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March 2026
Last chance: FREE expert advising available for Mesa small businesses
The Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program invites Mesa small businesses to apply. The program provides FREE one-on-one professional advising and consulting services to help businesses grow stronger and move forward with confidence. From business strategy and financial planning to website development and legal guidance, the program connects small businesses with experienced professionals who can help solve challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Applications close Friday, Apr. 3, and space is limited. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, physically located in Mesa, hold a current Mesa General Business License, and have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. This is a valuable opportunity for Mesa small businesses to access expert support at no cost and build a stronger foundation for long-term success. Apply now!
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The power of writing your startup’s story
In a recent article on Forbes.com, Jotform, founder Aytekin Tank reflects on a lesson he has learned over two decades of building a software company: even the best product has limited impact if people don’t understand its story. He states that clear, compelling writing is one of the most valuable skills an entrepreneur can develop—not just to explain what their business does, but to help others understand why it matters.
Tank emphasizes that a founder’s origin story is more than background—it is a strategic asset. By sharing the personal experiences and problems that inspired their business, entrepreneurs create a narrative that resonates emotionally and makes their company more memorable. Facts alone are easily forgotten, but stories capture attention, build connection, and differentiate a business in a crowded marketplace. According to Tank, founders who learn to communicate their purpose clearly give their products a voice—and that voice is often what turns a good idea into a successful one. Read the full article.
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Mesa Public Library hosts April small business series
The Mesa Public Library will host a free, four-part Small Business Series this April, connecting Mesa small businesses with the resources, spaces, and tools available through Mesa Business Builder. The sessions will introduce local programs, highlight specialty spaces including Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios and LaunchPoint, and showcase free education, advising, plus data tools that strengthen business decision-making.
Held Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7 p.m., the series offers small businesses a valuable opportunity to discover available support, build connections, and gain practical insights to move forward with confidence.
*Register for the Mesa Small Business Series below:
*Registration opens three weeks prior to each of the event dates.
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Supporting women entrepreneurs in Mesa
In recognition of Women’s History Month, Mesa Business Builder encourages the business community to support and invest in women-owned businesses. Women entrepreneurs continue to strengthen Mesa’s economy, create jobs, and drive innovation across industries.
Several organizations offer resources designed to help women start and grow successful businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration provides access to capital, federal contracting programs, and guidance through its Office of Women’s Business Ownership. The Association of Women’s Business Centers connects entrepreneurs to local Women’s Business Centers, which offer technical assistance and support in accessing funding. Entrepreneurs can also receive no-cost mentoring and business education through SCORE and the Arizona Small Business Development Center Network.
Mesa’s business community can support women entrepreneurs by choosing to shop women-owned businesses, promoting their services, and connecting them with available training and funding opportunities. Investing in women-owned businesses strengthens the entire community.
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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: Tuesday, Mar. 31 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
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Digital growth: working smarter with technology
For many small businesses, digital growth feels overwhelming. Between managing social media, improving online visibility, responding to customers, and keeping up with new technology, it can be difficult to know where to focus. According to industry research, many small business owners experience this strain because of the wide array of tools, platforms, and strategies available combined with the limited time business owners have to manage daily operations. The most effective approach is not doing everything at once, but identifying the tools that create the greatest impact, whether that means refining messaging, improving search visibility, or using automation to save time.
Artificial intelligence and digital tools are becoming more accessible to small businesses, helping streamline tasks such as content creation, customer communication, and data analysis. When used strategically, these tools can increase efficiency and allow business owners to dedicate more time to serving customers and developing new opportunities.
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios provides a space where entrepreneurs can explore and apply these digital strategies. From using the podcast studio to create authentic content, to collaborating in conference rooms to refine marketing plans, The Studios offers an environment where technology and strategy come together. By pairing practical tools with a professional workspace, MBB @ The Studios helps Mesa businesses take confident steps toward digital growth in 2026. Visit MBB @ The Studios to reserve space, explore available resources, or schedule a tour.
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 Mesa powers up for AZ Tech Week 2026
The inaugural AZ Tech Week will take place Apr. 6 – 12, 2026, and Mesa is ready to plug in. Through Mesa Business Builder and Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, the city will host a dynamic lineup of tech-forward conversations, founder meetups, and innovation-driven experiences happening daily throughout the week. Expect bold ideas, real-world insights, and meaningful connections across Mesa’s growing tech ecosystem.
Stay tuned for registration details and visit MBBTheStudios.com to explore the calendar and plan your AZ Tech Week experience.
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Arizona Good Business Summit
Wednesday, Mar. 11 | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | $135 | In-person
HD South Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum | 10 S. Gilbert Rd. | Gilbert, AZ
Register
The 2026 Arizona Good Business Summit arrives in Gilbert for the first time, bringing small business leaders together in a town known for championing locally owned businesses. Hosted at the new HD South venue, the summit will feature a showcase of small business resources, connections, and opportunities to collaborate and grow.
Keynote speaker Matt Lehrman, a nationally recognized civic facilitator and leadership coach, will deliver The Future We Shape Together, an interactive conversation designed to inspire Arizona’s small business community to step forward, strengthen their voice, and help shape the future of their communities.
File It Right - A Walkthrough of the Trademark Application Process
Wednesday, Mar. 11 | 6 – 7 p.m.| FREE | Virtual
Register
You’ve built the brand—now protect it. File It Right is a live workshop that walks small business owners step-by-step through the federal trademark application process—without the confusion or legal jargon. Participants will learn what’s required before applying, how to avoid costly mistakes, and how to confidently navigate the USPTO system.
This hands-on session covers key filing decisions, Intent-to-Use vs. In-Use applications, and what to expect after submission. Attendees will leave with the clarity and confidence to file correctly—or make informed decisions when working with a professional.
Maximize Tax Savings: Choosing the Right Retirement Plan for Your Business
Tuesday, Mar. 17 | 12 – 1 p.m. | $0 for HUUB members – $2.95 | Virtual
Register
Not all retirement plans are created equal. Take control of your retirement strategy by learning how to compare 401(k), Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, and SIMPLE IRA plans—and determine which one fits your business structure. This session breaks down how each option works for sole proprietors, S-corps, and partnerships.
Walk away ready to select a plan that builds long-term wealth, reduces taxes, and aligns with both your business goals and personal retirement vision.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Mar. 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
Adobe Photoshop Essentials for Business
Wednesday, Mar. 18 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios will host a Photoshop for Business workshop designed to give entrepreneurs a practical introduction to using Adobe Photoshop for everyday marketing needs. This hands-on session covers Photoshop fundamentals, including workspace navigation, essential tools, layers, and basic photo editing such as cropping, color correction, and image adjustments. Participants will also learn background removal and selection techniques using both traditional tools and AI-powered features, with guided practice creating clean, professional images for web and print use. Space is limited to 12 participants, and early registration is encouraged to secure a spot.
Lane Construction Vendor Outreach
Thursday, Mar. 26 | 5 – 7 p.m. | FREE | In-person
ASU E+I The Studios @ Mesa City Center | 59 E. First St. | 1st Floor
Register
Lane Construction Corporation, in partnership with ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, is hosting an in-person outreach event to meet with vendors and suppliers in preparation for upcoming opportunities. Small and diverse businesses are encouraged to attend!
- Meet subject matter experts and leaders.
- Learn how to prepare for upcoming opportunities.
- Align your capabilities with needs on major projects.
Multiple tier opportunities in civil works, utility infrastructure, geotechnical, environmental, earth moving, structures, tunneling, rock crushing, dewatering, specialized equipment, and much more.
Leveraging Marketing Strategies + Brand Voice = Customers
Tuesday, Mar. 31 | 12 – 1 p.m. | $0 for HUUB members – $2.95 | Virtual
Register
A strong brand voice does more than sound good, it builds trust, attracts the right customers, and drives measurable growth. This session shows small business owners how to use authentic, consistent messaging to strengthen audience connections and improve results across every stage of the customer journey.
Attendees will learn how to define their brand voice, create content that reflects their identity, and use messaging strategically to stand out, deepen engagement, and convert more customers—without relying on generic marketing tactics.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Mar. 31 | 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
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