Launching a Product-Based Business in the East Valley

Thinking About Selling Your Products Locally? East Valley Is Full of Opportunity

From handmade candles and natural skincare to custom apparel and baked goods, the East Valley — including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek — is bursting with entrepreneurial energy.

If you’re ready to turn your product idea into a full-fledged business, this guide will help you take the first steps, connect with the right resources, and start selling in your local community.

Step 1: Define Your Product and Your People

Before anything else, get crystal clear on what you're selling — and who it’s for.

Is your product handmade, locally sourced, or niche-specific?

Who’s your ideal customer in the East Valley (families, young professionals, retirees)?

Can your product solve a local problem or meet a unique need?

This clarity will shape your pricing, packaging, and marketing later on.

Step 2: Register and License Your Business

You’ll need to get legal before you start selling.

Register your business name with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Get a TPT License (Transaction Privilege Tax) from the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Check city-level requirements for Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, etc., especially if you plan to sell at events or run your business from home.

Many East Valley cities have small business guides on their websites — they’re super helpful for first-timers!

Step 3: Start Selling Locally at Events and Markets

East Valley is packed with farmers markets, pop-up events, and craft fairs. These are perfect for testing your product, getting feedback, and building local buzz.

Look into:

Downtown Chandler Art Walk

Gilbert Farmers Market

Mesa Main Street Market

Queen Creek Festival

Local First Arizona events

Bonus: These events are full of other small business owners — a great place to build your network too.

Step 4: Build a Simple Online Presence

Even if you’re selling locally, having a basic online presence adds credibility and helps customers find you after events.

Set up a simple website or Etsy shop

Use Instagram or Facebook to post product photos, behind-the-scenes stories, and event updates

Add a Google Business Profile to show up in local searches

Keep it simple and focused on what makes your product unique.

Step 5: Focus on Customer Experience and Community

East Valley residents love supporting local — especially when businesses feel personal and community-minded.

Include handwritten notes or freebies with orders

Offer loyalty perks at markets or repeat customer discounts

Collaborate with other local makers or cafes to reach new audiences

Happy local customers often become your best marketers.

Step 6: Take Advantage of Local Resources

You’re not doing this alone. East Valley offers plenty of support for new product-based businesses.

Check out:

SBDC (Small Business Development Center) at Mesa Community College

East Valley Chamber of Commerce events and workshops

Local coworking spaces like Gangplank Chandler for networking

Free SCORE mentoring sessions for guidance and planning

These resources can help you with marketing, funding, scaling, and more.