The Mesa Office of Economic Development recently launched the Mesa Business Builder Small Business Technical Assistance Program.

The program is designed to assist small and micro-sized Mesa-based businesses to improve business competency, competitiveness and resiliency to ensure their success in today’s modern economy according to a release.

Free training, education and one-on-one consulting on a wide range of business topics delivered by subject-matter experts are offered in the program. The assistance will be delivered in the form of webinars, live sessions, classes and one-on-one consulting on topics such as marketing, digital media, finance, business operations, business planning, computer literacy, restaurant operations and more.

This program does not provide direct financial assistance to businesses, but each qualifying business receives a package of services based on its needs. For example, the technical assistance program may help with prepping a financial plan to apply to lenders or grant programs, or to build a website, the release states.

Businesses will join Mesa HUUB, the city’s small business digital networking platform. On the HUUB, businesses have access to more than 100 free webinars and networking capabilities with more than 350 other Mesa businesses. New webinars, upcoming events and program updates will be posted on the Mesa HUUB, myhuub.com/mesa.

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

The annual program is available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2022, or until funds are exhausted for this program year. To be eligible, businesses must be for-profit and Mesa-based. Businesses must provide a W-9 and proof of a Mesa business address.

Apply at MesaBusinessBuilder.com.

If you want to learn more or have additional questions, go to the Mesa Business Builder Technical Assistance FAQ page at selectmesa.com/business-environment/small-business-technical-assistance-program or call 480-644-2398.