JUNE 2024

Mark your calendars! Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program reopens July 8

The Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program wrapped up another successful year, providing 165 local businesses with FREE professional advising and consulting services. But don't fret if you missed out this program year - mark your calendars for the program’s reopening on July 8 for the 2024-2025 program year!

This invaluable program offers personalized guidance from expert advisors to help small businesses in Mesa grow and thrive. Whether you need assistance with marketing, operations, financial planning, or any other aspect of your business, Mesa Business Builder is here to support you every step of the way.

Spots fill up quickly, so make sure to get your application ready. Visit MesaBusinessBuilder.com now to learn more about program details and eligibility. Don't let this opportunity to elevate your small business pass you by!

You can apply on the Mesa HUUB beginning on July 8

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Water savings incentives increased for commercial customers

The City of Mesa understands water conservation is a priority for commercial properties and small businesses. That is why we have increased our incentive amounts to help our customers make impactful water-efficiency upgrades. By reducing landscape water use and increasing irrigation efficiency, you can significantly cut costs and do your part for the environment. Water is a precious shared resource, and we are committed to supporting conservation efforts across the commercial sector. Take advantage of enhanced incentives today and join us in promoting responsible water management that benefits your bottom line and our community.

Grass-to-Xeriscape Landscape Incentive: Replace grass with low-water xeriscape landscaping and earn an increased incentive. The City must approve projects prior to conversion. Funds are limited.

Landscape Irrigation Equipment Incentives: Upgrade to water-efficient irrigation equipment such as spray bodies and smart controllers with our newly enhanced incentives. Act fast - funds are first-come, first-served.

Note: Incentives are for pre-approved future projects only. Rules may change anytime. Visit our website to learn more.

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Boost your business: The importance of customer retention strategies

Focusing on customer retention is crucial for small businesses. According to an article in The Ascent, by Ben Gran, keeping existing customers is often five to 25 times cheaper than acquiring new ones. Regularly asking for feedback helps understand customer satisfaction and address any issues. Implementing simple reward systems encourages repeat business, while using marketing tools to maintain engagement with current customers ensures they feel valued.

Retaining customers helps reduce marketing costs and ensures long-term business success. Prioritizing these strategies can significantly enhance your small business's stability and growth.

For a deeper dive into effective customer retention strategies, read the full article.

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Hire a teenager this summer and get a tax break

This summer, over a million teenagers will seek jobs, and businesses that hire them can benefit from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. This federal program, available through the end of 2025, offers a $1,200 tax credit for each 16- or 17-year-old hired between May and September.

Seasonal businesses, such as restaurants and amusement parks, can gain significantly, especially amid rising costs. Certified public accountant, Miklos Ringbauer, notes the importance of timely documentation, as employers have only 28 days to file with the IRS.

With the highest teenage labor participation rates since 2008, businesses have ample hiring opportunities. This tax credit not only provides financial relief but also supports economically distressed areas. Leveraging this credit can strategically enhance your workforce and finances this summer. Read full article from Inc.com.

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Come celebrate our diverse community at Mesa's Juneteenth Celebration, honoring African American heritage and an important historical milestone. Vendor opportunities are available, but spaces are limited. All vendor applications and fees must be submitted by June 10. Required permits for food vendors and sales tax licenses are necessary. Don't miss this meaningful community event - apply to be a vendor today!

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Succession Planning for Business

Wednesday, June 5 | 5 – 7 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Are you considering closing or exiting your business? Explore the different ways to keep your business going when you are ready to move to your next adventure.

Presented by: Local First Arizona

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small Businesses

Thursday, June 6 | 8:30 – 11 a.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Wondering how you can incorporate AI to create efficiencies and help you improve your operations? This workshop is designed to get you started using AI with ease.

Presented by: Peter Costa, Baltu Technologies

Digital Transformation for Business and Industry

Thursday, June 6 | 4:30 – 7 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Learn how your business can capitalize on digital transformation and new technologies to become future forward and help your business grow.

Presented by: Peter Costa, Baltu Technologies

Branding Strategy and Positioning, Part II of III

Monday, June 10 | 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Part II of this 3-part series. From identifying target audience and market segmentation, conducting a competitive analysis, to positioning, personas and case studies. Essential branding elements for your business.

Presented by: Garren Lofgreen, Perspicuous

Social Media Strategy

Tuesday, June 11 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Learn how to shift social media strategy to help increase brand awareness. Focus will be on video content and how to utilize trends to help you develop creative and engaging content.

Presented by: Steven Burkhart

Pitch In

Wednesday, June 12 | 9 – 10 a.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Pitch In features two presenters, who each share their stories for 6 minutes. Pitches are followed by a 20-minute Q&A session from the community.

Presented by: ASU Edson E + I @ The Studios

Strategic AI: Learning from the Titans to Thrive as an Underdog

Wednesday, June 12 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Delve into how small businesses can initiate data collection with AI tools to enhance operational efficiency, and how large corporations leverage AI to streamline their operations.

Presented by: Anthony Ferrara

Angel Investor and Venture Capital Workshop

Wednesday, June 12 | 5 – 7 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

If you are just getting started on your entrepreneurial journey, or launching into an exploration of funding, we highly encourage you to ask the questions: 1) What are the best funding resources, 2) What I wish I would have known, 3) Biggest funding challenges?       

Presented by: ASU Edson E + I @ The Studios

Expand Your Brand Reach

Thursday, June 13 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Learn how to engage with your brand by developing compelling content, leveraging SEO, establishing partnerships and collabs, using social media, investing in paid advertising, and measuring and analyzing results.            

Presented by: Garren Lofgreen, Perspicuous

Implementation and Brand Management, Part III of III

Monday, June 17 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Bring the branding to completion. The last part of the series focuses on translating brand strategy into action, brand guidelines and standards, managing brand perception, branding online presence and social media, practical exercises for brand implementation, and more.    

Presented by: Garren Lofgreen, Perspicuous

Planning & Permitting for Small Business

Tuesday, June 18 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Questions about the planning and permitting processes and getting a Certificate of Occupancy in Mesa? This workshop answers common questions and offers tips to help you get your business up and running in Mesa.

Presented by: City of Mesa Development Services

How to Win New Business With Instagram

Thursday, June 20 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Say goodbye to the "doom scroll" and hello to a list of exact steps to improve the results of your Instagram efforts daily. Learn how to get your posts in front of the right audience and improve your reach, impressions, and engagement every day.

Presented by: Megan Ferguson

Next Level Workforce Development Forum

Thursday, June 20 | 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Convention Center, Building B, 263 North Center Street Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Mark Perna and TFS Results have been at the forefront of a mission to unite educators, employers, economic developers and community leaders to pave the way for passion-driven employment. 

Presented by: The City of Mesa and Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Creating Successfully Branded Marketing Materials

Thursday, June 20 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Want to maximize your marketing materials to get noticed? It all starts with defining your target market and clear objectives, maintaining consistent branding, using compelling visuals, telling a compelling story, and creating strong CTAs. Come and learn from a pro.

Presented by: Garren Lofgreen, Perspicuous

Food Truck Workshop

Thursday, June 20 | 2 – 4 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Interested in operating a food truck in Mesa? Do you want to be on the approved vendor list? Attend this workshop to learn how to get your food truck approved and licensed for Mesa.

Presented by: City of Mesa

Workday Wellness

Tuesday, June 25 | 12 – 12:30 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Chair Yoga – Embrace the opportunity to learn, relax, and prioritize your health. A healthy entrepreneur is a thriving entrepreneur.

Presented by: ASU Edson E + I @ The Studios

Grow Your Business with YouTube

Tuesday, June 25 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Learn how to use YouTube and the power of video to promote your business or brand.

In this workshop, we’ll cover:

• How to create a YouTube channel
• Adding videos and organizing your channel
• How to promote your business with video ads
• CapCut basics

Presented by: Kevin Frost

Pitch In

Wednesday, June 26 | 9 – 10 a.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @The Studios, 59 E 1st St., Mesa, AZ, 85201
Register!

Pitch In features two presenters, who each share their stories for 6 minutes. Pitches are followed by a 20-minute Q&A session from the community.

Presented by: ASU Edson E + I @ The Studios

RESOURCES FOR MESA SMALL BUSINESSES