Business owners, entrepreneurs and technologists are invited to Chandler Innovations' second annual “The Startup Connection” on Sept. 20 and 21.
The two-day event is designed with the startup community in mind and serves as an opportunity for business owners to connect with and learn from other industry professionals.
“The Startup Connection allows us to showcase the expertise and services we provide to founders and entrepreneurs,” said Diana White, CEO of Chandler Innovations.
“The event gives the community a glimpse into the breadth of offerings available to technology-based Chandler companies.”
Participants are encouraged to use the connections gained from this event to help grow their networks, take their business to the next level and become further engaged in Chandler’s active entrepreneurial community through the offerings of Chandler Innovations incubator.
Day One
Day one of the event will take place at Flix Brewhouse in Downtown Chandler on Friday, Sept. 20, from 5:25 – 8 p.m. It is scheduled to include a kick-off cocktail reception followed by a pitch event and keynote by Steve Reese, chief information officer for the Phoenix Suns.
Reese is currently is in his seventh season, and since his arrival in July 2013 has been working to position the organization to thrive in the areas of innovation, big data, mobility, security and player performance.
Within sports circles, Reese is known as an expert in the areas of sleep science and employee performance.
Reese’s keynote will follow a shark-tank style pitch event featuring three Chandler businesses.
Day Two
Day two, Sept. 21, will take place at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center (ACIC) at 249 E. Chicago St. from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities will include interactive workshops, roundtable discussions, two panel discussions and a catered breakfast and lunch for all attendees. Workshop and panel topics will be focused on the skills entrepreneurs and small businesses need, such as finance, marketing, operating, building business acumen and more.
“Entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking leaders have shaped Chandler into a community of innovation,” said Councilmember Mark Stewart. “The Startup Connection event is about bringing resources together and showing local entrepreneurs how they can build the next major company right here in Chandler."
The Startup Connection is sponsored by the City of Chandler. Both days are free and open to the public with advanced reservations. There are separate registrations for day one and day two. RSVPs for both days must be received by Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Raising Capital Workshop for Small Businesses
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Chandler small business owners are invited to attend a free workshop on raising capital offered by the Arizona Small Business Development Center.
The program will cover basic information about commercial loans, including types, sources and preparing for lending requests. Attendees will hear from a panel of lenders and get the opportunity to meet each panelist and discuss their products and services.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center, located at 249 E. Chicago St. Space is limited; attendees may register online.