In case you missed last week's e-blast: August 25 E-blast

New applicants for California’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be able to apply in the funding round opening on September 9 and continuing through September 30. The program provides grants of $5,000 to $25,000 to small businesses hurt by the pandemic. Businesses are eligible based on annual revenue as documented in their most recent tax return. More details.

Business Employee Benefits

8520 Gateside Rd. in La Mesa

(619) 712-9717

Spa Salon for natural nails, gel manicures, luxury pedicures, facials, hydrodermabrasion, waxing and make up. Face, Bath & Body Boutique

9461 Grossmont Summit Dr., Ste D,

La Mesa CA 91941

(619) 741-4166 | www.theupperhandspasalon.com

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce invites you to join them at the ribbon cutting and evening mixer to welcome Blo Blow Dry Bar to our business community. This is a great opportunity to meet this new Chamber member, Angela Brown and her team. Blo Blow Dry Bar believes everyone deserves to feel beautiful, inside, and out. Blow outs have the power to uplift everyone and enhance everyone’s day. The philosophy of Blo Blow Dry Bar is to treat yourself to a good hair day! Sample great food, good conversation and beverages. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. with the “official” ribbon cutting taking place at 6:00 p.m. The evening celebration will end at 7 p.m.

Make plans to join us at this ribbon cutting celebration, evening mixer and open house. Be sure to bring your business cards while you mix and mingle! RSVP now to join the fun!

Official Ribbon Cutting at 6 p.m.

Location: Blo Blow Dry Bar

8806 Grossmont Boulevard in La Mesa

Cost: Free

The region’s latest center providing monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 is coming to Clairemont and will also offer testing for the virus at the same site.

In partnership with Emergency Medical Services Authority the County has opened an Monoclonal Antibody Regional Center at 4425 Bannock Avenue. Learn more about this treatment by here. 

PCG and Clark University are offering a FREE 10 week online Business program for unemployed or underemployed members of the community. This program provides professional entrepreneurial and business skills and includes the construction of a business plan. Once completing the program participants will receive a certificate and be offered a voucher to take the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Certification exam (ESB).

Grants will be available for nonprofit cultural institutions that did not receive funding in any previous rounds. Application window is from August 27 to September 8.

For new applicants and waitlisted applicants from previous rounds. The application window is from September 9 to September 30.

This program will provide security deposit assistance for households that are moving within San Diego County. Applications will be accepted in early September. 

This program is open to landlords with less than 5 rental units, and one unit that is at least 3 months behind on rent. Applications will be accepted in early September. 

This summer, don’t let an earthquake catch you off guard! The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) launched the first ever statewide public earthquake warning system, Earthquake Warning California. Californians can receive earthquake warnings with the state’s free MyShake App, which can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or Google Play on smartphones or tablets. The MyShake App is currently available in English and Spanish, with other languages in the works. The technology links mobile devices with ground sensors to send warnings to those in the nearby area when significant shaking is detected so that individuals have a few extra moments to take protective actions, such as to drop, cover, and hold on.

Let's go back to the 50's for a joint mixer with the Santee Chamber! Join us at the 50's Diner inside Lantern Crest Senior Living's newest building, The Plaza!

This Members-Only event has limited registration so sign up today. Lantern Crest will host appetizers, beer and wine!

Location: Lantern Crest Senior Living

300 Lantern Crest Way, Santee

​Parking available all around The Plaza building.

Cost: FREE - Members of the Santee Chamber and La Mesa Chamber only

Photos courtesy of: Sandra Small/ Photographer

We are happy to announce that we are finally going to get together at The Hills Local Pub!. Each year we have a mixer at his popular local “gathering spot” and we are thrilled to have set the date for this year. Enjoy great hors d’ oeuvres and Happy Hour pricing on beverages and specialty drinks, beer and soft drinks. Join us and meet the staff of The Hills and get reacquainted with this great team. The owners Ben, Marco, Joe, and Jason have created this hip, casual watering hole that has become a favorite of locals and people throughout the region. These dynamic men have the drive and determination to support the local economy, as well as hold charitable events, birthday parties and other celebrations.

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: 8758 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa

Cost: Chamber Members $10 | Guests $15 | At Door $20

Be sure to make plans to join us and bring your business cards while you mix and mingle! The Chamber will hold a raffle throughout the evening! Don’t miss out on the fun!

Join us and welcome New Member Rogue Salon and enjoy delicious food & beverages!

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Official Ribbon Cutting at 6 p.m.

Location: Rogue Salon

7520 El Cajon Blvd., #300, La Mesa

There is funding available and thanks to the San Diego East County Economic Development Council, we have the information categorized for you. Take a look!

Small Business Stimulus Grant Funding is Available NOW From the County of San Diego – We Are District 2

The County of San Diego has received funds from the federal government’s American Recovery Plan Act. This grant is to provide economic assistance to help businesses and non-profit entities impacted by COVID-19. This financial assistance will be allocated to eligible, qualified small businesses and nonprofit entities based on the availability of funds, program guideline, and the submission of all required information and supporting documentation.

Supervisor Joel Anderson District 2 Supervisor has asked chambers to assist with the paperwork for small businesses to complete the submission application. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is happy to help. The La Mesa Chamber has decided to take an extra step in this grant funding process and the recovery of our businesses in La Mesa and announce immediately:

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce believes that assisting ALL businesses in their recovery from the pandemic and ability to obtain funds from the American Recovery Plan Act should be a priority. We are ALL in this together! Chamber Members and Non-Chamber members, effective immediately, may receive help from Mary England, President & CEO of the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce in filling out all paperwork and answering any questions you may have. Mary may be reached 7 days a week –Maryengland@lamesachamber.com or 619-251-7730 to assist you.

Here is the Small Business Stimulus Grant package and the link: tinyurl.com/smallbizstimulusgrant

If you are NOT sure of how to answer questions on the application or need assistance on clarifying what documents you need to submit – contact Mary England at Maryengland@lamesachamber.com or (619) 251-7730, we are happy to help!

NOTE: If you applied for and received county funds under the other Small Business Stimulus Grant, allocated from the CARES Act funding – YES you may apply for these funds, you just need to list the amount you received from the county on the application.

As we begin the road to recovery together, it is important to reflect on the last year. We all had our own individual challenges and learned that this community is strong and our business community is resilient. It is important to capture some data that identifies the direct impacts of COVID. As the City of La Mesa looks to spending portions of the $10.8 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds, it is our hope that some of those funds may be directed to small businesses and nonprofits throughout the City of La Mesa. However, we need to collect information from all of you to see if there is a need, and identify that need. Be sure and pass this survey on to other business within the City of La Mesa to share their opinion, as well.

Answer questions on the survey NOW! Tell us how COVID-19 has impacted your life and business, and if you need any type of assistance. Until we know what your needs are, it is difficult to ask for any portion of these funds. Tell us how funding would help with your economic recovery. We are all in this together!

Survey: tinyurl.com/lamesabizsurvey2021

September 15 - Joint Mixer at Lantern Crest with La Mesa and Santee Chambers : 4:30-6:30pm at Lantern Crest Senior Living | 300 Lantern Crest Way, Santee, CA 92071 | Details/RSVP

September 21 - Evening Mixer at The Hills Local Pub : 5:30-7pm at The Hills Local Pub | 8758 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa | Details/RSVP

September 22 - Rogue Salon Ribbon Cutting : 5:30-7pm at Rogue Salon | 7520 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 300 | Details/RSVP

September 28 - Blo Blow Dry Bar Ribbon Cutting & Evening Mixer : 5:30-7pm at Blo Blow Dry Bar | 8806 Grossmont Boulevard | Details/ RSVP

October 13 - Salute to Local Heroes & Installation Dinner : 5:30-8:45pm at Sycuan Casino Resort | 5485 Casino Way, El Cajon, CA 92019 | Details/RSVP

November 10 - Evening Mixer at Hooleys Public House : 5:30-7pm at Hooleys Public House | 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa | Details