hosting the PHX East Valley Innovates’ Entrepreneur Week. The week of inspiration, education and collaboration will kick off with a networking reception on Monday, Feb. 10 hosted by East Valley Partnership, APS, SRP, and PHX Startup Week. Mingle with local businesses and entrepreneurs while enjoying complimentary appetizers from 5 – 7 p.m. at QuartHaus in Chandler. The first 50 reception registrants will receive an all-inclusive ticket to attend PHX Startup Week (Feb. 17 – 22) and the first 100 reception registrants will receive one free drink ticket (must be present to collect tickets). Register at PHXEastValleyInnovates.com.

The week will continue with the following engaging workshops held throughout the East Valley centered around innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship:

Building Intentional Culture – Connecting Culture to Financial Results
Tuesday, Feb. 11 | Workshop 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Networking luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
ASU Chandler Innovation Center (ACIC), 249 E. Chicago St, Chandler, AZ 85225

Defining your company culture early on is critical to future success, whether you are just starting a business or already leading a company with a handful of employees. Join us in Chandler for an interactive workshop provided by Lee Benson, founder and CEO of Execute to Win, where you will learn how to build a company culture that drives positive financial results. Following the workshop, enjoy a catered networking lunch with fellow entrepreneurs and business executives.

Funding Your Start-Up: Micro to Marco Lending Sources
Tuesday, Feb. 11 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Art Intersection, 207 N. Gilbert Rd #201, Gilbert

Ready to take your brilliant business idea to the next level? Join fellow entrepreneurs and business finance professionals for an interactive discussion about how to fund your business! Hear from the founders of Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company on how they gained access to capital and launched a wildly successful brewery in Gilbert. Participate in a Q & A session with representatives from Prestamos CDFI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chicanos Por la Causa, and Delia Gomez from the Small Business Administration, who will provide insight into securing micro to macro loans. This event will include light appetizers for attendees to enjoy while mixing and mingling with industry experts and other local entrepreneurs.

Grow Your Handmade Brand
Wednesday, Feb. 12 | 9 a.m.
Central Arizona College – Superstition Mountain Campus, 805 S. Idaho Rd, Apache Junction

Join us for a panel of local experts in the maker and co-working space field to learn about resources available in the east valley to grow your business. The panel will be followed by a specialized marketing class specifically designed for micro and small business owners looking for tools to grow their sales and their brand.

E-Commerce for Entrepreneurs: Profits and Pitfalls of Selling Online
Wednesday, Feb. 12 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Mesa Arts Center, Dobson Lecture Hall, 1 E. Main St, Mesa

E-Commerce for Entrepreneurs: Profits and Pitfalls of Selling Online: Hear from a panel of business owners discuss their E-Commerce journey. Learn their process for pricing, shipping, fulfillment, and marketing needed to run a successful online based company. Join us for networking and meeting other local entrepreneurs.

Taking the Leap: Launching & Expanding Your Business
Thursday, Feb. 13 | Workshop 2 – 4 p.m. Networking 4 – 6 p.m.
Queen Creek Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd & Old Ellsworth Brewing, 22005 S. Ellsworth Rd, Queen Creek

Join local entrepreneurs and leaders in the industry for fast-paced presentations to inspire you to “take the leap.” Whether you’re looking to transform your business idea into a reality, or take your business to the next level, our dynamic speakers have information for you! Featured speakers include Brian McKean, owner of Old Ellsworth Brewery; Mike Simmons, founder of Catalyst Sale; Jake Trayer, community manager and Seth Wells, founder of Palette Collective; Justin Rohner, executive director and founder of Queen Creek Botanical Gardens; Logan Brooks, owner of Queen Creek Running Company; Matt Aronson, owner of Schmear Bagelry and; Erica Ballesteros, founder and chief energy officer of The Change Project.

Fast and Furious DIY Marketing 
Thursday, Feb. 13 | Workshop 2 – 4:30 p.m. Networking 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe

Learn how to use free and low cost tools to tell your company’s story and reach potential customers on your schedule. Featured speakers include Nico De Bruyn, Co-Founder of Boundless Media; Mike Jones, CEO & Managing Partner at Resound; Dr. Adrian McIntyre, Business Radio X Podcast Host; and City of Tempe Economic Development staff.

Register for one or all of these exciting workshops and networking opportunities today! For more information and to register, visit PHXEastValleyInnovates.com.

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Chandler Media Contact:
Stephanie Romero, Public Information Officer
480-782-2231
stephanie.romero@chandleraz.gov

Gilbert Media Contact:
Kiley Phillips, Marketing & Communications Administrator
480-243-0335
Kiley.Phillips@GilbertAZ.gov

Apache Junction Media Contact:
Al Bravo, Public Information Officer
480-474-5080
Abravo@ajcity.net

Mesa Media Contact:
Kim Lofgreen, Office of Economic Development, Marketing & Business Development Manager
480-644-3962
Kim.Lofgreen@MesaAz.gov

Queen Creek Media Contact:
Constance Halonen-Wilson, Public Information Officer
480-258-0339
Constance.Wilson@QueenCreek.org

Tempe Media Contact:
Kris Baxter-Ging, Public Information Officer
480-250-5198
Kris_baxter@tempe.gov

 

About Chandler, Arizona
Chandler, Ariz. has built a reputation as a Community of Innovation. Life in Chandler goes beyond a thriving and dynamic business community with progressive entrepreneurship. Known for its rich diversity, the City offers an outstanding quality of life for all generations with great schools and recreational opportunities. Chandler has grown to become the state’s fourth largest City with a population of more than 262,000. Chandler has been named one of the nation’s Best Places to Find a Job and Best Cities for Women in Tech. The City also is one of the safest communities in the nation and boasts AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, one of only 40 communities to achieve this distinction. For more information, visit the City website, or connect with the City on social media.

About Gilbert, Arizona
Located in the southeast valley of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Gilbert, Arizona has a population of 250,000+ residents and is nationally recognized as the 22nd best place to live in the nation (CNN/Money Magazine, 2014); 2nd safest community in the nation (FBI Uniform Crime Report Data, 2018); Best City to Raise a Family in Arizona (WalletHub, 2017), and has the highest median income in the nation (WalletHub, 2016). For more information, follow Gilbert on Twitter (@GilbertYourTown), Facebook (Gilbert Town Hall) and Instagram (@GilbertYourTown) or visit www.gilbertaz.gov.

About Apache Junction, Arizona
Nestled at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction is strategically positioned as the eastern gateway into the Greater Phoenix metro area (Valley of the Sun) and the western entry to the Tonto National Forest’s recreation venues. The surrounding geography and western atmosphere draw more than half a million visitors through the city annually. From the mysterious stories of hidden treasures to the people who follow them, Apache Junction is surrounded by legends. Follow the city of Apache Junction on Twitter atwww.Twitter.com/AJCityAZ and like the city of Apache Junction on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CityofAJ.

 About Mesa, Arizona
With a population of more than 511,000, Mesa, Arizona is the 35th largest city in the United States and second largest in the Phoenix-Mesa metro area. Mesa encompasses 138 square miles inside a 21-city region that has a population of 4.89 million people and is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2024. Mesa is a vibrant city and a premier location for business development and entrepreneurial opportunities. Serving industry leaders such as Apple, Banner Health, Boeing, Bridgestone, Empire Southwest, MD Helicopters, Nammo Talley, Textron, and many others, Mesa is a smart location for intelligent companies and startups. For more information, visit SelectMesa.com or LaunchPointMesa.com. Follow us on LinkedIn at Mesa-Economic-Development or LaunchPoint-Mesa.

About Queen Creek, Arizona
Founded in 1989, the Town of Queen Creek continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in Arizona with a population of approximately 52,000 (Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, 2019). Queen Creek strives to ensure a high quality of life, promote a strong sense of community, protect residents, and provide world class public service. Ranked one of the hottest neighborhoods for homebuyers (2019) and one of the best places to work (2018) by the Phoenix Business Journal, the Town offers an extensive trail system, award winning parks, unique agritainment destinations and vibrant Town Center. For additional information visit QueenCreek.org and follow the Town on Facebook.com/QueenCreek and Twitter.com/TownofQC.

About Tempe, Arizona
Tempe makes waves as a technology and business magnet, an inclusive, caring community and a hub for recreation and adventure. Just minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Tempe is home to the famous Mill Avenue, Tempe Town Lake and Arizona State University, named the Nation’s Most Innovative College by U.S. News and World Report six years in a row.  Visit us. www.tempe.gov/economicdevelopment