July 2026

Mesa HUUB Advising

Discover resources, connections, and opportunities on Mesa HUUB

Whether launching a new venture, growing an existing business, or looking to engage with Mesa’s business community, business owners will find Mesa HUUB designed to help them succeed.

Mesa HUUB is a FREE online platform that brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, and business support organizations. Users can discover local resources, explore support programs, find upcoming events, build valuable relationships, and stay informed about opportunities throughout Mesa. The platform also features a Learning Library with more than 190 workshops and training opportunities covering a wide range of business topics, from marketing and finance to operations, technology, and business growth.

The platform serves as an online gateway linking Mesa businesses to programs, events, expert guidance, and organizations that can help them thrive. By creating a free profile, users can personalize their experience and access information and opportunities tailored to their business goals.

Whether just getting started or ready to take a business to the next level, Mesa HUUB makes it easier for owners to find the support and opportunities they need. Business owners are encouraged to get started today and connect with Mesa’s business community.

Mesa partnered with Freeway PHX

Mesa expands resources for entrepreneurs through Freeway PHX partnership

Mesa is continuing to invest in the success of its startup and small business community through a new partnership with Freeway PHX, a platform dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs, talent, investors, and innovation resources across the Greater Phoenix region.

Through this partnership, Mesa businesses will gain increased visibility and access to a growing network of startup ecosystem resources, events, and connections designed to support business growth and innovation. Freeway PHX serves as a central hub for Arizona’s entrepreneurial community, helping founders discover opportunities, build relationships, and stay informed about the region’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape.

The platform features startup-focused events, networking opportunities, ecosystem data, talent resources, and tools that help entrepreneurs navigate available support throughout the region. By participating in Freeway PHX, Mesa businesses can strengthen connections to regional partners and gain access to opportunities that support business growth and long-term success.

This investment aligns with Mesa’s ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting innovation, and creating pathways for businesses to thrive. Whether launching a new venture, scaling an existing company, or exploring opportunities within Arizona’s startup ecosystem, Mesa businesses now have another valuable resource available to help them succeed.

Businesses interested in learning more about Freeway PHX and upcoming opportunities are encouraged to visit the platform and explore available resources and events here: Freeway I Your onramp into the Phx Startup Ecosystem.

Local First Good Food Bootcamp

The Good Food Boot Camp: scale your food business in six weeks

Local First Arizona invites food entrepreneurs to scale their business through the Good Food Boot Camp, a six-week course that guides participants from ideation to a fully operational food business. Industry experts, government officials, and partner organizations lead discussions that equip entrepreneurs with practical tools for launching or growing their start-up. Each cohort gains hands-on analysis, expertise, and mentorship to set their food business on a path to success.

Local First Arizona offers two cohorts:

Virtual Boot Camp (English) — Tuesdays, 8–10 a.m. via Zoom
July 21 – August 25, 2026
October 13 – November 17, 2026
In-Person Boot Camp (Spanish) — July 22 – August 26, 2026

Learn more and register.

Canva Workshop

Create better marketing content using just a phone and Canva

Many small business owners know they need stronger marketing content but often assume it requires expensive equipment, professional photographers, or advanced design skills. A new hands-on workshop at Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios shows entrepreneurs how to create professional-looking marketing materials using tools they already have.

Participants will learn practical techniques for taking better brand photos with a smartphone, identifying their ideal customer, and creating content that resonates with their audience. The workshop also explores how to transform photos into social media posts, stories, reels, and marketing graphics using Canva, an affordable design platform that businesses of all sizes rely on. Attendees will leave understanding how visual content drives customer engagement and how consistent branding strengthens their online business presence.

The workshop suits entrepreneurs, creatives, service providers, and small business owners seeking practical marketing tools without specialized training or costly software.

When: Wednesday, July 22 | 5 – 7 p.m.
Where: Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios | 59 E. First St. | 2nd Floor
Register

Smiling female showing keys in front of small business storefront

Is your business ready for transition? The rise of acquisition entrepreneurship

A growing number of entrepreneurs are choosing to buy existing businesses rather than start new ones from scratch. This trend, known as Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA), is gaining momentum as many small business owners approach retirement and consider their succession plans.

According to a recent Forbes article by Melissa Houston, an estimated 40% of small business owners plan to retire within the next decade, while many have yet to establish a formal succession plan. As fewer family members choose to take over family businesses, acquisition entrepreneurs are stepping in to purchase and grow established companies.

For business owners, this trend underscores the importance of preparing a business for a future transition. Documented processes, strong operations, and reduced dependence on the owner can help increase business value and improve transferability. For aspiring entrepreneurs, acquiring an existing business can offer a pathway to ownership with established customers, revenue, and operations already in place. Read the full article on Forbes.

E commerce Business Owner Using AI Inventory Management and Augmented Reality for Order Fulfillment in a Warehouse

Three ways AI can help small business owners save time

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming more than just a tool for writing emails or generating content. According to entrepreneur and technology leader Aytekin Tank, business owners can save valuable time by using AI to automate repetitive tasks and streamline daily operations.

Three areas where AI can make an immediate impact include managing email, simplifying meetings, and organizing business research. AI-powered tools can help sort and prioritize messages, summarize meeting notes and action items, and monitor industry trends, allowing business owners to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time focused on growth.

For small business owners looking to improve productivity, even a few simple AI automations can help reclaim hours each week and free up time for higher-value work that requires creativity, strategy, and personal connection. Read the full article on Entrepreneur.

Mid-year is the perfect time for a business checkup

As the second half of the year begins, many business owners find themselves asking an important question: Is the business where it was expected to be by now? July offers a valuable opportunity to step back from daily operations and evaluate progress toward goals set earlier in the year.

A mid-year business checkup can help identify what is working, what may need adjustment, and where new opportunities exist. This may include reviewing revenue goals, evaluating marketing efforts, updating business plans, strengthening customer outreach, or exploring ways to improve efficiency. Making small adjustments now can have a meaningful impact before the busy fall and holiday seasons arrive.

Mesa Business Builder @ The Studios provides entrepreneurs with access to professional workspaces designed to support planning, collaboration, and business growth. Available resources include coworking space, private meeting rooms, a Computer Lab equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud software, podcast and video production resources, and event space for workshops, meetings, and presentations.

Whether preparing a new marketing campaign, reviewing financial goals, recording content, or simply looking for a productive environment away from daily distractions, MBB @ The Studios offers resources designed to help businesses finish the year strong.

Businesses can reserve select spaces online by visiting MBBTheStudios.com or stop by during walk-in hours. Walk-in access is available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ACA LaunchAZ

LaunchAZ Fall 2026 Cohort

The Arizona Commerce Authority announces the LaunchAZ Fall 2026 Cohort, focused on Bioscience & Medtech. LaunchAZ, a community-powered program, connects growth-stage startups with mentors, corporate partners, investors, and research institutions ready to help pilot, commercialize, and scale.

The program will select up to 15 companies to spend three days in Phoenix building connections with hospital systems, community partners, and biotech leaders across the state, timed with Arizona Bioscience Week.

This Cohort Is Open to Startups That:

Operate in the biotech or health tech sector
Generate real revenue in their home market
Want to expand into Arizona
Can commit to program dates and travel

Key Dates:

July 6, 2026 – Applications Open
August 7, 2026 – Applications Close
October 5-7, 2026 – LaunchAZ Session in Phoenix, Arizona

Startups/small businesses can apply here to be considered for one of fifteen spots in the Fall 2026 Cohort.

Upcoming Events

The 4 Key Areas of a Business

Thursday, July 9 | 4 – 5 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

Learn the 4 Building Blocks Behind Every Successful Business. For a business to grow sustainably and profitably, it must be built on a solid foundation, and in this class we will talk about those four fundamental pillars. Hosted by Prestamos CDFI and Women’s Business Center.

Claude 101 Workshop

Friday, July 10 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

A free, hands-on workshop for people who want to use Claude well. In two hours, attendees learn to run real work through Claude and trust the results: applying it to files and tasks already on their desk, setting up a project so Claude keeps context and delivers consistent quality, building skills that handle repeat work and save 5–10 hours a week, and setting a brand voice once so Claude writes in their tone. Business owners, marketers, freelancers, and teams are all welcome; no technical background required.

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

How to Choose the Right Bank for Your Business

Thursday, July 16 | 1 – 2 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

Many small business owners struggle to grow without the right financial partner. Chad Sanders, Small Business Banking Manager at Western Alliance Bank with over 25 years of Arizona banking experience, will lead a live webinar on how small business owners can find a bank that meets their needs. Part of the Arizona Small Business Association’s SCALE program.

Introduction to Business Plans

Thursday, July 16 | 4 – 5 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

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. Hosted by Prestamos CDFI and Women’s Business Center.

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.

What Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know Before Signing

Wednesday, July 22 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

Bad contracts can cost a business thousands, or even everything. Attorney Alejandro Perez of Pierson Ferdinand shows attendees the red flags, key clauses, and negotiation tactics that protect a business before the signature. Whether reviewing a first lease or a fiftieth vendor agreement, attendees will leave with a practical checklist and the confidence to spot trouble before it costs them. Part of the Arizona Small Business Association’s SCALE program.

Venture RAISE Explore

Wednesday, July 22 | 12 – 1:30 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

A multi-step program for founders with a product in market and early customers, helping them move beyond pitching investors to explore all funding options. Graduates leave with a fundraising plan and ongoing support through ACA’s Founders Forum, a peer network for founders, plus access to investor services.

This 90-minute session helps founders answer “What funding is right for me?” by covering equity, debt, and bootstrapping, what funders look for, and how to assess readiness. Each founder leaves with a personalized assessment and next step.

Basic Financial Projections

Thursday, July 23 | 4 – 5 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

Learn the basics of financial projections like income, fixed and variable costs, and how to calculate profit. We’ll also show you 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. Hosted by Prestamos CDFI and Women’s Business Center.

Video Production Training – The Perfect Companion to Podcast Studio Training

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

Establishing Your Business Finances: Paying Employees & Subcontractors

Wednesday, July 29 | 9 – 10:30 a.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

Presented by Arizona Commerce Authority, business owners receive an overview of the legal and tax differences between employees and subcontractors. The class covers W-2 and 1099 requirements, payroll tax basics, filing deadlines and the roles of state and federal agencies. Get answers to your questions in an open Q&A.

Preparing For Funding and Future Growth

Thursday, July 30 | 4 – 5 p.m. | FREE | Virtual
Register

In this practical and beginner-friendly class, small business owners will learn how to prepare with confidence before starting the loan application process. Hosted by Prestamos CDFI and Women’s Business Center.

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