Mark Your Calendars: Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program Reopens July 8
The highly popular Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program (MBB SBAP) wrapped up another successful year, supporting 151 Mesa businesses with FREE professional advising and consulting services. Participating businesses received assistance with marketing, branding, website development, legal contracts, videography, tax advice, business strategy, finance, and more. In addition, businesses in the MBB SBAP are eligible for paid tuition and course fees in 14 certificate programs at Mesa Community College, for up to two people per business, up to two classes per term, through Mesa Business Builder Educates U.
The program reopens on July 8 for the 2025–2026 program year. Businesses interested in elevating their operations are encouraged to prepare early, as spots fill up quickly. Full program details and eligibility requirements are available at MesaBusinessBuilder.com.
To apply to the program your business must meet the following requirements:
- Have a valid City of Mesa address (this includes home-based businesses)
- Be a for-profit entity
- Have a valid Mesa General Business License (or other qualifying Mesa license such as a Mobile Food Vendor) to apply for a license ($10) visit: Mesa General Business License - City of Mesa.
- Register your business on the Mesa HUUB to get immediate access to a wealth of FREE assistance on this online, 24/7 digital platform.
- On July 8, login to your Mesa HUUB account and click on the link to “Apply for 1-on-1 Support.”
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Know your resources: Mesa Public Library
The Mesa Public Library offers a wide range of online resources accessible with a Mesa Public Library card. Newspapers such as the Arizona Republic, New York Times, and Wall Street Journal can be read from home without an individual subscription. Additionally, a variety of magazines and journals are available free through Press Reader, including The Economist, Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and more.
Library cards can be obtained in person during regular business hours at any Mesa Public Library location, they can be obtained in person during regular business hours. For those seeking instant access to downloadable content and research databases, an eCard can be requested online. (English, Español).
- eCards give you access to online resources only. A full-access card is required to check out physical items.
- Individuals who already have a Mesa Public Library card do not need an eCard, as they already have access to all online services.
- Expired cards may be renewed online. Renew your card.
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This is the hard question I ask every founder — and why most can’t answer it
Understanding a startup’s financial runway is critical — yet many founders struggle with this simple but telling question: “How many months of runway do you have left?”
In this Entrepreneur.com article, Fractional CFO Kishore Dasaka dives into why this question matters and how knowing your numbers can be the difference between scaling and stalling. Read the full article here.
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Build your website with purpose: A hands-on planning workshop
Launching a website doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—especially when starting with a solid plan. Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios is hosting an in-person, “Website Planning Workshop: From Idea to Launch,” on Wednesday, June 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. This FREE, hands-on session is ideal for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives ready to turn their digital ideas into action.
Participants will learn how to map out a website using user-friendly, point-and-click platforms. The session covers key topics such as content organization, call-to-action prioritization, branding implementation, and performance tracking. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop to apply the concepts in real time and begin developing their own site during the workshop.
The workshop will be held at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, located at 59 E. First Street on the second floor. Registration is required and space is limited.
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Instagram Marketing for Your Business: Strategies for Promoting and Growing Your Brand
Thursday, June 5 | 10 – 11 a.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
This webinar will teach participants how to effectively use Instagram to market and grow their business. A social media expert will cover the platform’s four key content formats—Feed posts, Stories, Reels, and Instagram Live—and explain how each can be used strategically to reach target audiences. The session will also highlight profile optimization, brand alignment, and techniques for turning followers into qualified leads.
Intro to the 3D Printer
Monday, June 9 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | FREE | In-person | Adults
THINKspot at Dobson Ranch | 2425 S. Dobson Rd.
Register
Explore THINKspot's creative options and learn how to start using the 3D printer with downloaded designs. Participants must be comfortable using a mouse and a keyboard.
Video Production Training- The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, June 10 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Businesses already using the Podcast Studio at Mesa Business Builder can elevate their content with the Beginner’s Video Production Training. This hands-on, interactive session covers available video tools, how to use them, and strategies for leveraging media in business.
Presented by Ita Udo-Ema, Founder of View from Above Entertainment, the session includes:
- An overview of on-site video production equipment
- Hands-on training for setup, recording, and sound
- A Q&A on using video to complement a podcast or grow a brand
- Spots are limited—reserve a spot today
3D Product Demonstrations
Monday, June 16 | 4 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Enhance product engagement and increase conversion rates by integrating interactive 3D demonstrations into marketing and sales strategies. This hands-on workshop provides a deep dive into virtual product showcasing, illustrating how businesses can use VR technology to simulate real-world product interactions. Attendees will explore techniques for building engaging, customer-centric 3D presentations that drive trust and purchasing confidence. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop for enhanced interactivity.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover cutting-edge tools for creating interactive VR product displays
- Learn strategies to boost customer trust through immersive visualization
- Understand how to integrate VR product demos into e-commerce and retail
What are my Funding Options? Alternatives for financing an early-stage venture
Tuesday, June 17 | 5 – 7 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Securing funding as an early-stage company is one of the most challenging aspects of launching a new venture. With numerous paths to explore—and a wide range of organizations, individuals, and resources available—it can be difficult to know where to begin. This webinar offers a clear and informative overview of various funding options to help early-stage businesses identify the best fit for their goals and take the first steps toward growth.
Explore VR – Free Play
Thursday, June 19 | 6 – 7 p.m. | FREE | In-Person | Adults
THINKspot at Main | 64 E. First St. | Downtown Mesa
Register
Participants can explore the world of VR through a variety of apps, games, and short films designed to engage users in different ways. This month features a “free play” session, allowing attendees to browse and experience the apps available on the provided headsets. This program was made possible by Mesa West Rotary District 5495.
- Registration is required for this event.
- Registration will open on May 29, 2025, at 9 a.m.
- This event is for individuals age 18 and older.
What NOT to Do in Building Your Business
Thursday, June 26 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
An online presentation designed to help entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes that can stall growth. This online session focuses on real-world missteps—from poor planning to hiring errors—and offers practical tips to build a stronger foundation. Attendees will leave with a clear blueprint to sidestep pitfalls and make smarter decisions from the start.
Video Production Training- The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Thursday, June 26 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Businesses already using the Podcast Studio at Mesa Business Builder can elevate their content with the Beginner’s Video Production Training. This hands-on, interactive session covers available video tools, how to use them, and strategies for leveraging media in business.
Presented by Ita Udo-Ema, Founder of View from Above Entertainment, the session includes:
- An overview of on-site video production equipment
- Hands-on training for setup, recording, and sound
- A Q&A on using video to complement a podcast or grow a brand
- Spots are limited—reserve a spot today
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