Why 2026 will be a breakout year for side hustles
Side hustles are rapidly shifting from a temporary income fix to a strategic career move. As economic pressures persist and artificial intelligence-driven restructuring reshapes organizations, more professionals are building parallel income streams and expanding in-demand skill sets. What often begins as a response to cost-of-living challenges is evolving into a form of career insurance—one that strengthens resilience, adaptability, and long-term financial security, writes Cynthia Pong, JD, for Forbes.
The impact extends beyond individuals. Side hustles cultivate entrepreneurial thinking, digital fluency, and broader professional networks—capabilities employers increasingly need but do not have to directly fund. As millions of workers embrace multi-career identities, 2026 is shaping up to be the year side hustles become a normalized, mainstream strategy for navigating uncertainty and building future-ready careers. Read the full story.
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Top 5 proven branding strategies for small businesses
The businesses people remember most are defined not only by what they sell, but by how they make customers feel. Trust, connection, and authenticity sit at the core of strong branding—and for small and medium-sized businesses, those elements create a powerful competitive advantage. In a market where customers expect personalized, responsive experiences, branding becomes the way small businesses tell their story, stand out, and build lasting relationships.
This guide by Nicole Watson on the Salesforce 360 Blog breaks down five practical branding strategies designed specifically for small businesses, blending proven fundamentals with modern tools such as artificial intelligence. From creating an authentic brand identity to strengthening customer experiences through artificial intelligence, the article offers actionable insights and real-world examples to help businesses build a brand that resonates today and endures over the long term. Read the guide here.
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Northern Arizona University brings hospitality and culinary education to Mesa
In response to direct feedback from Arizona employers, NAU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management is launching two new programs in Mesa designed to prepare talent faster, at lower cost, and with a strong focus on real-world skills.
New: 3-Year, 90-Credit bachelor’s degree in hospitality business administration
This innovative approach allows students to earn a respected NAU credential in just three years, rather than the usual four years/120 credits. This saves students time and money and helps them enter or advance in the workforce sooner. Learn more!
Program highlights:
- Only 90 credits are required, saving students time and money
- Strong emphasis on business fundamentals, leadership, and operations
- Available fully online or in-person/hybrid in Mesa, Arizona
- Designed with employer expectations and industry needs in mind
New: Non-Credit Culinary Certificate (Mesa, Arizona)
Beginning March 10, this non-credit, 16-week Culinary Certificate offers hands-on training and advanced cooking techniques in a professional kitchen setting. Classes meet two evenings per week from March through June 2026 in Downtown Mesa. Classes include Introduction to Culinary, Advanced Culinary, Nutrition, Baking and Pastry, and ServSafe certification. This program is open to the community and has no admission requirements.
This program is ideal for individuals who:
- Want to enter the culinary field quickly
- Are currently working in food service and want to upgrade their skills
- Are passionate about cooking and nutrition
Seats are limited. Early registration is encouraged. Learn more/register!
Learn more or schedule a conversation to explore how these programs can support your employees and your business. Contact Carmen Newland at carmen.newland@nau.edu / 602-728-9531.
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The power of business networking
For small business owners, networking is about more than exchanging business cards—it’s about building relationships that drive opportunity and growth. According to Nexford University, strong professional networks help entrepreneurs gain new perspectives, uncover partnerships, and stay ahead of industry trends. Consistent, intentional networking also builds confidence and visibility, two essentials for sustainable growth.
That’s the experience Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios is designed to offer. Beginning February 11, entrepreneurs are invited to What’s Poppin’ Wednesday, a new recurring networking event that creates a welcoming space to connect, share ideas, and grow alongside other local business owners. Check the events calendar for upcoming dates and come ready to build relationships that move your business forward.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 3:30 – 5 p.m.
Where: Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor| Drop-in
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From lease to launch: local experts break down what it takes to open a physical location in Mesa
Opening a brick-and-mortar business in Mesa is an exciting step, but it comes with critical decisions that can either accelerate your success or create costly delays.
A panel of Mesa-based experts who work with small businesses every day will walk participants through what they need to know before signing a lease, submitting permits, or opening their doors.
Panelists include Joan Krueger, Commercial Realtor; Timothy Coons, Esquire; Alec Sanchez, Small Business Assistant, City of Mesa Development Services; and Kenneth Myers, Commercial Insurance Broker.
This practical, small-business-focused conversation will cover:
- How to choose the right commercial location for your business model
- Legal considerations that can protect you before problems arise
- How Mesa’s planning and zoning process really works, and how to avoid common missteps
- Insurance coverage you need to protect your investment from day one
Whether you’re opening your first location or expanding an existing business, this session will help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and fewer surprises.
When: Thursday, Feb. 19 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
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DIY design for business: Adobe Photoshop essentials made easy
Strong visuals do more than look good, they shape how customers perceive a business. From social media and websites to flyers and digital ads, clean, consistent imagery builds credibility, strengthens brand identity, and helps businesses stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Yet for many small business owners, creating professional visuals can feel out of reach without formal design training.
That’s where Adobe Photoshop becomes a powerful tool. By learning the fundamentals, navigating the workspace, making simple image adjustments, and removing backgrounds, entrepreneurs gain control over their visual content. These practical skills allow businesses to update product photos, promotional materials, and marketing assets quickly and cost-effectively, without relying on outside designers.
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios will host an Adobe Photoshop Essentials for Business workshop designed to help entrepreneurs build these skills in a hands-on, beginner-friendly environment. Participants will walk away with practical techniques they can immediately apply to their marketing and branding efforts. Space is limited to 12 workstations, and early registration is encouraged.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 18 | 5 – 6 p.m.
Where: Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
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Faster, Leaner, Stronger: Building an AI-Driven Business
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 12 – 1 p.m. | $0 for HUUB members – $2.95 | Virtual
Register
Walk away with practical insights and actionable steps to build your own AI-powered workforce.
Running a business today means moving faster than ever, but too often owners get buried in tasks that don’t drive growth. Discover how AI can take on the repetitive, time-consuming work that slows you down, from handling customer inquiries and scheduling follow-ups to streamlining operations behind the scenes. Learn how entrepreneurs and small businesses are using AI to scale without adding headcount, compete with larger players, and respond quickly to changing market conditions. Get real-world examples of AI agents automating sales, support, and back-office functions, freeing leaders to focus on strategy and growth.
Walk away with practical insights and actionable steps to build your own AI-powered workforce. Whether your goal is to become more competitive, more agile, or simply free up time to focus on what matters most, turn AI from a buzzword into a business advantage.
THREE TAKEAWAYS:
- Identify specific areas where AI can replace manual, repetitive tasks and free up time.
- Design a simple roadmap to implement AI agents to improve sales, customer support, and operations.
- Get actionable steps to scale faster and compete more effectively using AI-driven solutions.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Feb. 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. 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
Mesa Job Fair
Thursday, Feb. 12 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | FREE | In-person | Drop-in
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Open to everyone! Organized through ARIZONA@WORK and Maricopa County Human Services, this job fair brings together local employers from industries such as education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, government, and transportation with job seekers looking for new opportunities. Attendees are encouraged to bring resumes, meet hiring representatives, and explore a variety of career paths right in their community.
Keep More at Tax Time with Smart Bookkeeping: Understanding Your Financial Reports
Tuesday, Feb. 12 | 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | $15 | Virtual
Register
Bookkeeping isn’t just about keeping your records organized, it's a powerful tool that can save you thousands each year. By mastering the basics, you gain the financial clarity to make smarter decisions, simplify tax season, and set your business up for long-term success. Bookkeeping expert Phyllis Johnson will walk you through practical bookkeeping steps every small business owner should know. Presented by SCORE.
Learn:
- Why smart bookkeeping is essential to your business’s financial health
- How to create essential reports
- How to create a profit and loss statement and balance sheet
- Best practices for accurately tracking income and expenses
- How bookkeeping can simplify tax season and save you time and money
- Proven tips and tools to make bookkeeping easier and more efficient
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 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
Profitable Without Compromise: Building Financially Healthy Businesses
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 12 – 1 p.m. | $0 for HUUB members – $2.95 | Virtual
Register
Explore financial wellness, inclusive leadership, and community partnerships as key engines for sustainable growth. Many small business owners believe they must choose between profitability and people, between growth and integrity.
Drawing from real-world experience advising service-based businesses, developing financial literacy curriculum for accelerator programs, and leading values-driven sales and leadership initiatives, participants illustrates how financial wellness, inclusive leadership, and strong community partnerships are not “nice-to-haves,” but core drivers of sustainable growth.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Design business systems that support financial clarity without overcomplication
- Use ethical sales and pricing strategies to improve cash flow and retention
- Leverage community partnerships to reduce risk, expand opportunity, and grow smarter
- Build financially resilient teams without burnout or exploitation
- This session is practical, approachable, and designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are—whether they are early-stage or scaling.
Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Mar. 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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