Small Business Initiative by Mojo Spa
Helping Small Businesses Thrive
With over two decades of firsthand experience navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship, Amanda launched her Small Business Initiative in 2022 to empower fellow small business owners with the tools, resources, and strategies needed to pivot, evolve, and flourish in today’s demanding market. Inspired by the closures of legacy businesses in my neighborhood, she made it her mission to be part of the solution—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Equip entrepreneurs with fresh strategies to replace outdated models of selling, branding, and customer engagement.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, organizations, and larger corporations to create support systems rooted in real experience.
If you own a small business, we'd love to take a survey to learn about what is important to you.
Panels & Public Speaking
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
Frequent panelist and speaker at events centered on small business innovation, retail reinvention, and women-led entrepreneurship
Government Advocacy
Participated in Business Day in Springfield and Capitol Hill Advocacy during NRF’s Retail Innovation & Impact Conference
Met with legislators and government officials to represent and advocate for small business needs at the state and national level
Participant in IRMA’s “We Are Retail” initiative
Participated in community-driven programs with the local Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA), and the National Retail Federation (NRF)
Collaboration and Partnerships
I’ve proudly collaborated with an array of small
and large organizations who share a commitment to supporting local businesses:
Wild Branch
John Bailey Honey
XO Marshmallow
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Pathstone – Financial Advisory Firm
Amazon
Bank of America
Giving Back and Donations
Hosted “The Game Has Changed” Lunch & Learn Seminar – Growth strategies for the new business era
Led women's networking events focused on peer support, education, and real-talk entrepreneurship
Donated to over 300 non-profit organizations and charity events across Chicagoland
