The CATALYST continues to make an impact far beyond the traditional business landscape. Recently, Nicole Charmoli, Foundation and Community Impact Manager for the Gilbert Chamber Foundation, visited Campo Verde High School to speak to two Entrepreneurship classes about the many resources The CATALYST offers.
The visit was coordinated by Ashley McLaren, CTE Department Chair and Entrepreneurship instructor at Campo Verde. After hearing about The CATALYST, Ashley recognized how closely it aligned with her curriculum and how it could help bring real-world community connections into the classroom. “It is so important for our young hopeful entrepreneurs to see that they have available resources right in our own backyard! I appreciate that Nicole was so willing to present this new, exciting space to our students,” McLaren shared.
During the presentation, students explored the origin story of The CATALYST, its strategic planning, the partnership between the Gilbert Office of Economic Development and the Gilbert Chamber Foundation, and the significant contributions of Gilbert Leadership Class 32, whose work helped bring the center to life. Students also learned how industry experts continue to support The CATALYST through mentorship, professional expertise, and even financial contributions.
Nicole walked students through how The CATALYST supports entrepreneurs at every stage, from ideation to growth, and even through exit strategies. Workshops provide practical tools that business owners can implement immediately, while strong community partnerships help ensure entrepreneurs build their businesses on a solid foundation. Industry experts also volunteer their time through mentoring and office hours to help guide entrepreneurs through complex challenges.
Students were introduced to The CATALYST’s many partnerships, including Maricopa Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and Local First Arizona, among others, each offering specialized support to help entrepreneurs succeed.
The presentation also highlighted the resource rooms available at The CATALYST, which serve as valuable launch points for new and growing businesses. These include:
- A virtual meeting room for webinars and online meetings
- A consultation corner ideal for client meetings when entrepreneurs are just starting out
- A content creation suite for video production, product photography, and headshots
- An audio and advice room where users can explore podcasting and test new ideas
All resources are free and can be booked online.
Ms. McLaren connected the presentation to their upcoming lesson on small business incubators, noting the strong similarities to what The CATALYST offers. Students left with a better understanding of the real-world support available in their own community—and with the knowledge that Gilbert has its very own small business resource center dedicated to helping launch the next generation of entrepreneurs.