GCU Entrepreneur Training Program

GCU Entrepreneur Training Program – Peoria 2025
A free, four-month entrepreneur training program led by Grand Canyon University's Colangelo College of Business in partnership with the City of Peoria.
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Empowering Peoria Entrepreneurs to Innovate, Scale, and Thrive
Free 4-Month Program
A Free, 4-Month Hands-On Training Program for Local Startups and Small Businesses
Expert-Led Training
Learn from industry professionals and successful entrepreneurs in a collaborative environment
Community Support
Connect with local resources and build a network to help your business thrive
📬 Stay Connected Sign up to get Demo Day invites, entrepreneurship tips, and updates on future cohorts. [Insert newsletter or sign-up form link here]
Program Overview
Strategic Partnership
A collaborative initiative between the City of Peoria and GCU's Colangelo College of Business, bringing world-class entrepreneurship education to local business owners.
Expert Instruction
Classes taught by Robert Vera, Founding Director of Canyon Ventures and global entrepreneurship educator who has taught in Colombia at U of Antioquia.
Practical Approach
Hands-on, practical training focused on real-world business challenges and networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and investors.
Schedule & Location
Twice a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays) from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Peoria Community Center – 8335 W. Jefferson Street
Maximum of 30 entrepreneurs selected; program is now in progress
Class Schedule by Month
April – Innovation Stage
Topics: Market research, First Principles Thinking, falling in love with the problem
🎤 Guest Speakers:
✅ The Vox Team (April 3) – "AI at the Core of Innovation"
✅ Ashley Sankar – Shark Tank winner, Founder of 1920
🟡 Gabe Cooper – Co-founder, NogginBoss (Pending)
June – Pre-Seed Stage
Topics: MVP development, team formation, value creation
Guest Speakers (Pending):
Eli Chmouni – Founder, NEON Screens
Levi Conlow – CEO, Lectric e-Bikes
3
August – Seed Stage
Topics: Sales vs. marketing, PMF, product refinement
Guest Speakers (Pending):
Corey Frank – Founder, Branch49
Dr. Nic Hool – CEO, Hoolest
October – Early Stage & Scale
Topics: Sales engine, customer growth, revenue generation
Guest Speakers:
✅ Steve Boatright – Partner, Gallagher & Kennedy
🟡 Nick Kasten – VP Strategy, National Bank of Arizona (Pending)
Demo Days & Awards
Venture of the Year
Top overall business concept
Most Innovative
Most creative solution
Greatest Value
Highest potential impact
Demo Days take place at the end of each stage. Entrepreneurs present their business progress and pitch to judges.
"Entrepreneurs are the ones that take all the risk to solve all the problems."
- Robert Vera, Founding Director of Canyon Ventures
"This partnership with GCU brings practical, real-world support to Peoria businesses."
- Mike Faust
Meet the Entrepreneurs – 2025 Cohort
1
1
Retail & Consumer
Alexis Szewczyk – Vera Vara
Gabrielle Dixon – Regina Rose
Lovosha Jones – Luxuriii
Patricia Bilandzija – Kinabalu Jewelry
Randi Lucas – DandiLu Designs
2
2
Food & Beverage
James Schmidt – Spicy Sassy Dulces
Jen Sinconis – The Audrey Wine Bistro
Laura Hernandez – The Audrey Wine Bistro
Nikki Ortega – Spicy Sassy Dulces
3
3
Services & Consulting
Amy Beck – Livewell Collective Academy
Adra Helmich – Resilient Brain Body / Counseling
Christina Giedraitis – Raise Your Standards
Dr. Nelly Clotter-Woods – NCW 'GRANTS' & Associates, PLLC
Megan Kirchhoff – Megan Crawford Writes
Shana Dawson Fish – Yoshana Connections
4
4
Technology & Construction
Holly McLaughlin – Custom Curb Creations
Joshua Martinez – EDU PARQ
Juan "John" Haro – Haros Building Solutions
Michele Martinez – Truly Connected Contractors LLC
Michael Bihlmeier – The Mini Jumbotron Company, LLC
Ryan Kooistra – Monarch Purification
Tyrone Bess – Crypto Jiu Jitsu
Location & Contact
Location
Peoria Community Center
8335 W. Jefferson Street, Peoria, AZ
Email
📧 karen.calivas@peoriaaz.gov
Social Media
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube
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Attend Demo Days
See the latest innovations from our entrepreneurs
Join Future Cohorts
Apply for upcoming training programs
Access Resources
Get entrepreneurship tips and materials
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