Mesa Offers Businesses Free Marketing, Planning, Operations Help

By Christina Estes
Published: Monday, September 20, 2021 - 5:05am
Updated: Monday, September 20, 2021 - 7:48am

Exterior of retail shop
Harry Croton/KJZZ
Hong Kong Gifts is one of more than 80 shops, eateries and other storefronts in Mesa's Asian District.

Mesa just launched a new program to help small and micro enterprises.

Arizona’s third-largest city is targeting businesses with fewer than 25 employees that are technology challenged or have a hard time getting traditional loans or other resources.

The Mesa Business Builder Small Business Technical Assistance Program offers free training, education and one-on-one consulting. There’s no cash awarded but eligible businesses get a package of services based on their needs. That might mean help with marketing, digital media, strategic planning, computer literacy or restaurant operations.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Mesa’s economy,” Mesa Economic Development Director Bill Jabjiniak said in a press release. “We are excited to implement a program that will give them the resources and assistance they need to thrive.”

Businesses must gross less than a million dollars annually. Enterprises involved in gambling, cannabis financial lending and other activities are not eligible.

Participants are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis and must join Mesa HUUB, the city’s small business digital networking platform that features more than 100 free webinars with more events to come. The city says more than 350 Mesa businesses have joined the HUUB.

More information and applications are at www.MesaBusinessBuilder.com. You can also call 480-644-2398.

Business Food + Restaurants Retail + Consumer