Gilbert Office of Economic Development and the Gilbert Chamber Foundation have opened The Catalyst, a new business resource center in downtown Gilbert adjacent to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

The Catalyst is the result of more than a decade of collaboration between Town of Gilbert and the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Armed with input from the business community, they identified the need for a one-stop location to access tools, training, mentoring and coaching, as well as technical assistance resources to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in Gilbert.

The idea for the Catalyst was also born, in part, out of community feedback received during the many stakeholder sessions conducted during Gilbert Office of Economic Development’s Strategic Plan outreach early last year.

As part of that effort, the goal to support Gilbert’s growth as the premier entrepreneurial town was established and the Catalyst is a key outcome in support of this initiative.

“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," Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson said in a release. "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."

Renovations for the Catalyst, which is housed in the Heritage Annex building, 119 N. Gilbert Road, suite 102, Gilbert, in a suite adjacent to the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, was Gilbert Leadership Class 32’s annual service project.

Gilbert Leadership members remodeled the suite as part of their project, which included new flooring, new paint and renovations to the restrooms and breakroom.

The Catalyst business resource center includes the following types of spaces to support Gilbert’s entrepreneur and small business community:

• Audio and advice podcast studio;
• Online meeting room;
• Content creation corner — featuring a light room for photography and video needs;
• Rentable event space;
• Lending library.

“The Catalyst is truly a space designed by business for business," Gilbert Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sarah Watts said. "It’s a destination for support, education and inspiration in all phases of operation and ownership.

The formation of this new space has become a reality as a result of the dedication of stakeholders, including the Gilbert Chamber Board, Gilbert Chamber Foundation Board, the Gilbert Leadership Steering Committee and members of Gilbert Leadership Class 32, as well as the generous contributions of many donors and sponsors. We couldn’t be more excited to watch the opportunity unfold.”

In addition, the popular online business networking platform Gilbert Next Level HUUB will continue to be funded by the Town of Gilbert and now managed by the Gilbert Chamber Foundation as part of the Catalyst's service to the business community.

The community board, technical assistance trainings, and networking on the digital portal will serve as an online extension of services provided at the Catalyst. HUUB membership is complimentary to any company with an active Gilbert business license.

The Catalyst is providing cost-effective options with complimentary services and nominal fees to attend trainings and utilize the space. Workshops will be promoted via the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, access to the Catalyst space, outside of a hosted workshop, is available by appointment only through the end of the calendar year via their online booking portal available at www.CatalystGilbert.com.

In early 2025, the Catalyst will operate regular business hours which will be updated on the Catalyst webpage.