August 2026

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Mesa Business Builder Educates U – college classes for small businesses

Small businesses participating in the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program are eligible to enroll in college classes at Mesa Community College and earn a college certificate in any of 15+ different programs. The program covers tuition and course fees for up to two individuals per business, each eligible to take up to two classes per term. Enrollment is now open for the Fall semester, with classes beginning August 22. Certificate programs include:

Accounting
Adobe Animations & Graphics
Construction Programs
General Business
Entrepreneurial Studies I & II
Management
Marketing
Python Applications
Social Media
Spanish Language & Culture
Web & App Development
…and more!

Qualified businesses interested in taking college courses must be enrolled in the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Assistance Program. To apply for the program, visit the Mesa HUUB. For more information about Mesa Business Builder Educates U, email MesaBusinessBuilder@mesaaz.gov.

AI Business

AI tools are everywhere. So why do so many businesses feel stuck?

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the business conversation, yet many small businesses are still determining how to turn its potential into practical results. In a recent Entrepreneur article, Chris Flood observed that many businesses are not struggling because they lack access to AI. Instead, they are struggling to identify where AI can create meaningful value within their operations. Businesses making the greatest progress are focusing on specific challenges such as improving efficiency, reducing repetitive tasks, strengthening customer communication, or supporting better decision making.

That practical approach is helping businesses move beyond experimentation. Rather than viewing AI as another technology to learn, successful organizations are treating it as another business tool, one that should support clearly defined goals and measurable outcomes. Artificial intelligence will continue to evolve, but the businesses most likely to benefit will be those that remain curious, continue learning, and thoughtfully integrate AI where it creates genuine value. Like any business investment, success begins with understanding the problem before selecting the solution. Read the full story here.

Close up of african american customer writing reviews, hand pressing on a smartphone screen with a golden five star rating feedback icon. Concept rating and feedback for evaluation. Selective focus

Businesses build credibility one experience at a time

Every business has a reputation, and it shapes how customers, partners, and the community see that business long before the first conversation happens.

In Entrepreneur, Cara Sloman explains that credibility isn’t just a result of success, it’s one of the factors that helps create it. Businesses that consistently show reliability, expertise, and authenticity earn stronger loyalty, more referrals, and greater trust from prospective clients. That credibility rarely comes from one big win. It builds over time through delivering on promises, providing great customer experiences, and handling challenges professionally.

While competitors may offer similar products, credibility is often the deciding factor. Businesses that invest in trust are investing in long-term relationships and a reputation that keeps working long after the sale. Read more here.

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Public speaking creates more than visibility. It builds trust.

Many business owners view public speaking as a chance to share knowledge, but it’s also one of the most effective ways to build credibility, expand networks, and create meaningful business opportunities.

In an Entrepreneur article, LaQuita Cleare, CEO of Clear Communication Academy, explains that speaking engagements let business leaders demonstrate expertise and build trust with audiences before a business relationship ever begins. Whether presenting at a conference, chamber event, workshop, podcast, or community gathering, every presentation strengthens visibility and establishes authority. The impact often extends well beyond the event itself: sharing practical experiences and lessons learned creates authentic connections that lead to referrals, partnerships, and new customer relationships long after the presentation ends.

Public speaking is ultimately about more than delivering information. It lets business leaders contribute to their industries and build lasting relationships based on trust and shared experience. Read the story.

From chaos to clarity: strengthening business operations

As businesses grow, operational challenges often become more complex. Processes that once worked well can become inconsistent, communication can break down, and business owners may find themselves spending more time solving day-to-day problems than focusing on growth.

To help business owners identify opportunities for improvement, Local First Arizona will host a free virtual workshop on Thursday, August 27, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. (MST) led by Justin Coldiron, a Fractional COO, Local First Arizona member, and former aerospace engineer with experience at Blue Origin.

During the interactive session, participants will complete an Operational Health Check Scorecard and evaluate their business using Justin’s Five Pillars of Operational Clarity: People, Process, Systems, Communication, and Metrics.

The workshop helps business owners identify operational bottlenecks, prioritize areas for improvement, and develop practical strategies that strengthen efficiency, accountability, and long-term growth.

Business owners interested in attending can register here.

MBB @The Studios Biz Plan

Why every successful business starts with a plan

Long-term success rarely happens by accident. Behind every thriving business is a clear plan that guides decisions and keeps growth on track.

The U.S. Small Business Administration describes a business plan as a roadmap, one that helps entrepreneurs define goals, understand their market, evaluate competitors, and build realistic financial projections. This groundwork reduces risk and sets the foundation for lasting success.

A business plan isn’t just for securing funding. It’s a living document that should evolve as a business grows, helping owners stay focused, track progress, and adapt to changing conditions. Often, the planning process itself reveals opportunities and challenges that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios gives small business owners and entrepreneurs a professional space to build business plans, work with advisors, attend workshops, and connect with resources that support every stage of growth. Visit MBBTheStudios.com to learn more.

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Help shape future workshops at MBB @ The Studios, win a $50 Downtown Mesa gift card!

At Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, we’re committed to providing workshops and resources that help Mesa’s small business community learn, grow, and succeed. As we plan future programming, we want to hear directly from you.

We’re inviting local business owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs to complete a brief workshop interest survey. Your feedback will help us better understand the topics that matter most, from marketing and technology to finance, business growth, operations, and more.

As a thank you for your time, everyone who completes the survey by August 15 will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Downtown Mesa Gift Card.

Your input will help shape future workshops and educational opportunities at MBB @ The Studios, ensuring we continue to offer practical, relevant programming that meets the evolving needs of Mesa’s business community.

Click here for survey

Upcoming Events

AI Essentials for Business – Powered by Meta

Join Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios, Meta, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce for a hands-on day of AI training for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Sessions cover AI tools and strategies, prompt engineering, AI-generated content, and content optimization for Facebook and Instagram, plus networking and a raffle. Attendees may join for the full day or just the sessions most relevant to their needs.

Video Production Training – The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training

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

5 Tools to Make Your Life Easier: A Live Demo for Service Business Owners

Thursday, August 13 | 12 – 1 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

Learn five tools that take the most time-consuming parts of running a service business — getting found, booking clients, and staying in front of people — and make them dramatically easier. None of them require a tech background, and every single one is something you can start using this week.

Coffee + Co-Working

Start your day by connecting with entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers, and innovators who understand the challenges of building something new. Coffee + Co-working is a relaxed networking event designed to help you build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, discover new resources, and grow your support network. After networking, you’re invited to stay and work from our FREE co-working space for the rest of the day.

Video Production Training – The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training

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

The Chaos-To-Control Workshop

Missed messages. Late invoices. The constant pressure to keep things moving. Many business owners face the same challenges. This monthly strategy session brings 20 local business owners together to pinpoint where time and money are slipping away, and to leave with a solution.

Podcast Studio Training

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.

Resources