Mesa CARES Small Business Reemergence Program launches next phase to provide FREE business assistance

June 5, 2020 at 9:37 am

The City of Mesa is teaming up with local nonprofits and business-support organizations to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Part two of the Mesa CARES Small Business Reemergence Program includes technical assistance for businesses delivered through a group format and through individualized training, education, and services. Applications are available beginning Monday, June 8, at 8 a.m. at www.MesaAZ.gov/CARESBizTechAssist and will be available on a first-come, first served basis.

The Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program is designed to provide free training, one-on-one business coaching and technical assistance services to eligible, Mesa-based businesses that were impacted by the required business closures or limited services mandated by statewide Executive Orders. The services are in direct response to the community and business survey conducted in March and through April, coinciding with the announcement of business closures and stay at home orders. Small businesses were struggling for help in many areas and some in more critical need than others.

The application process allows businesses to rank their priorities from 33 categories for training, education and services including business planning, accounting, financial counseling, debt restructuring, marketing, web development and design, e-commerce, human resources and cybersecurity. Once approved, the business will be matched with one or multiple providers for the selected services. Methods of delivery will include webinars, small group classes, live question and answer sessions, boot camps, labs, workshops and one-on-one consulting. The Technical Assistance Program is funded with $1.5 million and expects to serve more than 1,000 Mesa businesses.

"More than half of small business owners surveyed by the City of Mesa said they were significantly affected by COVID-19," Mayor John Giles said. "The Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program serves small business owners by connecting them to the individualized help they need."

All Mesa-based small businesses affected by COVID-19, even if they received federal COVID assistance funding (through PPP or EIDL), are eligible for the Program. Home-based Mesa businesses are also encouraged to apply.

Businesses can apply for assistance online at www.MesaAz.Gov/CARESBizTechAssist. Anyone needing help completing the application may contact the Mesa CARES Community Resources Call Center at 480-644-CARE (2273). The call center is open Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance Program is part of the Mesa CARES Initiative that supports individuals, families, and businesses impacted by COVID-19. Funding comes from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Public Information and Communications
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov