Save the date: Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program opens Jul. 7 for the new program year
FREE one-on-one business advising, professional consulting opportunities return to Mesa for small businesses on Jul. 7 through the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program.
After helping 151 Mesa businesses strengthen and grow during the 2025 - 2026 program year, the highly sought-after program is reopening for a new round of applicants. Eligible businesses receive customized support in marketing, branding, website development, legal contracts, videography, photography, technology, tax guidance, finance, business strategy, and more.
Businesses interested in participating should prepare early, as available spots fill quickly each year. Full program details and eligibility requirements are available at Mesa Business Builder.
To apply, businesses must:
- Have a valid City of Mesa address (including home-based businesses)
- Be a for-profit entity
- Have a valid Mesa General Business License (or another qualifying Mesa license, such as a Mobile Food Vendor license)
- Register on Mesa HUUB for immediate access to FREE business resources and support
- Beginning Jul. 7, log in to the Mesa HUUB and click the tile “Apply for 1-on-1 Support”
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12 reasons why your business isn’t growing — and how to fix it
Successful local entrepreneur Darlene M. Ziebell, MBA, will lead an interactive workshop designed to help business owners identify and overcome the hidden barriers that may be limiting growth. This 90-minute working session gives participants the opportunity to bring their business challenges, ask real-world questions, and receive practical guidance based on Ziebell’s decades of experience building and advising seven- and eight-figure businesses.
Participants will explore common challenges behind stalled sales, inconsistent results, and slow business growth while learning where to focus time, energy, and resources to create momentum. Attendees will also discover how to avoid costly missteps and identify practical next steps they can apply immediately in their business.
Topics include:
- Why a business may not grow even when owners feel they are doing “everything right”
- The hidden barriers that commonly stall revenue and momentum
- What to focus on first to create real traction
- How to stop wasting time and money on the wrong fixes
When: Thursday, Jun. 11 | 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Where: Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
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From local restaurant to viral success: how authentic videos helped drive real customers
A recent Entrepreneur article by Shawn P. Walchef highlights how one restaurant owner turned authentic video content into a powerful business growth tool. Steven Droulis, owner of Vivaldi Restaurant in Montreal, began appearing in simple, unscripted videos to help promote his family’s restaurant after COVID, only to discover his brother had also launched a YouTube channel featuring the content.
The videos quickly gained traction, eventually growing to more than 1 million subscribers and attracting customers from across the world who traveled specifically to dine at the restaurant. The story underscores a growing trend for small businesses: customers are increasingly connecting with the people behind the business, not just the products or services being sold. Read more.
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Mesa Has Heart returns Jun. 26
Join the Mesa Chamber of Commerce for Mesa Has Heart, an inspiring evening celebrating the businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders making a lasting impact in Mesa.
Since 2022, Mesa Has Heart has recognized individuals and organizations whose dedication continues to strengthen our community. Guests will enjoy an evening of recognition, networking, entertainment, and a culinary showcase featuring food from local Mesa restaurants and caterers.
Businesses and organizations can support the event through sponsorship opportunities, including raffle prizes, swag bag items, Heart Logo sponsorships, and table sponsorships. For sponsorship and table opportunities, contact Alexis Foran at aforan@mesachamber.org.
Get Tickets Seats are filling quickly - reserve your spot today.
- Individual Tickets: $50 Chamber Members | $60 Non-Members
- Table for 8: $500
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Great customer service still matters in the AI era
A recent Small Business Trends article by Annie Pilon highlights why strong customer service continues to be one of the biggest competitive advantages for small businesses, even as AI and automation become more common. Pilon encourages businesses to combine technology and automation with personalized, human-centered service.
While tools like AI chatbots and automated responses can help businesses improve efficiency and respond faster, customers still value empathy, clear communication and genuine human interaction. The article also points to the importance of quick response times, personalized service, and creating positive experiences across every customer interaction.
As more businesses adopt AI tools, the article serves as a reminder that technology works best when it enhances, rather than replaces, strong customer relationships. Read the full story.
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Summer can be a time for planning and business development
Summer offers entrepreneurs and small businesses an opportunity to refocus, organize, and prepare for future growth. Whether updating marketing materials, planning new projects, creating content, or preparing for growth later in the year, Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios offers FREE workspace and business resources designed to help businesses stay productive and connected.
Resources include coworking space, private meeting rooms, and a Computer Lab featuring Adobe Creative Cloud software. Entrepreneurs regularly use Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios for virtual meetings, business planning, content creation, collaboration, and creative project work in a professional environment that supports small business success.
Businesses can reserve select spaces and meeting rooms online at MBBTheStudios.com. Additional workspace is available during walk-in hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
From solo entrepreneurs to growing teams, Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios provides flexible space, technology, and resources that help Mesa businesses build momentum year-round.
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 Thinking about AI agents? Ask these 5 questions first
According to a recent Forbes article, “Thinking About AI Agents? Ask These 5 Questions First,” by Aytekin Tank, founder and CEO of Jotform, more businesses are exploring how AI can handle routine tasks and free up time for growth-focused work. AI agents can assist with customer support, recurring orders and day-to-day operations, helping business owners spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time building customer relationships and improving their business.
Tank also notes that businesses should be strategic about how they use AI. Routine, low-stakes tasks may be ideal for automation, while more personal or emotional customer interactions still benefit from a human touch. When used thoughtfully, AI tools can help businesses improve responsiveness, strengthen customer experiences, and create more time for innovation. Read the full article.
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The Art of Perception: Your Brand Walks in Before You Do
Tuesday, Jun. 9 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE for HUUB members – $3.19 | Virtual
Register
People form opinions about you before you ever say a word. Your presence, communication, confidence, consistency, online footprint, and follow-up all shape how others see, trust, and remember you. Your brand is already speaking.
Caitlin Penny reveals how personal brand, business brand, and real-life presence influence credibility, referrals, and opportunity. Using her five-part framework: Awareness, Alignment, Clarity, Consistency, and Action, attendees will learn how to identify the gap between intention and impact, define what they want to be known for, and align their brand across every touchpoint. Attendees won’t just leave inspired. They’ll leave with a mirror, a message, and one immediate action they can take to strengthen how they are seen, remembered, and referred.
Vendor University: How to Do Business with Maricopa County
Wednesday, Jun. 10 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Maricopa County Administration Bldg. | 2nd Floor, Room 250-03
301 W. Jefferson St. Phoenix, AZ 85003
Register
Ready to do business with one of Arizona’s largest buyers? Maricopa County spends more than $750 million each year on goods, services and construction, and local businesses have an opportunity to compete for that work. Attend this practical, no-fluff workshop designed to help you navigate the County’s procurement process with confidence.
Learn what it takes to get started and succeed. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to position your business, avoid common pitfalls and build a sustainable pipeline of public sector work. Get actionable tips and strategies to not only win county contracts and keep them.
Venture Raise Explore – June Session
Tuesday, Jun. 16 | 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Explore this multi-step program designed for founders to gain a better understanding of funding options, fundraising planning and how to ask for funds. All program graduates will have access to the ACA's Founders Forum, a peer-to-peer networking group, as well as access to investor services. Ready for the Next Session?
Video Production Training – The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Jun. 16 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | Lower Level
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
Basic Financial Projections
Thursday, Jun. 18 | 4 – 5 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register
Understanding business finances is essential for making informed decisions and planning for growth. This session introduces the fundamentals of financial projections, including income, fixed and variable costs, and profit calculations. Attendees will also learn how to apply financial projections to a business plan in a simple, practical way.
This class is designed for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking a stronger understanding of the financial side of running and growing a business.
5 Steps to Growing Your Business Within Your Community
Tuesday, Jun. 23 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE for HUUB members – $3.19 | Virtual
Register
Discover how to define a unique brand position and use strategic messaging to stand out in a competitive marketplace. This session will help attendees evaluate their brand persona and create a compelling message that serves as a competitive advantage within their industry. Participants will learn how to identify the language and keywords that resonate with their target audience and strengthen marketing across websites, networking, and promotional materials. Branding expert Chris Ryan shares practical strategies to improve brand positioning, increase online visibility, and build meaningful connections within target industries.
Video Production Training - The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training
Tuesday, Jun. 30 | 5 – 6 p.m. | FREE | In-person
Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | Lower Level
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
RESOURCES FOR MESA SMALL BUSINESSES
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