Introducing the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Student Entrepreneurs Academy (SEA)
Have you ever met a student with a business idea, a big dream, or an unstoppable curiosity? The Gilbert Chamber Foundation has created a program just for them.
The Student Entrepreneurs Academy (SEA), offered by the Gilbert Chamber Foundation, is a hands-on, 16-week learning experience that helps middle and high school students (grades 6–12) turn ideas into action. Designed for those that want to launch a business, explore leadership, and build real-world skills, this program gives them the tools — and the confidence — to get started.
What Students Do in SEA
This isn’t a lecture series. It’s a high-energy, interactive journey through the building blocks of business and innovation.
Over four learning phases, students:
- Explore problem-solving and idea generation
- Learn the basics of branding, marketing, sales, and finance
- Take part in two off-site business field trips
- Develop a real product or service
- Pitch their business idea to a live audience
- Connect with local mentors and business owners
- Build confidence, communication, and creativity
How the Program Works
- Who Can Apply: Students in grades 6–12 from Gilbert and surrounding communities
- When: Tuesday evenings, October through March (16 sessions total) plus two Thursday evening field trips
- Where: Hosted at The CATALYST, Gilbert’s business resource center powered by the Gilbert Chamber Foundation and the Town of Gilbert
- Tuition: $850
Each weekly session features hands-on workshops, guest speakers, mentorship, and time for students to develop and test their ideas.
The Grand Finale: Pitch Showcase & Biz Fair
The Academy culminates in a student-led Pitch Showcase and Biz Fair, where participants present their ideas, display their businesses, gain experience talking to real customers, community leaders, and local entrepreneurs and win prizes!
Why This Program Matters
At its core, the Student Entrepreneurs Academy is about more than business. It’s about:
- Helping students discover what they’re capable of
- Giving them space to lead, create, and collaborate
- Connecting them to caring mentors and real opportunities
- Preparing them for the workforce of the future and showing them how they can create it themselves
Gilbert is full of bright, motivated students. This program helps them channel their talents into meaningful, real-world growth — with the support of a community that believes in them.
How to Get Involved
Students:
Apply HERE
- Applications are due by Oct 1st, 2025
- Cohort will be announced Oct 15th, 2025
Parents & Educators:
Encourage your student to apply! You’ll be amazed at how much they grow.
Mentors & Community Members:
We’re always looking for local professionals to serve as mentors, coaches, sponsors, and supporters. We invite you to be a champion for Gilbert’s future entrepreneurs. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels and include meaningful recognition, engagement with participants, and visible impact in our community.
Let’s work together to shape a generation of leaders who are bold, prepared, and rooted in community. We would love to discuss how your values and visibility can align with this transformative initiative.
To learn more about any aspect of SEA, please contact:
elaine@gilbertchamber.com or 480-941-6321
Let’s build the next generation of entrepreneurs!
Dates for SEA are below:
