The Chandler Endeavor business incubator program, a partnership between the City of Chandler and Arizona State University, is bringing together the East Valley for a celebration of entrepreneurship on Thursday, March 14, from 5 to 8 pm, at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center.

The East Valley Innovation Night + Pitch Competition is an event for all community members. RSVP today if you are interested in any of the following:

• Cheering on entrepreneurs as they pitch for a shot at winning up to $5,000
• Connecting with local founders and accessing entrepreneurial resources
• Touring and learning about the ASU Chandler Innovation Center
• Enjoying free food and drinks

This event is being put on with the support of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and City of Mesa.

Did you know the City of Chandler and its partners offer several free resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow a business? Below is a quick overview.

• Small Business Guide: learn the requirements for doing business in Chandler, tips on how to create a business plan, information on funding sources and other small business resources.

• Property Searches: Economic Development staff can help you identify the right location for your business. We have access to an extensive database of available buildings and land sites, and maintain close relationships with brokers, developers, and landowners.

• Business Location Team: City staff from multiple departments will tour a building with you and provide immediate feedback on building code, fire code, and zoning related questions. It is strongly encouraged that businesses schedule a BLT meeting before signing a lease or purchasing a building.

• Market Information: data/maps repository and ability to request customized demographic reports to help you understand the Chandler market and your potential customer base.

• Chandler Endeavor Business Incubator: take your business to the next level by engaging with community entrepreneurship experts and participating in free programs, mentorship, and networking.

• Coworking Space: 16 open workstations with monitors, reservable conference room with audio-visual equipment, private meeting areas, movable table clusters. Located at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center.

If you are looking to start a new business or relocate/expand to Chandler, receive assistance from the Economic Development Division by Initiating a Project.

The City of Chandler wants to make property owners and developers aware of a program designed to encourage redevelopment in the community. Recently revamped by the Chandler City Council, the “Infill Incentive Plan” now has a larger program area, with more properties eligible and new types of incentives available. 

The Infill Incentive Plan's goal is to facilitate redevelopment of underutilized retail and Class C office properties. To be eligible, the property must be located north of the Loop 202 Santan Freeway. It also must have been developed a minimum of 15 years ago or have a vacancy rate 50% higher than the citywide average for its property type.

Incentives will be tied to the project's economic and fiscal impacts and may include reimbursements for pre-approved public infrastructure (up to $250,000), expedited plan review, and permit fee reimbursements (following project completion). All incentives are subject to City Council approval of a development agreement between the city and applicant.

More information on the Infill Incentive Plan

Start your engines! Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is celebrating its grand opening today, Feb. 28. Chandler's newest attraction is located in the Airpark Area just south of the Loop 202 Santan Freeway on Cooper Road.

Andretti's offers 95,000 square feet of non-stop thrills, including high-speed electric superkarts on a multi-level track, state-of-the-art arcade, virtual reality experiences, racing simulators, a two-story laser tag arena, duckpin bowling, and a 7D Xperience motion theater.

If you are planning to host an event or business function, Andretti's also features more than 6,000 square feet of event space with in-house catering services, free WiFi and comprehensive audio-visual capabilities.

Check out VisitChandler.com for more unique things to do in Chandler.