Early enrollment starts March 3! Community college summer classes through Mesa Business Builder Educates U
Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program participants are eligible to take community college classes in 14 certificate programs at Mesa Community College. For current students, priority enrollment opens on March 3 for summer classes. For new students, enrollment begins on March 17. Those interested in learning more about the program can email mesabusinessbuilder@mesaaz.gov.
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Introducing GrowthHUUB – empowering Arizona’s small businesses
Growth Partners Arizona, in collaboration with HUUB, proudly launches GrowthHUUB, a new platform to support small businesses across Arizona. This FREE resource aims to help entrepreneurs achieve capital readiness and access vital funding opportunities. It serves as a centralized hub for financial planning tools, personalized coaching, training programs, and connections to local funding resources.
GrowthHUUB is transforming Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by tackling barriers to capital and financial education. Gain insights to:
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Capital Readiness Support: Step-by-step guidance to prepare your business for funding.
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Access to Funding Resources: Connections to local lenders, grants, and other financial tools.
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Personalized Coaching: Expert, one-on-one support tailored to individual business needs.
Whether a startup seeking funding, an established business pursuing growth, or an entrepreneur navigating economic challenges, GrowthHUUB provides the resources and strategies needed for success. The platform focuses on helping businesses secure funding, develop sustainable strategies, and achieve their goals.
Register for the FREE Launch Event, Monday, March 10, 10 – 11 a.m.
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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Mesa’s small business trailblazers
This Women’s History Month, we recognize the remarkable women entrepreneurs who have shaped Mesa’s small business landscape since the city’s founding in 1878. Women-owned businesses have long contributed to Mesa’s growth and diversity, laying the foundation for future generations.
With over 85 women participating in the Mesa Business Builder Program this fiscal year, their dedication and innovation continue to drive economic growth and strengthen our community.
Save the date for April 29 as we welcome Meagan Johnson, a generational expert, to explore how to bridge workforce gaps and lead multigenerational teams to success. More details to come.
Let’s celebrate the history of women in business and support their future.
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How the 2025 tariffs are affecting small businesses (And how to adapt)
The 2025 tariffs are here, and their impact on small business owners is undeniable. For many, the increased cost of imported goods and materials has led to tough decisions affecting budgets, supply chains, and pricing strategies. However, these challenges also present opportunities. The How the Tariffs are Affecting Small Businesses blog post by Robert Whited on ARF Financial.com breaks down how the 2025 tariffs may be influencing small business operations and explores practical strategies to mitigate risks and maintain a competitive edge. By the end, readers will have a clear understanding of the landscape and how to respond effectively.
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Sales is storytelling: Here are 5 keys to mastering it
In this expert opinion piece by Howard Tullman for Inc.com, he shares his thoughts on the essential need for businesses to tell compelling stories to boost sales. He emphasizes that stories are the way people sell themselves, their products and services, and build connections with others. According to Tullman, no one ever makes an informed purchase decision based solely on numbers—they need a story, an authentic one. Without honesty and authenticity, the entire process falls apart. The article Sales is Storytelling provides further insights into the power of storytelling in business.
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Coming soon, the Mesa Business Builder Podcast, “Know Before You Grow” series
Mesa Business Builder is teaming up with experts to bring podcasts on popular business topics to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Beginning in March, the podcast will feature regular sessions with bankers, lawyers, marketing experts, human resource professionals, technology experts, and more. The Mesa Business Builder Podcast will be available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Podbean, and Spotify.
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Asian Festival 2025: A celebration of culture, community, and cuisine
Join us for the highly anticipated Asian Festival 2025, happening on March 29 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and March 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave. This FREE event will celebrate the rich diversity and vibrant traditions of Asian cultures. Attendees can enjoy a variety of performances, authentic food from local Asian eateries, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities. Experience traditional dance, music, art, and more as we honor the contributions of Asian communities in Mesa and beyond. Whether discovering new flavors or enjoying lively cultural performances, the Asian Festival promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss out on this FREE celebration of culture and community!
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Level up your skills: March workshops at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios is offering a dynamic mix of tech-forward workshops this March. From AI sales forecasting to podcast video production, each session is led by industry experts. Whether it’s exploring new technology or refining business strategies, there’s a workshop for every entrepreneur.
View the full calendar and register at MBBTheStudios.com.
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Arizona Green Business Certification: Step 1 – Go Green. Step 2 – Profit!
Thursday, March 6 | 5 - 7 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 2nd Floor
59 E First St. | Mesa, AZ 85201
Register
Local First Arizona presents a workshop on strategies to reduce costs, increase profits, and minimize environmental impact, all while enhancing brand recognition. Participants will learn how to develop a sustainability plan, cut waste, build customer loyalty, and access funding for upgrades.
Identifying Target Market - Everyone is Not a Target Audience!
Tuesday, March 11 | 9 - 10 a.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Knowing and understanding marketing is crucial. Developing a clear understanding of a business’ target market is essential for effective marketing strategies and communication. Businesses need to know who and where their customers are, how to communicate with them, and how to choose the most effective marketing channels. During this webinar, participants will gain the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and analyze their target audience.
Pitch In
Wednesday, March 12| 9 - 10 a.m. | FREE | Hybrid
Register
Join us virtually or in-person for this event powered by the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at ASU! Pitch In consists of two presenters, who each share their stories for 6 minutes. Then the community has 20 minutes to ask questions to provide each entrepreneur with the best resources to address the entrepreneur’s needs. The first question is always, “What can the Pitch In community do for you?” which reflects the supportive and collaborative nature of the Pitch In community. All events are hybrid, so you can join either virtually or in-person.
Branscombe & Associates – Capital Readiness Connection
Wednesday, March 19 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Robert Branscomb and his team are officially part of the AZHCC’s Capital Readiness team, and they provide insurance and bonding education with certifications in more than 28 states to issue quotes and policies for those needing all insurances and bonding. They also specialize in quotes for those in construction (including bonding; payment bond, performance bonds, surety, and bid bonds), information technology, professional development service providers, and numerous others. The team has bilingual staff (English and Spanish) on board if needed.
Counxel Business Lunch Connection: Top 5 Cyber Security Tips to Protect You Business Online
Thursday, March 20 | 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 2nd Floor
59 E First St. | Mesa, AZ 85201
Register
Attendees can network, learn, and enjoy lunch at this monthly lunch connection, featuring the Top 5 Cyber Security Tips to Protect Your Business Online. Experts will share strategies to stay ahead of cyber criminals and safeguard important data. The event also includes a free legal Q&A session with a Counxel attorney, providing an opportunity to ask legal questions and ensure business protection. For more information, contact outreach@counxel.com.
Arizona Good Business Summit
Wednesday, April 2 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | $75 - $135 | In-person
Arizona Broadway Theatre
7701 West Paradise Lane | Peoria, AZ 85382
Register
More than 300 Arizona business leaders and entrepreneurs will gather for the Arizona Good Business Summit, presented by Local First Arizona, to learn, connect, and be inspired to build stronger companies and communities. The theme of the 2025 Arizona Good Business Summit is “Building Local Power,” as a reminder to locally-owned businesses that their presence, leadership, and influence are the building blocks of our communities. Participants can expect to learn inspiring and practical tools for collaborating as locally-owned businesses. Featuring 2025 Keynote speaker, Jon Przybyl - CEO, Proof Bread, along with other inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and thought-provoking presentations, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that harnesses the collective power of our state’s locally-owned businesses to fuel a thriving, inclusive, and lasting Arizona economy.
This summit is an opportunity to meet like-minded business influencers, move ideas into action, and craft new perspectives to work with others. Topics for the Summit include:
- Building Power Through the Local Business Movement
- Deliver the Difference: Set Yourself Apart and Embrace the Community
- Manifesting a Sustainable Future Through Doing Good Business
- Embracing the Journey: Stories and Struggles from Arizona Businesses
- Rooting Community in Business Development
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