EAST COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT logo

LEAP Program (La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program)

EAST COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Foundation Small Business Grants
Apply Now

Funding Amount

$10,000 per business

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

LEAP Program (La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program)

Status: Application currently closed

Overview: The La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP) is a partnership between the City of La Mesa and the East County Economic Development Council. The program distributes grant funds to La Mesa businesses.

Geographic Scope: Incorporated City of La Mesa, California

Funding Details:

  • Total fund: $350,000

  • Target: 35 La Mesa businesses

  • Award: $10,000 per business

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • At least 21 years old

  • 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 equivalent

  • Business must have been open for at least one year (Cohort 3 requirement)

  • For-profit businesses only (nonprofits are ineligible)

  • Prior LEAP grant participants are ineligible

    • What They Fund:

  • Existing brick-and-mortar businesses in La Mesa

    • What They Don't Fund:

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Startup businesses (Cohort 3 targets existing businesses)

  • Businesses outside City of La Mesa

  • Previously funded LEAP participants

    • Program Requirements:
    Participants must complete:

  • Four SBDC training classes (mandatory, in-person attendance)

  • Five one-on-one advisory sessions with SBDC

  • All SBDC course materials and advisor-assigned homework

  • Classes typically offered within 3-month window with no make-up sessions available

    • Selection Process:

  • First come, first served basis

  • First 50 applicants who meet program criteria will be selected

  • Grant eligibility: Completion of all program requirements makes businesses eligible (not guaranteed) to receive the $10,000 grant

    • Contact Information:

  • Address: 127 E. Lexington Ave.

  • Phone: 619.258.3670

  • Email: info@eastcountyedc.org

    • How to Apply

    LEAP Program Application Process

    1. Access the Application
    - Available on the East County Economic Development Council website
    - Application is currently closed

    2. Submission Requirements
    - Complete LEAP application with required information
    - Demonstrate eligibility (business license, location, business age, etc.)

    3. Selection Criteria
    - First come, first served basis
    - First 50 eligible applicants selected to participate

    4. Upon Acceptance
    - Register with the SBDC (Small Business Development Center)
    - Attend four mandatory in-person SBDC training classes
    - Complete five one-on-one advisory sessions
    - Complete all SBDC course materials
    - Complete advisor-assigned homework assignments

    5. Timeline
    - Classes typically offered within a 3-month window
    - Make-up sessions not available
    - Participants must complete program by specified deadline (e.g., October 31 for Cohort 3)

    6. Grant Distribution
    - Upon completion of all program requirements, entrepreneurs become eligible to receive $10,000 grant
    - Grant is not automatically awarded but contingent on requirement completion

    Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    small-businesses

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Small Business Grants

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    Elm City Opportunity Fund

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    Careers in Technology Tuition Reimbursement Program

    Amount

    50-90% of training costs

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    ALX B2B Grant Program

    Amount

    $10,000 - $20,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    ALX B2B Business Association Grant Program

    Amount

    Up to $535,000 total distributed (amounts vary by organization)

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    Green Growth Alliance: US/Japan Climate-Gender Innovation Collective for Africa

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    One-time
    Foundation

    Shared Pathways Fund

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Ready to apply for LEAP Program (La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program)?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more