By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
Mesa has helped more than 530 small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to city officials.
Mesa launched a Small Business and Technical Assistance program in April to help local businesses hit by the economic fallout from the Coronavirus. The program has also helped small business navigate federal and state programs related to COVID-19.
Mesa spokesman Kevin Christopher said the 530 small businesses have been helped with rents and utility payments and other needs.
Mesa’s Office of Economic Development is operating the small business program. It is part of a wider community effort in response to COVID-19 and its health and economic impacts.
Mesa received $90 million from the federal CARES Act to help its response to COVID-19.
The city of Mesa has also providing emergency food boxes and meals to seniors, home-bound residents and other households in need and has bought 9,400 laptop computers for Mesa students in grades K-6 to use at home while schools are closed.