Hispanic Heritage Month – celebrating Mesa’s Latino-owned businesses
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mesa Business Builder is proud to spotlight Hispanic-owned businesses making an impact in our community. Mesa small business, Sophisticated Marketing Solutions (SMS), owned by William Campos, is a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) thrive in the competitive digital landscape. Campos says, “We pride ourselves on being an extension of our client's team, providing the expertise they need to succeed.” The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including paid search advertising (PPC) and search engine optimization (SEO), to connect businesses with ready-to-engage customers. Additionally, SMS provides professional web development and social media management to ensure a business’s online presence is powerful and cohesive. The company’s goal is to drive measurable results that fit within our client's budget and help their businesses grow.
Campos shared, “Our own growth has been significantly supported by our participation in the Mesa Business Builder program. This program has been instrumental in our success, providing us with essential resources and connections to a network of experts in areas outside of our core expertise. The program has also allowed us to build meaningful relationships with other local businesses, fostering a strong sense of community and opening doors to new collaborations within the Mesa area."
For additional information or to register for the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program, individuals may visit MesaBusinessBuilder.com.
.
Mesa Chamber of Commerce to host 24-hour business plan challenge
The Mesa Chamber of Commerce will host a 24-hour Business Plan Challenge beginning on Friday, Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. at the Chamber offices. Competitors will spend 24 hours developing a business plan for a new or existing business, with the competition culminating on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. A panel of business and education professionals will judge the plans and select a winner to receive a cash prize. Meals, snacks, and beverages will be provided throughout the event.
The challenge is open to individuals with a business idea or small business who are interested in creating a formal plan. Those wishing to participate as competitors may contact Alan Beveridge at Mesa Community College. Business professionals who would like to serve as mentors, as well as companies interested in sponsorship opportunities, may reach out to Bob Nelson, Director of Communications at the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.
The Mesa Chamber Inside Business Podcast will broadcast live throughout the event via the Chamber’s YouTube channel, featuring interviews with sponsors and participants and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit. The livestream can be viewed here.
.
Holiday ready, all year long: a new imperative for small businesses
Michelle Gill, EVP and General Manager of Small Business and Financial Services at PayPal, writes for Forbes.com that for decades, the holiday season for retailers was a concentrated, frenetic period beginning on Black Friday and running through Dec. 24. Over time, this shopping window began creeping into Halloween, and today, a new pattern has emerged: the holiday season is effectively year-round. To stay competitive, small-business owners must prepare earlier, move faster, and adapt to fluctuating demand across multiple high-volume periods, which is easier said than done.
Digital tools and AI-driven platforms are making it possible for small businesses to navigate these demands more efficiently—and even turn them into growth moments. From smarter inventory planning to dynamic customer engagement, the tools to thrive in today’s always-on shopping landscape are increasingly within reach. This article highlights three effective ways SMBs can win the modern shopping calendar: 1) Plan early, flex often. 2) promote across every channel. and 3) turn loyalty into a year-round advantage. Read all the details.
.
The dangers of merchant cash advances (MCAs): 4-part series
Merchant cash advances, or MCAs, are loans that business owners often turn to during a financial crisis. These advances are similar to a business version of a paycheck advance, typically carrying high interest rates and repayment terms that may not align with the best interests of the business.
This 4-part series by Mobilization Funding explains how MCAs work, including typical loan structures and how fees and costs are applied. To qualify for an MCA, business owners generally submit an application that includes personal credit information, social security number, business name, business address, and other basic details, along with four months of bank statements. Lenders use these statements to evaluate the company’s average monthly deposits, which helps determine the advance amount offered.
For example, if a business has average monthly deposits of $200,000, the MCA lender will build a repayment schedule for that amount, typically ranging from six to twelve months. The lender also calculates a “Factor Rate,” which represents the total cost of the loan. For instance, if an MCA lender provides a business with $100,000 at a factor rate of 40, the company would repay $140,000 over the term of the loan. Depending on the repayment period, the effective annual interest rate can vary significantly.
This series provides a detailed breakdown of MCAs, helping business owners understand the financial implications before considering this type of funding. Access the full series here.
 |
.
Media Marketing Series: Build Your Video Brand
Mesa small business owners can take their video content to the next level with the Media Marketing Series at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios. This flexible, hands-on program is hosted by Ita Udo-Ema, Founder of View from Above. The series is designed to guide businesses in clarifying their message, building consistent and effective content strategies, and leveraging video to expand audience engagement and drive revenue growth. Through practical instruction and real-world applications, participants gain the skills and confidence needed to strengthen their brand presence and support long-term success.
Participants may attend single workshops or follow a multi-session learning path tailored to their stage of growth. Each session is highly interactive, limited to 12 participants, and structured to provide personalized support in a collaborative setting. Reserve your spot today.
Want to be the first to hear about upcoming workshops, new programs, and exclusive opportunities at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios? Text MBBStudios to 833-962-4672 to receive updates and stay connected.
.
Video Production Training – The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 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, tool usage, 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.
Arizona Small Business Association’s (ASBA) SCALE Roadshow
Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Convention Center | 263 N. Center St., Building A, Downtown Mesa
Register
Learn 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. Proudly sponsored by the City of Mesa.
Make Better Business Decisions with Google Analytics
Wednesday, Sept. 17 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Participants will learn best practices and explore trends in how customers engage with businesses online. They will turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions.
The program covers:
- An introduction to Google Analytics
- Creating and interpreting reports
- Setting and tracking goals
- Using Analytics in conjunction with other Google tools
What are my Funding Options? Alternatives for Financing an Early-Stage Venture
Wednesday, Sept. 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 can be one of the most challenging parts of launching a venture. With so many paths to explore—and countless organizations, individuals, and resources—it can be hard to know where to begin. Which funding option fits your goals? How do you even get started? Get a clear, insightful overview of the different funding avenues available to help grow a venture. Hear about various funding options to expand (or start) a business. This program shares a high-level overview of the funding landscape while focusing on the pros and cons of each topic including self-funding, grants, friends and family, debt, crowdfunding, incubators/accelerators, competitions, SBIR/STTR, angel investors, strategic investors, venture capital (VC), and corporate ventures.
Holiday Marketing
Thursday, Sept. 18 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE for HUUB members, $2.95 | Virtual
Register
This exciting and informative virtual event will unwrap the secrets to successful holiday marketing.
Good Business Resource Fair
Monday, Sept. 22 | 3 – 7 p.m. | $23.18 p/pp | In-person
Glendale Civic Center | 6750 W. Glenn Dr. | Glendale, AZ, 85303
Tickets
The Good Business Resource Fair is where Arizona’s small business owners come to connect, learn, and grow. This bilingual event expands access to tools, expertise, and community for both English- and Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs across the state. From hands-on workshops to expert panels and an engaging vendor expo, attendees gain practical, real-world support for Arizona-based businesses in early stages of growth. Participants connect with local professionals in legal, finance, marketing, branding, licensing, and more. The fair is a high-impact event designed to strengthen the entrepreneurs who power Arizona’s local economy.
Video Production Training – The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 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, tool usage, 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.
Mesa Business Community Activation
Wednesday, Sept. 24 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. | FREE | In-person
Empower Coffee Roasters | 1337 S. Gilbert Rd. | Mesa, AZ, 85204
Register
Local First Arizona emphasizes the power of people and the impact of community-driven leadership. The Local First Business Activation Series provides local business owners with approachable opportunities to drive meaningful, community-focused change. This statewide movement brings together community-minded entrepreneurs committed to building a stronger, more resilient Arizona.
|
