From April 2024 to June 2024, 109 new businesses were welcomed to La Mesa. Businesses include pool cleaning companies, software service providers, bookkeepers, restaurants, and more. The City strongly supports both business retention, as well as creating an environment that encourages new business. Interested in starting a business in La Mesa? Visit our website to begin the process!

We also encourage you to view the Guide for New and Expanding Businesses in La Mesa. This resource provides an overview of what is needed to get a business started, including information about zoning regulations, a checklist for permitting a business, and other important information. 

As a reminder, anyone doing business in the City of La Mesa must have a business license. This includes all businesses within the geographic boundaries of the City; residents working from their homes; out-of-city businesses (such as contractors, delivery businesses, etc.), and professionals.

Looking for funding to boost your community event? Non-profit organizations and businesses can now apply for the La Mesa Village Enhancement Fund Program, which supports events, promotions, programs, or advertising within Parking District Number One. Show how your project benefits local businesses! The application period starts today (July 1) and ends July 31 at 5:30 p.m. The application period starts July 1 and closes on July 31 at 5:30 p.m. 

The City of La Mesa has relied on a local sales tax approved by voters since 2008, generating approximately $12 million annually. With this funding set to expire, the City faces the potential for significant cuts to public safety services and infrastructure maintenance, including streets, sidewalks, parks, and storm drains. To maintain current services without increasing taxes, the City Council is considering placing a measure on the November 2024 ballot to renew this funding. Community input is encouraged through a survey to shape future plans for the city's safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure maintenance efforts.

Did you know we have a resource known as the La Mesa GIS Hub? Here, you can access a variety of interactive maps, one of which is a story map showcasing ongoing development projects within the City of La Mesa. This map not only presents a visual representation of these projects but also offers a brief project descriptions and status updates within the planning process.

Looking for retail, office, or industrial space in La Mesa? Check out our commercial space availability search engine! This user-friendly resource allows you to tailor your search by building size, type, available space size, and lease or sale options.

Join the La Mesa Green Business Network (GBN) and work towards Green Business Certification for free. Access valuable resources, attend educational events, and network with like-minded businesses. Certified businesses may be eligible for up to $500 in rebate incentives for approved green purchasing.

In May, Cohort 3 of the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Program kicked off, welcoming 35 local brick-and-mortar businesses to the program. Led by our partner East County EDC, they received an introduction to the program. Over the coming weeks, these business owners will engage in various classes and personalized sessions to enhance their businesses, including a chance to earn up to $10,000 in grant money.

FOX 5 San Diego's "On the Road" show was in La Mesa! During their live show at the end of June, they showcased many amazing aspects of our city, including the La Mesa Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP)! LEAP has successfully helped launch 15 startups into brick-and-mortar businesses, with the help of our partners at East County EDC. 

Thank you, Fox 5 San Diego, for highlighting this fantastic program!

Two years ago, Duke’s Old-Fashioned Onion Burgers celebrated their grand opening with a bustling ribbon-cutting event. Since then, owner Frank Schultz has continued to delight our community with his fresh-made burgers, fries, and other delicious menu items. Duke’s is renowned for its Oklahoma-style hamburgers, hand-cut fries, and hand-dipped milkshakes. Frank takes pride in using only fresh ingredients, crafting everything from scratch including dressings, pickles, and ketchup—except his ice cream for shakes, which he admits is the exception. Join us in congratulating Frank and his team on this anniversary milestone!

Known for their signature blend "Brew Love," Brew Coffee Spot roasts craft coffee to start your day right and promote positivity. This local coffee shop offers a variety of high-quality brewed coffee, hot and iced teas, blended chai tea, hot chocolate, and more. Stop by to enjoy their community-focused atmosphere, meet the passionate team including partners Joe and Heather Paraiso and Ralf Wilkowski, and explore locally-sourced items and freshly baked pastries. Additionally, they host a monthly "Brew Community Monthly Market" featuring local artisans, produce, crafts, and live music.

Are you on the lookout for a new career opportunity or a fresh start in your professional journey? Look no further! Our vibrant city has exciting job openings across various departments, offering you the chance to contribute your skills and talents to the heart of our community. 

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is hosting their ninth annual “Summer Bash” Business Expo. Meet local businesses and sample food from local restaurants, and more. The event is on Aug. 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego in El Cajon. 

The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce is hosting a joint mixer with the Santee Chamber at Lantern Crest in Santee on Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. This is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with two chambers on one special evening!

The San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is hosting a free webinar! "Creating a Sales Plan That Produces Long-term Results" is an interactive workshop for entrepreneurs and sales managers to develop strategic sales plans. Participants will learn the complete sales process, craft unique selling propositions, and define target audiences, ensuring actionable insights for business growth. Date: July 31, 2024

Time: 9-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:

July 31, 2024 at 8 a.m.

Discover the range of services provided by the San Diego & Imperial Valley SBDC, designed to assist you in starting, growing, and succeeding with your small business. They offer support in various areas, such as accounting, marketing, human resources, technology security, manufacturing, distribution, and finance. Take advantage of their expert training and personalized one-on-one assistance from experienced advisors and trainers.