Applications for the Mesa Business Builder (MBB) Small Business Assistance Program are now open. The program, designed to help Mesa's small businesses grow, offers free customized consulting, industry boot camps and business education opportunities to eligible small businesses licensed by the City of Mesa.
"Investing in small business is an investment in Mesa's economy," said Mesa Economic Development Director Bill Jabjiniak. "Mesa Business Builder programs provide our small business community with the tools they need to grow and thrive."
A link to the application is now posted on Mesa HUUB (myhuub.com/mesa), a free online community aimed at small business owners, which is supported by the City of Mesa Office of Economic Development. Find MBB Small Business Assistance Program details at MesaBusinessBuilder.com.
"This program helped me learn what I needed to do in my business to make it successful and grow," said Tabitha Holmes, owner of House of Holmes, which offers a variety of fashion design services. This includes pattern making, grading, and manufacturing cut-and-sew products from apparel to tactical gear.
Holmes utilized customized consulting for strategic planning to best prepare for growth. "My consultant asked questions and had me do some work on my business to better prepare me as I add employees and take on new customers." She now employs 18.
Assistance is delivered as one-on-one consulting on topics such as marketing, business operations, finance, social media, strategic planning and more, as well as industry-specific training programs at no cost to the eligible business. The program does not provide direct financial assistance, but each business receives a package of support based on the applicant's needs.
The program is aimed at businesses with 25 or fewer full-time employees that are physically located in Mesa and have a valid Mesa General Business License.
The Mesa General Business License is required by most businesses operating in the city. The application fee is $10 through the end of 2023. Businesses are encouraged to apply for their license online at mesaaz.gov/business/licensing. The business license number is required when filling out the MBB Small Business Assistance application.
The MBB Small Business Assistance Program, now in its third year, assisted more than 200 Mesa businesses during the past two years. Additionally, Mesa HUUB - a digital platform offering more than 100 webinars, online networking, grant information and other resources - currently is supporting 732 Mesa businesses.
Program assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis through April 30, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.