By Jennifer Conrad, Managing Editor
Chandler Endeavor is an exciting and innovative incubator that provides support and resources to entrepreneurs and businesses in Chandler, Arizona. This dynamic creativity center offers a wide range of programs and initiatives tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse business ventures. Chandler Endeavor is a true testament to Arizona State University’s commitment to community engagement and inclusive collaboration, as this entrepreneurship resource is open to everyone, regardless of their background or level of expertise.
In August 2023, Chandler Endeavor created history by hosting a grand ceremonial ribbon-cutting to celebrate its official launch. The initiative was made possible by a visionary partnership between the City of Chandler and Arizona State University, which received a generous grant of $275,000 to support the project. Kristin Slice, Director of Community Entrepreneurship at Arizona State, led the Chandler Endeavor initiative.
Their goal is to help over a thousand entrepreneurs and startups by providing an all-inclusive ecosystem that fosters innovative ideas and allows aspiring entrepreneurs to explore their potential fully. Standard incubators usually serve only 10 to 15 people yearly, but Chandler Endeavor’s incubator program is different. It is designed to serve many people and provides extensive support to help entrepreneurs and startups succeed.
Chandler Endeavor welcomes aspiring entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, unlike other incubators that require entrepreneurs to apply and be selected for a cohort. There are no barriers to entry, and everyone is encouraged to participate.
When you first enter Chandler Endeavor, Arian Shirakhoon, Senior Program Manager will be there to greet you and provide guidance. They will offer you a complimentary coworking space where collaboration knows no bounds and direct you to a wayfinding meeting where you can learn more about the incubator’s programs and initiatives. Participants can also access the building’s fabrication studio to create a prototype.
Startup founders who register with Chandler Endeavor will be grouped into cohorts with a six-month timeline to help them stay on track. The incubator tailors its support to meet the unique needs of each venture by customizing the experience based on diverse industries and business models. Despite the varying nature of the ventures, the overarching goal is to assist businesses in scaling and growing. This is achieved through personalized meetings with staff members to assess the stage of the venture and direct them to appropriate resources, whether at the beginning stages or more advanced.
In addition to personalized support, the incubator offers a mentor program where registered members can access one-on-one mentorship with seasoned entrepreneurs and investors like Glenn Thomas. These mentors provide tailored guidance and support to help participants navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals.
“We’ve established a comprehensive training framework called Training Development Resources to foster entrepreneurship,” said Shirakhoon.
These modules, developed in collaboration with ASU, cover various aspects crucial to entrepreneurial success, such as customer discovery, go-to-market strategy, and the art of investment. Complementing these modules are monthly signature forums, each dedicated to exploring different themes or topics in entrepreneurship. These forums serve as invaluable platforms for knowledge exchange and networking, typically drawing a diverse audience of 20 to 35 individuals. After six months, participants graduate to our advanced curriculum in the spring cohort. In the fall, Chandler Endeavors offers six modules to guide them through essential concepts.
“Following each cohort, there is a pitch competition, like our recent East Innovation Night, where participants showcase their progress before advancing to the spring cohort, which delves deeper into advanced topics,” said Shirakhoon.
This non-traditional approach emphasizes self-direction rather than a boot camp or accelerator model. Participants are encouraged to stay engaged and motivated, as their onus is to seek assistance and resources.
But Chandler Endeavor is not just about education; it’s about building a community. The monthly signature forums are the heartbeat of this vibrant ecosystem – a space where individuals converge to explore pressing entrepreneurial topics. Through interactive workshops and insightful discussions led by seasoned investors and entrepreneurs, attendees gain invaluable insights and forge meaningful connections. Chandler Endeavor is where entrepreneurs can thrive, grow, and succeed, thanks to the support of an engaged community and innovative programs and initiatives.
