According to the list’s creator, SizeUP, Chandler produces 5.1 startups for every 100,000 residents. SizeUP is a San Francisco–based provider of free business intelligence for small and mid-sized businesses. The company identified companies less than five years old in the fields of computers, software, medical devices and electronics that were located in the top 100 cities by population. The result is a snapshot of independent, youthful enterprises engaged in a wide range of technological pursuits.
According to SizeUP, the city of Chandler (population 240,000) created its own entrepreneurial advantage by energetically embracing business incubation. The city-sponsored Innovations technology incubator is home to 20 early-stage companies in biotech, software, hardware, sustainability, mobile devices and other fields. Entrepreneurs can tap legal, accounting, marketing and fundraising help as well as sub-market rent.
The AZSBDC Network provides support services to Innovations, and is a partner in many events there, including the populat Coffee and Connections networking events and our Lunch & Learn events.
The City of Chandler provides a funding source for a downtown workspace called Gangplank to give entrepreneurs free space to get their visions underway. “At any given time 100 or more people can be found working in this space,” says Christine Mackay, Chandler’s economic development director. Startups thus blessed get hooked up to conferences, pitch nights and crowdfunding opportunities.
You can read the full release on American Express OpenForum HERE.
