Apply to compete in the Mesa Pitch!
The Mesa Pitch, Mesa's premiere small business pitch competition, returns on Thursday, November 6, 2025. Local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to present their businesses for a chance to win a cash prize. The Mesa Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Counxel Legal Firm, the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development, and other partners, is seeking Mesa-based small businesses interested in competing at this year’s event.
The application process begins with a video submission answering four key questions:
- What is your name and the name of your business?
- What is your business idea (in 90 seconds or less)?
- What makes your business unique, new, and/or exciting?
- Why should you be selected for the Mesa Pitch?
Finalists will be asked to provide additional business information. Those selected will receive pitch coaching and presentation support to help them prepare for the live competition on November 6. Businesses must be based in Mesa to be eligible. For more information, contact Bob Nelson, Communications Director at the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, at bnelson@mesachamber.org.
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Arizona Microbusiness Loan Program to facilitate economic development and job creation
Governor Katie Hobbs, in partnership with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), launched the Arizona Microbusiness Loan Program to foster economic development and job creation in communities throughout Arizona. Established by the Arizona Legislature, the program provides $5,000,000 in loan funding to Arizona-based microbusinesses (defined as businesses with five or fewer employees). Each qualifying borrower may receive up to $50,000 in loans by applying through a designated small business lending partner.
The program is administered by six experienced lending organizations: Growth Partners Arizona, Community Investment Corporation (CIC), Groundswell Capital, Native Community Capital, Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization (VVREO), and Border Financial Resources. These organizations will facilitate loans to qualifying microbusinesses across the state, including in rural and Tribal communities. Each lending partner will also coordinate access to the required financial education and training designed to maximize the program’s impact on local economies.
To learn more about the program visit: The Arizona Microbusiness Loan Program | Office of Economic Opportunity
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Scale Roadshow comes to Mesa — empowering East Valley entrepreneurs
The City of Mesa is proud to sponsor the East Valley stop of the Arizona Small Business Association’s (ASBA) SCALE Roadshow, taking place at the Mesa Convention Center on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. This free, full-day event runs from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. and is designed to support the growth and resilience of small businesses throughout the East Valley through expert-led panels, hands-on breakout sessions, and meaningful networking opportunities.
Hosted in the heart of Downtown Mesa, the SCALE Roadshow will spotlight key topics such as business safety, hiring practices, and accessing capital — all tailored to the unique needs of local entrepreneurs. Attendees will hear from industry leaders and gain actionable insights to help their businesses scale with confidence.
Small businesses from across Mesa and neighboring communities are invited to attend. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in one of Arizona’s most vibrant hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship. Register here to secure your spot.
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Small business owners just reported a better-than-expected first half of 2025
In a recent article by Bruce Crumley on Inc.com, new survey data indicates that entrepreneurs outperformed their own projections for early 2025—even prior to the rollout of new Trump-era tariffs—and remain optimistic about the upcoming quarter.
Throughout most of 2025, leading business executives raised concerns about the potential negative impact of sweeping import tariffs and other controversial federal policies on the economy and their organizations. Many small business owners echoed those concerns. However, recent surveys show a surprising number of entrepreneurs not only expressing confidence in the near future, but doing so based on stronger-than-expected sales performance during the first half of the year. Read the full article here.
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Stay connected with MBB @ The Studios
Want to be the first to hear about upcoming workshops, new programs, and exclusive opportunities at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios? It’s easy. Just text MBBStudios to 833-962-4672 to receive updates. Stay in the loop and never miss a moment to grow your business.
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Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program Orientation
Wednesday, August 6 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Mesa Business Builder Project Manager, Kelley Keffer, will provide an overview of the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program, Mesa Business Builder Educates U, and the many tools and resources available to Mesa’s small businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other business owners, have their questions answered, and learn how to maximize the program’s benefits to support business growth. Businesses wishing to apply for 1:1 training are required to attend one of the small business assistance program orientations.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, August 12 | 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, and early registration is recommended.
Start Your Successful Small Business
Wednesday, August 13 | 5 – 7 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Aspiring entrepreneurs and new small business owners are invited to attend an engaging and informative session focused on turning business ideas into reality.The session is designed to help participants navigate today’s dynamic economic landscape with clarity and confidence. Topics will include business planning, marketing strategies, and financial readiness. Attendees will also have the opportunity to access free, one-on-one, confidential business counseling provided by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
Experienced SBDC counselors are committed to supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey—from idea to launch and beyond. Whether participants are just starting out or seeking to refine their strategies, this session offers a valuable first step toward building a successful small business.
Exploring Virtual Reality
Thursday, August 14 | 6 – 7 p.m. | FREE | In-person
THINKspot at Main | 64 E. First St.
Register
Participants can explore the world of VR through various apps, games, and short films designed to engage users in multiple ways. This month’s featured experience is Mystery Box VR: Escape the Room.
This program was made possible by Mesa West Rotary District 5495.
5 Steps to Building an 8-Figure Business... I Did It and So Can You
Tuesday, August 19 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | In-person
CO+HOOTS Coworking | 225 E. Main St. | Mesa
Register
Serial entrepreneur and founder Diane Prince shares the exact five-step framework she used to grow her staffing agency from a $35,000 startup to an 8-figure enterprise that sold for $28 million. Attendees will learn how to choose a niche backed by market logic, build a team capable of operating independently, and maintain focus during challenging growth phases. Missing this talk could mean missing the key shift that unlocks freedom, income, and clarity for business owners.
Reach More Customers Online with Google
Wednesday, August 20 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
This workshop explains how Google Search works and how businesses can improve their website visibility using Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The session also introduces tools such as Google Business Profile, Google Trends, Search Console, Google Ads, and more.
Participants will learn best practices for:
- Improving website visibility in Google’s organic search results across all devices
- Creating a free Google Business Profile
- Advertising businesses on Google
Privacy Laws & My Business: Understanding Your Obligations and Risks
Wednesday, August 20 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
In today’s digital age, privacy laws are rapidly evolving and can impact businesses even if they are not directly aware of these changes. The webinar Privacy Laws & My Business, explores how local, national, and international privacy regulations can affect business operations, customer interactions, and data handling practices.
Attendees will gain insights into:
- Common privacy laws that may apply to businesses (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)
- How jurisdictional reach can expose businesses to laws beyond their home state or country
- Practical steps to reduce risk and maintain compliance
- Best practices for data collection, storage, and customer communication
Whether for solo entrepreneurs or growing teams, this session helps participants navigate the complex privacy landscape and avoid costly compliance mistakes.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, August 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, and early registration is recommended.
Funding your Business - Navigating Funding Readiness for Arizona Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, August 27 | 3 – 4:30 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Small Business needs and resources, Lending Process, and Capital Readiness.
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