Celebrate the holidays in Downtown Mesa during Merry Main Street
Downtown Mesa will shine bright this season with the award-winning Merry Main Street six-week-long holiday festivities. Events begin on Friday, Nov. 28, with the tree lighting at 5 p.m. The celebration features a variety of family-friendly activities, including the Holiday Sunset Market where visitors can support local businesses, dine at downtown restaurants, or enjoy the dazzling Mesa Temple Lights Display, one of the largest in the Southwest.
Guests can also take to the ice at the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink. On Fridays and Saturdays in December, explore the Jack Frost Food Truck Forest at Pioneer Park. The Light Rail Free Ride Zone is available from Gilbert Rd. to Country Club from 5 – 10 p.m. during these weekends.
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Special Marketing opportunity for Mesa businesses opens November 29 — Small Business Saturday
Imagine never running out of people to talk to about your business and turning those conversations into customers and referrals.
This Small Business Saturday, the City of Mesa’s Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce are partnering with local business leader Jim Lupkin, Founder of Six Sigma Funnels, to help 100 Mesa businesses grow through authentic relationships, not ads.
Based on the principles of the globally recognized Six Sigma system, used by Amazon, the U.S. military, and top universities, this approach has helped businesses worldwide grow faster and more predictably. In one case, a company increased revenue from $12 million to $87 million in just 16 months by applying these same strategies.
Mesa has over half a million residents, and approximately 265,000 adults are active on social media. That means your next customer or referral could be just one “hello” away. Relationships are the foundation of loyalty and long-term growth. Make them your focus. Keep it personal. Keep it real. Because relationships are the true currency of business.
Apply for this valuable pilot program!
Receive two months of complimentary access to Six Sigma Funnels to boost your business marketing, a $200 value.
To qualify:
- Must be a Mesa-based business with an active Mesa Business License
- Must be a Mesa Chamber of Commerce Member
- Should have basic knowledge of social media
Mark your calendar, beginning November 29, email: MesaBusinessBuilder@mesaaz.gov
Together, we’re building a stronger Mesa one relationship at a time.
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Local First Arizona presents: Doing Business with the City of Mesa
The impact of local spending is vital to supporting the community. The City of Mesa encourages Arizona small businesses to learn about the procurement process and how to apply for available contract opportunities. Local First Arizona is offering a workshop, Doing Business with the City, on Wednesday, November 12, from 4 – 6 p.m., to teach businesses what goods and services the City buys, how to register as a vendor, current and expiring contracts, and how to respond to a solicitation.
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Enrollment NOW OPEN for Mesa Business Builder Educates U
Mesa Business Builder, in partnership with Mesa Community College (MCC), invites business owners or employees to enroll in spring classes through the Mesa Business Builder Educates U Program. Enrollment is now open, with classes starting January 17, 2026. Designed to support business growth, the program offers 13 business certificate programs in fields like accounting, marketing, Adobe animation and graphics, social media marketing, and more. Each approved business may enroll up to two students per term, with each student eligible to take two classes.
To qualify, businesses must be for-profit, have a Mesa General Business License, be located in the City, and have 25 or less full-time employees. To apply for the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program, visit the Mesa HUUB. Once approved, eligible businesses may enroll in MCC courses, with tuition and course fees paid by the program on a first-come, first-served basis. This opportunity offers Mesa-based businesses a valuable way to invest in their future.
For more details, click here.
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Tariff Impact Roundtable with AZ Attorney General
Kris Mayes
Better Business Bureau (BBB) is proud to host Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for a virtual Tariff Impact Roundtable to discuss how tariffs are affecting Arizona businesses.
This event offers Arizona business owners, industry leaders, and local officials an opportunity to engage in a fact-based, nonpartisan discussion on how federal tariffs are influencing business operations, costs, and competitiveness throughout the state. BBB’s objective is to ensure that real-world challenges are heard directly by policymakers instrumental in shaping Arizona’s economic future.
The Tariff Impact Roundtable will focus on:
- Encouraging collaborative dialogue with state leadership.
- Collecting firsthand insights on how trade policies affect pricing, operations, and employment.
- Promoting solution-oriented discussion for building economic resilience.
Monday, November 17 | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
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The Studios’ Collaborative Commons: A Space to Connect and Create
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios invites entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professional groups to discover the Collaborative Commons—a bright, open area designed for creativity and connection.
This welcoming space features comfortable seating, natural light, large magnetic whiteboards, and a work table perfect for brainstorming, planning, or networking. Whether hosting a team development day, leading a workshop, or gathering your networking group, the Collaborative Commons provides the ideal setting to collaborate and grow.
Groups can reserve the space at no cost through MBBTheStudios.com, or they can take advantage of walk-in hours Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 59 E. First St. in Downtown Mesa.
MBB @ The Studios continues its mission to support Mesa’s business community by providing spaces that inspire collaboration, innovation, and opportunity.
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Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor | Mesa
Register
To use the Podcast Studio at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, attendance at one free training session is required prior to booking.
*Seats are limited. More training will be offered monthly for those unable to attend these dates.
Important Details:
- Training is mandatory before booking the podcast studio to ensure proper use of the equipment.
- Participants unable to attend a scheduled session should notify MBB @ The Studios staff at least 48 hours in advance via email at MBBTheStudios@mesaaz.gov.
Failure to do so may affect eligibility for future training sessions.
The MBB @ The Studios team looks forward to the content created by participants. Reservations must be made in advance.
Media Marketing Series: Launch with Purpose
Thursday, Nov. 6 | 5 – 6:30 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor | Mesa
Register
Participants will draft a clear 90-day content roadmap designed for momentum and growth. The session, presented by Ita Udo-Eta of View From Above Entertainment, brings everything together in a final planning sprint. Attendees will develop a 90-day launch strategy that maps session outcomes—identity, discovery, and systems—into a focused content roadmap with actionable next steps.
Registration is currently full. Join the waitlist to reserve your spot if one opens.
Managing Business Financials
Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 12 -1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Understanding a business’s financial health is key to making confident decisions and planning for growth. This workshop breaks down the essential financial tools every entrepreneur needs to know, even without a background in accounting. Through hands-on examples and practical guidance, participants will learn how to organize, analyze, and interpret financial information to strengthen their business from the inside out.
During this session, the following topics will be covered:
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Bookkeeping Basics: Learn how to set up and maintain accurate financial records that make tracking income and expenses simple and stress-free.
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Financial Statements Made Simple: Become familiar with the three key financial statements — the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement — and understand what each reveals about the business.
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Deep Dive into the Balance Sheet: Explore how assets, liabilities, and equity work together, and how this snapshot of the business can guide smarter decision-making.
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Connecting the Dots: Understand how bookkeeping and financial reporting tie into overall business strategy, supporting profitability and long-term sustainability.
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Action Steps for Entrepreneurs: Participants will gain tools, templates, and tips to begin organizing their finances with confidence.
Whether just starting out or seeking a clearer understanding of business financials, this session provides the clarity and guidance needed to take control of financial information and make it work effectively for the business.
Work Less, Do More: Streamline, Simplify, and Scale with AI
Thursday, Nov. 13 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE for CO+HOOTS members or $2.95 | Virtual
Register
This session demonstrates how AI can help business owners organize, save time, and scale operations. Managing clients, marketing, and daily operations often creates time pressures for business owners. The session introduces simple and effective ways for AI to serve as a support tool, helping businesses stay organized, save time, and grow with confidence.
Participants will explore how accessible AI tools can assist with everyday tasks such as marketing, communication, and workflow management. The session guides using these tools effectively, even without a technical background, to enable a greater focus on strategy and growth.
Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how AI can integrate naturally into their business, along with strategies to streamline work, operate efficiently, and reclaim time for core priorities.
Three Takeaways:
- Attendees will be able to identify key areas where AI can save time, improve efficiency, and reduce operational overwhelm.
- Attendees will understand which AI tools can simplify marketing, communication, and operations without requiring technical expertise.
- Attendees will leave with practical methods to use AI for streamlining workflows, boosting productivity, and driving growth.
Tax Strategy Power Hour: Year-End Moves for 2025
Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE for CO+HOOTS members or $2.95 | Virtual
Register
In this live session, Aldo Aprile, CPA, will share real-world strategies to help business owners retain more of their earnings. The presentation will cover powerful, end-of-year tax-saving opportunities that many businesses overlook.
Three Takeaways:
- Smart ways to lower taxes before the year ends.
- What recent tax changes mean for businesses.
- Simple steps to plan ahead and increase savings in the coming year.
Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-Person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor | Mesa
Register
Podcast Studio at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios is open and ready for Mesa small businesses to use. Reservations are required and the spots are limited to 10 participants per session, so register today to secure your place! For any questions, please contact MBBTheStudios@mesaaz.gov.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Nov. 25 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor | Mesa
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.
Unshakable Sales Conversations for Increased Wealth and Happiness
Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor | Mesa
Register
Entrepreneurs looking to unlock their sales potential, increase their wealth, and enjoy the journey will benefit from this transformative workshop. Many business owners find sales stressful or challenging, but it does not have to be that way.
The session will be led by Stacy Weber of Tru You Consulting.
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