Small Business Initiative by Mojo Spa
Helping Small Businesses Thrive
With over two decades of experience navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship our founder, Amanda Kezios, launched a Small Business Initiative in 2022 to empower fellow small business owners with the tools, network, and resources needed to flourish in today’s challenging market. Inspired by the closure of many legacy businesses in the neighborhood, she made it her mission to be part of the solution by helping to build a resilient small business ecosystem through education, advocacy, and community.
Objectives
Empower Strategic Pivots
Help small businesses adapt quickly to market shifts, economic downturns, and changes in consumer behavior.
Modernize Marketing & Operations
Equip entrepreneurs with fresh strategies to replace outdated models of selling, branding, and customer engagement.
Access to Resources
Provide curated information, tools, and connections to facilitate informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
Build Stronger Networks
Foster collaboration among entrepreneurs, lawmakers, organizations, and larger corporations to create support systems rooted in real experience.
Calling all small business owners! Tell us what issues you care about by taking our quick survey.
Panels & Public Speaking
Amanda is a frequent panelist and speaker at events centered on small business innovation, retail reinvention, and women-led entrepreneurship:
Panelist at “Pathways to Small Business” at 50 Summer Fest at the United Center.
Speaker at "Unleashing the 5G Revolution for Small Businesses” in partnership with Bank of America and the Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
Hosted a "Thriving Through Tariffs" virtual townhall with IRMA offering practical advice to small business owners on how to navigate tariffs.
Government Advocacy
Amanda has met with legislators and government officials advocating on behalf of small businesses at the state and national level.
Met with Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and other lawmakers in Washinton D.C. to advocate for small businesses on behalf the Nat'l Retail Federation's small business delegation.
Participated in community-driven programs with the local Chamber of Commerce, The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), and The Nat'l Retail Federation (NRF).
Small Business Roundtable with Congressman Mike Quigley
Amanda brought together over 30 local small business owners and U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) for a roundtable ahead of Small Business Saturday to discuss the challenges facing small businesses and the urgent need for stronger support from Washington.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Meets Local Businesses at Mojo Spa
We hosted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) Commissioner Ivan Capifali, and Alderman Daniel La Spata at Mojo Spa for the inaugural Meet Me On Milwaukee event.
Small Business Meet & Greet with Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
We welcomed Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton at Mojo Spa for a conversation with local entrepreneurs giving businesses the chance to share their concerns for the Governor to take all the way to Washington.
Collaborations and Partnerships
We've proudly collaborated with other local makers, small businesses, and large organizations who share our commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs:
Wildbranch Olive Oil
John Bailey Honey
XO Marshmallow
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Pathstone Financial Advisory
Bank of America
Amazon
Giving Back and Donations
We've donated to over 300 non-profit organizations and charity events across Chicagoland.
Led women's networking events focused on peer support, education, and real-talk entrepreneurship.
Hosted a Lunch & Learn Seminar at the WPB Chamber of Commerce on “The Game Has Changed: Growth Strategies for the New Business Era.”
