La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program

The City of La Mesa, in partnership with the East County Economic Development Council, is revamping the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP). The LEAP program will distribute $350,000 in grant funds to 35 La Mesa businesses in grants of $10,000 per business. The program is open to for-profit brick-and-mortar businesses located within the incorporated City of La Mesa that have been open for at least a year.

The application is currently closed.

Application

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    FAQ'S

    LEAP FAQ’s:

    What is the LEAP program?

    The La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP) is a partnership between the City of La Mesa

    and the East County EDC. LEAP will distribute $350,000 in grant funds to 35 La Mesa businesses in grants

    of $10,000 per business. To receive grant funds, participating businesses will be required to attend

    individualized advising sessions and business training courses.

    What are the eligibility requirements for the LEAP program?

    To be eligible for the LEAP program, you must be:

    • at least 21 years old
    • a resident of San Diego County
     • Own and operate a brick-and-mortar location within the incorporated City of La Mesa.
     • Less than 20 employees
     • Have a valid La Mesa Business license or the equivalent.
     • Prior LEAP grant participants are ineligible.

    How long does it normally take to fill out the application?

    The time necessary to complete each answer will vary by individual.

    What is the process for being admitted into the LEAP program?

    Entrepreneurs wishing to be accepted into the LEAP program must complete the LEAP application. The

    LEAP application is available on the East County Economic Development Council Website. LEAP Program

    – East County Economic Development Center (eastcountyedc.org) Applicants will be selected on a first

    come first served basis, the first 50 applicants who meet the program criteria will be selected to

    participate in the program.

    I was selected for the LEAP program, what happens next?

    Each entrepreneur is required to complete four SBDC training classes and five one-on-one advisory

    sessions. In addition to these requirements, applicants will be expected to register with the SBDC,

    complete all SBDC course materials, and any advisor-assigned homework assignments.

    Will the classes be offered online?

    LEAP training courses will be offered in-person and attendance is mandatory. Classes will typically be

    offered within a 3-month window and make-up sessions will not be available.

    How much time will it take to complete the program?

    Participants accepted into the 3rd Cohort of LEAP will be expected to complete the program by October

    31, 2024.

    When do I become eligible for a grant?

    Entrepreneurs who complete all LEAP program requirements (courses, counseling sessions, etc.) will be

    eligible (not guaranteed) to receive grants of $10,000.00.

    I am an entrepreneur looking to start a business in the City of La Mesa. Am I eligible for the LEAP

    program?

    While LEAP Cohort One and Two targeted entrepreneurial business start-ups, LEAP Cohort Three is targeted at existing businesses. To be eligible for a Cohort Three grant a business must have a brick-and- mortar location in the incorporated City of La Mesa and have been in business for at least one year. The business must also hold a current La Mesa business license or the equivalent.

    My business is a nonprofit, can I apply for LEAP?

    Unfortunately, non-profits are not eligible for the LEAP program.

    I participated in LEAP Cohort One or Two. Am I eligible for Cohort 3?

    Unfortunately, former LEAP participants are not eligible for LEAP Cohort 3.