Regardless of what the calendar says, we have arrived at Summertime in Downtown Mesa, already in all its crazy-hot glory. The al Fresco off Main dining area has exited for now, but we have plans for activating that space throughout the rest of the Spring - see below.
So crank up the a/c, crack open a cold drink, and create that unique shopping experience - we got this.
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Sundown in Downtown: Mesa Movie Mayhem |
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Presenting Sundown in Downtown: Mesa Movie Mayhem, a socially-distanced movie night series, utilizing the former al Fresco off Main space (1 North MacDonald). Patrons may reserve a pod (small one for 2 people, larger one for up to 6 people) for the outdoor screening, and are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.
Although popcorn and soda will be available at the concessions booth, we are encouraging patrons to grab a bite to go from one of our Downtown Mesa restaurants and enjoy it in the pod.
PLEASE NOTE: MacDonald Street will be closed between Pepper Place and Main Street, from 8am to 10pm, on movie days.
Doors Open: 6:00pm
Characters Arrival: 6:30pm (April 24th, May 5th)
Movie Showtime: 7:30pm
Movie Schedule:
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Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund which provides significant funding for small restaurants that suffered during COVID-19. It is anticipated that demand will outstrip funding so qualifying restaurants in Downtown Mesa are urged to apply on as soon as the grant program opens for applications. The opening date has not yet been announced but the portal is expected to open any day.
This grant is available to any “... restaurant, food stand, food truck, food cart, caterer, saloon, inn, tavern, bar, lounge, brewpub, tasting room, taproom, licensed facility, or premises of a beverage alcohol producer where the public may taste, sample, or purchase products, or other similar place of business in which the public or patrons assemble for the primary purpose of being served food or drink.”
- It is a grant and does not have to be repaid
- Limited to $5 million per location
- Restaurants with fewer than 20 locations are eligible to apply
- Covers eligible expenses incurred from Feb 15, 2020 to December 31, 2021
- SVOG recipients are NOT eligible
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The maximum sum of the possible grant funding subtracts the amount spent through the PPP
- SBA will prioritize grants to small businesses owned and operated by women, veterans, and/or socially or economically disadvantaged individuals
- Funds may be used for:
- Payroll costs
- Rent payments
- Utilities
- Mortgage payments (principal and interest)
- Maintenance expenses
- Paid sick leave
- Food, beverage expenses
- Other costs established by the SBA
This information is FYI - more details will be released any day. The City of Mesa and Downtown Mesa Association are monitoring this and will get the word out as soon as more information is available.
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EIDL Supplemental Advance |
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Applying businesses must:
· Have 10 or fewer employees
· Located in a low-income community
· Be in operation on or before January 31, 2020
· Have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
· Demonstrate a revenue loss greater than 50%
FYI - The EIDL Supplemental Advance is different that the EIDL advance, which has now closed. All new funding is being directed to only those who have already applied, but were not original recipients due to lack of funding. Details will be released any day.
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Launched: Downtown Mesa Website |
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Presenting the NEW Downtown Mesa website!
- Mobile-friendly
- Better accessibility
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You can add your own events to the Calendar of Events (submit here)
- Fresh new visual identity including directory photos
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A Maintenance Request form for businesses (not the public) to use to report maintenance needs, such as graffiti, burnt-out streetlights, sidewalk spills, etc. (click here for form)
- A landing page for every merchant, with images and other details
- Landing pages include "What's Nearby" your business: Dining, Shopping, Arts & Culture
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Landing page example: History by George (description, hours, gift card, website and social media link, photo - they're even dog friendly!)
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To include all this info on YOUR landing page, complete this form.
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Mesa Public Schools Celebrates |
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To honor the caregivers in their district, Mesa Public Schools is hosting a self-care event, “Soft Landing” (April 30th, 9am to noon).
These counselors and social workers are working tirelessly for local students and now it is time to fill their cup of self-care. In order for caregivers to care for themselves, the district is seeking donations of the wonderful goods and services from Downtown Mesa businesses. Anything you can donate will be appreciated, and the district is happy to pass out flyers for your businesses along with your donation. They are also looking for fun self-care activities for the caregivers.
The event at the Historic Irving Building (155 North Center Street) includes space for information tables for Downtown businesses. If you're interested in hosting a table, please contact Melissa Valenzuela or call 480-472-0871. Contact Kate to pick up your donations on or before Wednesday, April 28th.
From the Mesa Public Schools:
“We are so thankful for your partnership in our community!”
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Downtown Mesa Farmers Market |
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Marketing Opportunity:
If you have a brochure or flyer that markets your business or restaurant, we will gladly display it at the Market information booth. Please contact Kate for pick-up.
The entertainment stage is available for programming from 8am to 11am each Saturday. If you are interested in presenting a trunk or fashion show, some sort of demonstration, or you are (or know) a performer, please contact Leslie or Max.
As a Downtown Mesa merchant, you have the opportunity to participate by becoming a vendor at the Downton Mesa Farmers Market. Click here for the Vendor application. At this time, we do not have room for food trucks but restaurants are strongly encouraged to apply for booth space.
For a list of participating market vendors, click here.
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Downtown Mesa in the News - March/April
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*Are you in the news? Has a media segment featured your business? Let us share that shout-out! We'll include the article or segment here, and on the Media page on the Downtown Mesa website.
Send the link to Kate - she'll take it from there!
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PLEASE NOTE: As the COVID restrictions are lifted, we now need to ensure our customers have convenient parking. If you have not already applied for your parking permit, please note: street level parking compliance will now be enforced. This month, warnings will be issued, followed by a citation after one warning.
Business Owners/Managers: if you need parking passes for you or your employees, please email Parking at the Downtown Mesa Association, ASAP.
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Wear a Mask - Socially Distance - Be Safe |
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Director of Business Relations
#dtmesarising
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