{"id":318795,"date":"2023-01-18T08:53:09","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T16:53:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sdnews.com\/?p=318795"},"modified":"2023-01-18T10:19:28","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T18:19:28","slug":"leap-accepting-applications-beginning-feb-1-for-second-cohort-of-entrepreneurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/leap-accepting-applications-beginning-feb-1-for-second-cohort-of-entrepreneurs\/","title":{"rendered":"LEAP accepting applications beginning Feb. 1 for second cohort of entrepreneurs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The City of La Mesa, in partnership with the East County EDC, launched the LEAP program, which distributes up to $20K in grant funds to new restaurant, retail, and other enterprises.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">To qualify, recipients must open a business within the incorporated City of La Mesa. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The program will provide each entrepreneur with a robust start-up training program, individualized advising sessions, and an accountable case management system.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>LEAP FAQ\u2019s:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>What is the LEAP program?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP) is a partnership between the City of La Mesa and the East County EDC. LEAP directly addresses the biggest obstacles to starting a new business, (1) training and (2) funding. Each entrepreneur who is accepted into the program will be provided with a robust start-up training program, individualized advising sessions and accountable case management. Upon completion of the program, they will also be eligible for up to $20K in grant funds.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>What are the eligibility requirements for the LEAP program?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">To be eligible for the LEAP program, you must be:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">at least 21 years old<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">a resident of San Diego County<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">willing to open a brick-and-mortar location within the incorporated City of La Mesa.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>How long does it normally take to fill out the application?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The time necessary to complete each answer will vary by individual. Keep in mind that selections for the program are based on the quality of the answers provided on the application. Please give yourself ample time to answer each question completely and to the best of your ability.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>How are the answers on my application screened?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Your application will be screened using a predetermined scoring rubric. Each answer that you provide will be given a point value based on a pre-determined evaluation criterion. Once each of your answers is scored, the points will be added together to give you a final score. The maximum final score that an applicant can receive is 100. Entrepreneurs who receive the highest final scores will be invited to participate in the interview process.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>What is the process for being admitted into the LEAP program?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eastcountyedc.org\/leap-program\/\"><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">LEAP Program \u2013 East County Economic Development Center (eastcountyedc.org)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">\u00a0If an entrepreneur\u2019s application is selected during the screening process, the applicant will be invited to an interview with a member of the East County EDC staff.\u00a0 Applicants who interview successfully will be admitted into the program.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>I was selected for the LEAP program, what happens next?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Applicants selected for the LEAP program will be assigned a case manager. The case manager will help ensure that each applicant stays on track and attends the required courses and advising sessions. Each entrepreneur is required to complete five SBDC training Classes, ten one-on-one advisory sessions, and sign a lease within the incorporated City of La Mesa. In addition to these requirements, applicants will be expected to register with the SBDC, complete all SBDC course materials, develop a business plan and acquire the proper business licenses and permits.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>Why do I need a case manager?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Your case manager is a reliable point of contact for program services, scheduling classes and advising sessions and general check-ins. Your case manager will build a path to success and help ensure that you complete the program.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>What courses will I be required to take?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Entrepreneurs accepted into the LEAP program will be required to complete five courses. All Entrepreneurs must complete:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">LEAP-100: Optimizing Your Start-Up: Simple Steps to Starting Your Small Business<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">LEAP\u2013200: Business Plans that Get Results<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">LEAP\u2013600: Business Loan Readiness<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The remaining two courses will be based on business category. Other qualifying courses include:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">LEAP-300: Pitching your Product to Retail Store Buyers<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">LEAP-400: Opening and Operating a Successful Retail Store<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">LEAP-500: How to Successfully Open Your New Food Business<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Additional SBDC courses may meet LEAP requirements.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>What if I have already completed some of the required courses through the SBDC?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Courses completed through SBDC within the past 3 months do not need to be retaken and will be marked complete.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>Will the classes be offered online?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">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.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>How much time will it take to complete the program?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Completion time will vary among applicants depending on the pace they work at completing the steps towards starting a business. The training classes will be scheduled and completed during a three-month window.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>When do I become eligible for a grant?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Entrepreneurs who complete all LEAP program requirements (courses, counseling sessions, etc.) will be eligible (not guaranteed) to receive installment grants of up to $20,000 based on the following payment schedule:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">$10K Obtain all required permits and licenses and sign commercial lease (within 6 months of course completion)<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">$5K Remain in business for a 3-month period and demonstrate an increase in sales<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">$5K Remain in business for a 6-month period and demonstrate an increase in sales<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>I already have a business \u2013 am I still eligible for the LEAP Program?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Established businesses may be eligible for the LEAP program if they do not currently have a brick-and-mortar location and are expanding to a commercial space in the incorporated City of La Mesa. To qualify, pre-existing businesses must demonstrate the requisite entrepreneurial spirit that is the foundation of the program.\u00a0 Pre-existing businesses can apply and will be subject to the same scoring rubric as new businesses. In these instances, eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><b>My business is a nonprofit, can I apply for LEAP?<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Non-profits are not eligible for the LEAP program.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #747474;\"><span style=\"font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">For more information about LEAP and to apply beginning Feb. 1, visit: <a href=\"http:\/\/eastcountyedc.org\/leap-program\/\">eastcountyedc.org\/leap-program\/<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The City of La Mesa, in partnership with the East County EDC, launched the LEAP program, which distributes up to $20K in grant funds to new restaurant, retail, and other enterprises. To qualify, recipients must open a business within the incorporated City of La Mesa. The program will provide each entrepreneur with a robust start-up [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":938,"featured_media":318797,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"11548","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"The City of La Mesa, in partnership with the East County EDC, launched the LEAP program, which distributes up to $20K in grant funds to new restaurant, retail, and other enterprises.","_seopress_robots_index":"","jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"source_name":"","source_url":"","via_name":"","via_url":"","override_template":"0","override":[{"template":"3","single_blog_custom":"","parallax":"1","fullscreen":"1","layout":"right-sidebar","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"top","share_float_style":"share-monocrhome","show_share_counter":"1","show_view_counter":"1","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"1","show_post_reading_time":"1","post_reading_time_wpm":"300","show_zoom_button":"1","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"1","show_prev_next_post":"1","show_popup_post":"1","number_popup_post":"1","show_author_box":"1","show_post_related":"1","show_inline_post_related":"0"}],"override_image_size":"0","image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"crop-500","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post":"0","trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post":"0","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored by","sponsored_post_name":"","sponsored_post_url":"","sponsored_post_logo_enable":"0","sponsored_post_logo":"","sponsored_post_desc":"","disable_ad":"0"},"jnews_primary_category":{"id":"","hide":""},"jnews_social_meta":{"fb_title":"","fb_description":"","fb_image":"","twitter_title":"","twitter_description":"","twitter_image":""},"jnews_override_counter":{"override_view_counter":"0","view_counter_number":"0","override_share_counter":"0","share_counter_number":"0","override_like_counter":"0","like_counter_number":"0","override_dislike_counter":"0","dislike_counter_number":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[11548,11551],"tags":[12717,12421,13653],"class_list":["post-318795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-la-mesa-courier","category-news","tag-business","tag-la-mesa","tag-leap"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/318795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/938"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=318795"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/318795\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/318797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=318795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=318795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/test.sdnews.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=318795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}