Gilbert and the town’s Chamber of Commerce have opened enrollment for a business program that helps entrepreneurs grow their operations. The Front Runner series of classes focuses on technology-driven business, including web design, programming, online business services, e-commerce, software consultants and more. Topics include getting a product to market, improving services through customer feedback, marketing, business models, cash management, company culture and financing sources.

Simply Magnolias Productions, created by Valley mother and daughter Shelley Joy and Amanda Tellez, recently launched to develop events for women by helping them reconnect.

Time is running out to register for Gilbert's Front Runner Program.

David Tedesco, 30, never thought about becoming a successful business entrepreneur.

Prabhdeep Singh, a doctoral student in computer science at Arizona State University, is hoping to start his own software business. He has enough experience to know it’s not easy.

Arizona State University begins a $200,000 program today to match the school’s expertise with entrepreneurs in the Valley who need help finding venture capital for their fledging high-technology and life sciences businesses.

Kristen Senseman learned to love wine from her parents while growing up in Scottsdale, although the 24-year-old has only been old enough to taste it for a few years. Now she and seven of her friends — all under 30 — have their own label, Hope Wine, a brand with a cause.

Chandler and the Chandler Chamber of Commerce are offering a May 16 workshop for entrepreneurs who want to start or grow a small or minority-owned business. The annual Chandler Small Business Development Workshop will explain what resources are available in the city and offer expert advice for businesses. The free event will include a welcome from Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and cover topics that include debunking entrepreneurial myths, humanizing your business with social media and a Chandler economic update.

Are you a mom with an entrepreneurial streak?

Just months after starting their new business, co-founders and Arizona State University students Jeremy Ellens and Dornubary Vizor have collected more than $10,000 in sales.

Do your 2012 plans include starting your own business? Join like-minded entrepreneurs for the Coffee & Connections event 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Jan. 19 at Innovations Incubator, 145 S. 79th St., Chandler. During the event, guest speaker Wayne Smith will help entrepreneurs navigate the ins and outs of developing and managing a successful team.

With the prices of electronics so low these days, many of us will find shiny new computers under the tree this year.

Tempe is offering classes to help technology entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses. The FastTrac TechVenture was developed by the Kauffman Foundation and is being led by Stealthmode Partners. The 30-hour program includes 10 evening classes that begin on Feb. 7, at a cost of $150. The program focuses on helping entrepreneurs evaluate and improve business concepts, pitch the concept to investors and build a network of peers. To register, visit http://stealthmode.affiliate.fasttrac.org.

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Glenn Schulke unfolds a supple 4-foot nylon sheet, into which circuitry for capturing solar energy has been woven, and slaps it down on a table.

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Glenn Schulke unfolds a supple 4-foot nylon sheet, into which circuitry for capturing solar energy has been woven, and slaps it down on a table.

Ahwatukee Foothills resident Glenn Schulke unfolds a supple 4-foot nylon sheet, into which circuitry for capturing solar energy has been woven, and slaps it down on a table.

Peter Burns said he's down about $2.5 million, and - get this - he did it on purpose.

Like most businessmen, the founders of a new Web site spend their time schmoozing clients, reporting to investors and promoting their business. But unlike most guys in the biz, they still make time for skateboarding and playing Nintendo and Xbox video games.

Former homebuilder and entrepreneur Scott Smith is “seriously” considering a run for the Mesa mayoral seat — and he already has at least one high-powered Republican behind him.