February is Black History month, let’s celebrate Mesa’s businesses
February is national Black History Month, the focus for 2025 is “African Americans and Labor” highlighting the many ways that work intersects with the collective experiences of Black people. Learn more about Black History Month by visiting the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Mesa proudly recognizes the many Black-owned businesses in the community. Tameisha Hudson is the owner of D.A.Y. Studio (Dance Aerobics and YOGA) and offers dance aerobics and yoga classes. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do for their health. Tameisha’s mission is to get people back to a place of moving, sweating, feeling, and connecting. Being physically active can improve brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve one’s ability to do everyday activities. Doing what one loves to do reduces the dread of traditional workout. D.A.Y. Studio promotes activity in diverse ways to help support a person’s daily journey and is located at 2450 W. Broadway Rd., #117 in Mesa.
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Microloans for small business: learn about what's available
When small business owners face a variety of obstacles and needs, one of the most persistent challenges is financing, as Meredith Wood writes on AllBusiness.com. One of the biggest reasons small businesses fail is their inability to manage cash flow issues. Even successful businesses with significant revenue can encounter a fatal cash crunch at the wrong time. In response, business owners may turn to loans and other financing products. One such product is the microloan, which typically involves loans of $50,000 or less. These loans are usually structured as traditional term loans, repaid in regular installments plus interest. Microloans are often reserved for newer businesses, startups, and companies led by underserved populations, such as women, veterans, and minorities. For more information, read Microloans for Small Business: Learn What's Available and Whether to Apply.
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8 Important questions to ask before taking out a business loan
Whether a business has been serving customers for decades or is just starting out, owners may need to take out a loan to help grow their operations. Taking out a business loan is a detailed process that requires careful consideration. Sometimes businesses need additional financial support to achieve growth and success. Choosing to take out a business loan can be a challenging decision, especially if the business already has other debts to manage. Before applying for a loan, business owners should consider 8 Important Questions Before Taking Out a Business Loan as shared by author Mike Kappel on AllBusiness.com.
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Is your website/app accessible? Understanding the ADA and private company responsibilities
Just as the public sector has a duty to make their services accessible to all groups, private sector businesses need to ensure that their digital products, such as websites, kiosks, and mobile and web applications, are equally accessible to people with disabilities, learn more here. Join The Brand Girls for an immersive, hands-on workshop that fosters inclusive, accessible, and universally designed solutions. Whether you're a designer, developer, entrepreneur, or student, this event provides practical tools and techniques to enhance accessibility across print, digital, and development. The workshop is facilitated by an expert team of "universal design bakers" who will guide attendees through the process including, Amy Robinson, Executive Baker and Digital Decorator – Accessibility in digital interfaces, Taylor Hammes, Confectionery Coach and Print Pastry Pro – Crafting inclusive print designs, and Christina Carrasquilla, Chief Dough Developer – Foundations of accessible coding.
Valued at $200, Mesa Business Builder participants receive a 100% scholarship to attend. Email Kelley Keffer, Kelley.keffer@mesaaz.gov to get the discount code.
What Participants Will Gain:
- Professional Development: Upon completion, receive The Brand Girls' Bakery Certification and Digital Badge.
- Key Insights: Learn the core principles of inclusivity and universal design.
- Practical Skills: Implement updates to improve accessibility in your projects.
- Resource Toolkit: Take-home templates, checklists, and guides to continue your accessibility journey.
Workshop Highlights
- Step One: Prepping the Print Palette
- Step Two: Decorating Digital Designs
- Step Three: Perfecting the Development Dough
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Introducing GrowthHUUB platform launch - empowering Arizona’s small businesses
Growth Partners Arizona and HUUB are launching GrowthHUUB, a new statewide platform designed to support small businesses across Arizona. This FREE, innovative resource aims to help entrepreneurs achieve capital readiness and access essential funding opportunities. The official launch event will take place on Monday, February 24, from 10 - 11 a.m.
GrowthHUUB combines the expertise of Growth Partners Arizona with HUUB’s advanced technology to provide comprehensive support for small business owners. It serves as a centralized hub for financial planning tools, personalized coaching, training programs, and connections to local funding resources.
Attendees will learn how GrowthHUUB is transforming Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by addressing barriers to capital and financial education. Key platform features include:
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Capital Readiness Support: Step-by-step guidance to prepare businesses for funding.
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Access to Funding Resources: Connections to local lenders, grants, and financial tools.
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Personalized Coaching: One-on-one expert support tailored to specific business needs.
Who should attend? GrowthHUUB is designed for startups seeking funding, established businesses looking to grow, and entrepreneurs navigating today’s economic challenges.
More than just a platform, GrowthHUUB is a movement to empower small businesses across Arizona. Attendees will gain insights on securing funding, developing sustainable strategies, and achieving long-term success.
Reserve a spot today and be part of the launch that is redefining Arizona’s entrepreneurial future.
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TAX ALERT! The Dirty Dozen represents the worst of the worst tax scams.
Compiled annually, the Dirty Dozen lists a variety of common scams that taxpayers may encounter anytime, but many of these schemes peak during filing season as people prepare their returns or hire someone to help with their taxes. Don’t fall prey! Visit IRS.GOV to read about the Dirty Dozen.
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Unlock your business potential with the Tech Roadmap to Success Series
The Tech Roadmap to Success Series will be held at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios. This program is all about helping small business owners discover how technology can work for them. Whether one wants to build a stronger online presence, streamline operations, or just get more comfortable with tech tools, this series has something for everyone.
Join the bi-weekly open sessions with Malak Janus, starting this Tuesday, February 4, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. All other sessions will run from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. through April 29. Drop in to ask questions and get personalized advice tailored to your business needs. These sessions are designed to make technology approachable and show how it can help your business grow!
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Arizona Green Business Certification: Profiting from Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Businesses looking for actionable strategies to lower costs while increasing profits, reducing environmental impact, and boosting brand recognition are invited to attend the upcoming business transformation workshop hosted by the City of Mesa in partnership with Local First Arizona. The event will take place on Thursday, March 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, 59 E. 1st St., Floor 2.
Why attend?
- Learn how reducing waste can lead to greater savings.
- Explore incentives and funding options for upgrades.
- Strengthen customer loyalty by becoming an environmentally conscious business.
- Receive a personalized sustainability plan and actionable improvement ideas.
Attendees will also enjoy refreshments and have the chance to win raffle prizes designed to help businesses save money. Whether just beginning the journey toward sustainability or looking to enhance existing efforts, this workshop provides valuable insights and resources.
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Good Food Boot Camp
Tuesday, February 4 | 8 - 10 a.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Classes start February 4 and run through March 11.
The Good Food Boot Camp, led by Local First Arizona’s Director of Food Programs, Chef Gabe, is a six-week course designed to help scale a local food business from ideation to marketplace. Participants gain the tools necessary to succeed in their start-up food business through discussions with industry experts, government officials, and partner organizations.
Small Business Series Presented by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) – Mesa Business Builder
Wednesday, February 5 | 5 - 7 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Public Library - Main | First St. | Mesa
Register
Join Kelley Keffer, Project Manager, Office of Economic Development City of Mesa to learn about the City's Mesa Builder Program and services. This session will share free resources available to Mesa's small businesses. Learn how to get professional advising, access to online training and education, college classes, and more.
Chaos Kitchen: Cook Up a Scalable Business Recipe
Thursday, February 6 | 12 - 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Ready to ditch the chaos and scale your business? Join this exclusive Local First virtual workshop to learn how to streamline your business and scale with ease!
Cottage Food Workshop
Thursday, February 6 | 6 - 8 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Local First Arizona Community Kitchen - Eastlake
1153 East Jefferson Street | Phoenix | 85034
Register
Join Local First Arizona and The Food Forest Cooperative to learn about Arizona’s new cottage food law that made major changes for food businesses that operate out of the home. If you want to make sure your business still complies with the new law, or if you are looking to start a cottage food business, this workshop is for you. Attend this FREE workshop and leave with everything you need to know to register your cottage food business with the Arizona Department of Health Services. Limited to 30 spots. Sign up today!
How To Avoid the Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business
Tuesday, February 11 | 9 -10 a.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Legal issues are often overlooked by businesses until problems arise. Failing to plan ahead can lead to costly mistakes, hinder growth, and even jeopardize the survival of your company. Get practical strategies to address critical legal challenges proactively. Gain insights to avoid these common pitfalls and build a strong legal foundation for long-term success. Key topics include:
- Safeguarding your corporate shield and personal assets.
- Effectively managing key employee issues.
- Raising capital while staying compliant with the law.
- Protecting your valuable intellectual property.
- Reducing the risk of litigation and more.
Taxes Made Simple: Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Preparing for a Profitable Future
Thursday, February 13 | 9 – 10 a.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Taxes don’t have to be intimidating! In this practical and approachable session, financial expert Aldo Aprile will break down the essentials of tax preparation, helping you understand write-offs, tackle sales and state taxes, and prepare your business for a profitable future. Learn:
- How to identify and avoid common tax pitfalls.
- Clarifying what qualifies as a write-off to maximize your deductions.
- Key insights on sales tax, state tax, and staying compliant.
- Steps to take before tax season to stay ahead and reduce stress.
- Planning strategies for businesses that owe money and want to minimize future liabilities.
Storytelling to Drive Success with Ita Udo-Ema
Tuesday, February 18 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | In-person
ASU E +I @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | Mesa
Register
Ita Udo-Ema, producer and owner of A View from above Entertainment LLC, and a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 15 years in digital media, excels in storytelling to drive success. As a Video Strategist, Media Consultant, and YouTube Expert, he transforms complex ideas into engaging narratives that inspire action, attract funding, and captivate audiences. Join this lunch and learn session to see how you can up your game in telling your story to gain and connect with customers.
AI-Powered Lead Generation
Monday, February 24 | 4 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | Mesa, AZ 85201
Register
Leverage AI to transform the lead generation process, this session is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals looking to enhance their strategies. It will provide actionable insights into automating lead scoring and targeting using AI.
Marketing: Building Trust and Authenticity in an AI-Focused Approach
Tuesday, February 25 | 9 - 10 a.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping the marketing landscape, maintaining trust and authenticity is more critical than ever for small businesses. Explore how to effectively leverage AI tools for research, strategy, and insights while preserving the creativity and human connection that distinguishes your brand. Key topics include: how small businesses can use AI to streamline processes without losing their personal touch; common pitfalls of AI in marketing and how to avoid them; a unique comparison of human-led versus AI-generated approaches to content and strategy; and practical tips for balancing technological innovation with genuine customer engagement.
Podcast Studio Training
Monday, March 3 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | Mesa, AZ 85201
Register
Would you like to use the podcast studio at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios? Attend our free Podcast Studio training, presented by Steven Burkhart, to learn how to use the equipment. Training is mandatory before booking the podcast studio.
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