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Peoria partners with GCU to launch entrepreneur training program

Posted 1/17/25

The city of Peoria has announced a new partnership with Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business to launch the GCU Entrepreneur Training Program.

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business

Peoria partners with GCU to launch entrepreneur training program

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The city of Peoria has announced a partnership with Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business to launch the GCU Entrepreneur Training Program.

This program is designed to support local startups and small businesses and foster economic development in Peoria’s business community.

This free, four month, hands on-training initiative will provide Peoria-based entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and expert guidance needed to innovate, scale, and thrive in today's competitive business environment.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and providing local business owners with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to grow and succeed,” said Peoria Deputy City Manager Mike Faust. “By collaborating with GCU’s Canyon Ventures, we are empowering our community’s entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level, creating jobs and driving economic growth in Peoria.”

GCU’s Canyon Ventures is a business accelerator that gives entrepreneurs rent-free space to grow their companies. Several successful businesses have emerged from Canyon Ventures, including oversized promotional hat company Noggin Boss and clothing brand NineteenTwenty. Both companies have  secured deals on the popular TV show "Shark Tank."

“Grand Canyon University’s unique entrepreneurial ecosystem is committed to promoting the importance of collaboration and community,” said GCU Canyon Ventures Director Robert Vera. “This hands-on entrepreneur training program teaches business innovation that helps incubate successful businesses in the west valley.”

Peoria business owners are invited to apply by March 1.

The program will begin in April. Up to 30 local entrepreneurs will be selected for the pilot program. Priority for applications will be given to those holding a Peoria business license. Home-based businesses are eligible and encouraged to apply.

The commitment from participants includes 90-minute, in-person classes held 5:30- p.m. twice a week every Tuesday and Thursday in April, June, August and October. Classes will be held at the Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street.

The GCU Entrepreneur Training Program is structured to support entrepreneurs at various stages of starting their business to finding a buyer for their product or service. The program offers a hands-on approach to taking on challenges faced by business owners. Each month will focus on a different stage of the start-up process:

• April: Innovation Stage- Entrepreneurs validate their business ideas through research and market analysis.
• June: Pre-Seed Stage- Focus on building a minimum viable product and assembling a team.
• August: Seed Stage- Entrepreneurs refine their products and enter the market, focusing on early customer acquisition.
• October: Early Stage- Expand and scale operations with a focus on customer growth and revenue generation.

At the end of each phase, participants showcase their progress during Demo Days, where they will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses and attract potential investors. Cash prizes will be awarded during each phase for:

• Venture of the Year
• Most Innovative
• Greater Value

Ideal participants will have an active LLC, doing business in the city of Peoria. For questions, email karen.calivas@peoriaaz.gov. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.eventcreate.com/e/gcuentrepreneurtraining.

Peoria, Arizona, partnership, Grand Canyon University, Colangelo College of Business, GCU Entrepreneur Training Program, business

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