Top small business trends for 2026: smart tech you need to know
From AI to customer experience — explore the top small business trends that will define 2026 from Salesforce.com’s latest research. Kristie Poon writes, every year, hundreds of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) start with high hopes of making it in a tough market, despite facing many challenges.
The Small and Medium Business Trends Report surveyed 3,350 small business leaders worldwide to learn insights on technology, AI, and the future of business. The results were very clear — technology is advancing rapidly. In fact, 76% of small businesses that are jumping on smart technology trends are growing. It’s a clear sign that artificial intelligence (AI) technology is key to small business success. Read the key takeaways from the report, plus tips and strategies to help small businesses stay ahead.
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Thinking about starting a food truck in Mesa?
Mesa entrepreneurs interested in launching or expanding a food truck business are invited to attend an interactive, expert-led workshop designed to make operating in Mesa easier and more accessible.
Industry and city specialists will walk attendees through the permitting and licensing process with the City of Mesa, Maricopa County, and the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. Participants will also learn about Special Event Licenses and how the Mesa Business Builder Program supports food-based businesses.
The session includes a live Q&A, and attendees can receive onsite assistance with applications following the presentation. Light refreshments will be served.
When: Tuesday, January 27 | 2 - 4 p.m. | FREE
Where: Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Space is limited. Register now
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Start the New Year with an investment in business growth
The new year is the perfect time for Mesa businesses to invest in growth, connections, and professional support. Two great opportunities are now available for local entrepreneurs looking to strengthen and scale their businesses.
Mesa Chamber Membership Discount
The Mesa Chamber of Commerce is offering a 50% discount on a one-year membership for participants in the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program. Membership helps businesses grow, improve, promote, and protect their operations through advocacy, visibility, and networking.
Membership tiers range from $525 (BELONG) to $1,245 (ENGAGE), with additional options at the Lead, Prosper, and Impact levels. Businesses can review membership options or schedule a consultation to learn more.
Free Business Consulting for Mesa Businesses
Mesa-based small businesses may also qualify for FREE professional consulting services and personalized guidance from expert advisors. Services include:
- Business strategy
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Legal consulting for contracts
- Videography and product photography
Funding is limited, and early applications are encouraged.
Eligibility Requirements
Businesses must:
- Be for-profit and located in the City of Mesa
- Hold a current Mesa General Business License
- Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees
How to Apply
- Register the business on the Mesa HUUB to access free tools and resources.
- Select the “Apply for 1-on-1 Support” tile on the Mesa HUUB dashboard.
For more information visit: MesaBusinessBuilder.com
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From resolutions to results: start the year strong
The new year is a natural time for small business owners to set goals –real growth happens by turning plans into action. The Better Business Bureau’s New Year tips remind small businesses success comes from clear planning, consistent promotion, smart use of technology, and trust-building year round.
This is where Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios comes in. Entrepreneurs can reserve conference and collaboration rooms to map goals, plan marketing efforts, and refine customer experiences. The podcast studio supports authentic storytelling and brand building, while the AR/VR lab allows business owners to visualize ideas and test concepts before making major investments. The BBB also encourages businesses to manage costs and to foster a positive workplace culture. The Studios’ flexible, shared spaces support reducing overhead while creating room to focus, collaborate, and grow.
Starting the year strong doesn’t have to be complicated, sometimes the simplest step starts with choosing the right space to work on your business. MBB @ The Studios helps entrepreneurs turn New Year intentions into real momentum for 2026.
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Have a say on training courses designed for Mesa businesses
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios is gathering input to design its upcoming Computer Lab Workshops, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to share what matters most. A brief, confidential survey will help shape the topics, timing, and structure of future sessions.
These workshops will be hands-on and highly interactive, with only 12 seats per session to ensure personalized support and practical takeaways business owners can apply immediately. Feedback from this survey will directly influence which trainings are offered and how they are scheduled.
The survey is quick to complete, completely confidential, and does not require sharing a name or email address. Participants are invited to complete the Feedback Training Survey.
This input helps ensure the workshops deliver practical tools that support real business growth.
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New Year, new reality: are businesses ready for 2026?
From rapid advances in AI and stubbornly high interest rates to workforce shifts and fragile supply chains, 2026 is already taking shape as a pivotal year for business leaders. But a new year is not just about challenge; it is also about opportunity for those who plan ahead.
This article from The CEO’s Right Hand breaks down the five major business trends expected to define 2026—and, more importantly, what leaders can do now to prepare. Topics include accelerating technology adoption, rising funding costs, evolving talent strategies, and navigating ongoing economic uncertainty with confidence. Read the full article and start building a 2026 action plan.
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Asian festival offers free entry, food, vendors, dancing, and more
The Asian Festival in Mesa offers free entry for the public and a vibrant celebration of food, culture, and community. Festival hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Jan. 31 and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Feb. 1. Attendees can enjoy authentic Asian cuisine, arts and crafts vendors, traditional and contemporary dance and music performances, lion dances in celebration of Lunar New Year, cultural exhibits, and family‑friendly activities.
If you are ready for some cultural experiences, visitors are encouraged to explore the Asian District Mesa AZ®, where they can enjoy great food, shopping, and art. For more information, visit asianfestivalaz.com
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The Future of Lead Generation: Lead Gen Productivity with the Power of AI
Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE for HUUB members or $2.95 | Virtual
Register
Discover how to 10X your lead generation productivity using the latest AI tools. Discover how to pull leads from a database of 275+ million contacts, leverage AI to pinpoint prospect needs, and clone your expertise for round-the-clock engagement.
What You Will Learn:
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Stop Guessing: Automatically find high-quality leads without manual research.
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Personalize at Scale: Instantly analyze prospects to identify the specific pain points your business solves, allowing you to craft messages that actually get responses.
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Clone Yourself: Create an interactive AI version of yourself that answers questions and nurtures prospects 24/7, converting them into paying clients while you sleep.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Jan. 13 | 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. Spots are limited and early registration is recommended.
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
- If you cannot attend, email MBBTheStudios@mesaaz.gov at least 48 hours in advance. No-shows may affect future registrations.
Introduction to Business Plans
Thursday, Jan. 15 | 4 – 5 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
A well-crafted business plan is a powerful tool for unlocking new opportunities. Learn what a business plan is, why it’s essential for entrepreneurs and small business owners, and how it can help you organize your ideas, make more informed decisions, and attract investors or funding.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Jan. 20 | 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. Spots are limited and early registration is recommended.
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
- If you cannot attend, email MBBTheStudios@mesaaz.gov at least 48 hours in advance. No-shows may affect future registrations.
Accounting Made Easy: Why Bookkeeping is Not as Scary as You Think
Wednesday, Jan. 21 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
This workshop simplifies the basics of small business accounting and removes the fear around managing financial records.
Participants will learn why proper bookkeeping is essential, including how it supports securing financing, filing taxes while reducing tax liability and making informed business decisions. The session will also cover foundational bookkeeping practices and share practical tools and resources that can be used immediately.
Basic Financial Projections
Thursday, Jan. 22 | 4 – 5 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Understanding your business numbers is key to making smart decisions and planning for growth. Learn the basics of financial projections - income, fixed and variable costs, and how to calculate profit. Discover how to apply these numbers to your business plan in a simple, practical way. This session is perfect for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to better understand the financial side of running a business.
2026 Growth Playbook: People, Processes & Tools to Scale Your Small Business
Thursday, Jan. 29 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Growing a business requires more than hard work. This workshop gives small business owners a simple, actionable framework to prepare for growth in 2026 by clarifying roles, building repeatable systems, and creating accountability that supports sustainable growth without burnout.
Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
To use the Podcast Studio at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, you must attend one free training session prior to booking. Spots are limited and early registration is recommended.
Important Details:
- Training is mandatory before you can book the podcast studio to ensure you know how to use the equipment properly.
- If you sign up but cannot attend, please notify the MBB @ The Studios staff at least 48 hours in advance, by email at MBBTheStudios@mesaaz.gov. Failure to do so will negatively impact your ability to register for future trainings.
The MBB @ The Studios team is looking forward to seeing the amazing content you’ll create.
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