Gilbert's landscape of business resources recently expanded with the opening of The CATALYST, a center tailor-made to serve the town's entrepreneurial and small business community. This initiative is the brainchild of a collaborative endeavor between the Town of Gilbert and the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation, according to an official announcement on the Gilbert government website. A suite adjacent to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce at 119 N. Gilbert Rd., #101, now houses the new establishment, providing easy access to support services in Downtown Gilbert. The center aims to simplify the search for business assistance by centralizing tools, training, mentorship, and technical resources.
Beyond just being a physical space, The CATALYST benefits from over a decade of engagement with the local business sector. Amidst the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including the input of the Gilbert Chamber Board, Gilbert Chamber Foundation Board, and the Gilbert Leadership Steering Committee, which resulted in the extensive renovation of the Heritage Annex building by members of Gilbert Leadership Class 32. "The vision for The CATALYST business resource center was the creation of a space with access to technology resources and seamless connection to business assistance tools and programs, especially for new business ventures to grow their concepts right here in Gilbert. I'm grateful for the partnership between the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Gilbert Leadership Class 32, community stakeholders and the Town of Gilbert that shaped The CATALYST into becoming a reality," Town of Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson told the Town of Gilbert.
The center features various spaces conducive to business development, such as an audio and advice podcast studio, an online meeting room, a content creation corner for visual media needs, rentable event space, and a lending library. Sarah Watts, President and CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the role of the community in the center's development, stating to the Town of Gilbert, "The CATALYST is truly a space designed by business for business. It's a destination for support, education and inspiration in all phases of operation and ownership." Her comments suggest a strong belief in the initiative's capacity to stimulate and sustain local business activities.
Additionally, Gilbert Next Level HUUB, an online business networking platform, will continue operations under the Gilbert Chamber Foundation as part of The CATALYST's suite of services. The program offers a digital community board, as well as technical assistance and networking opportunities. According to details provided by Gilbert's official website, HUUB membership is complimentary to any company holding an active Gilbert business license. For the current year, access to The CATALYST's resources requires appointments through their online booking system, shifting to regular business hours in early 2025.
