The Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO), working closely with the City of Mesa’s Office of Economic Development, has assisted with the funding of several new restaurants in downtown Mesa as well as the expansion of another through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and NEDCO’s regular loan program. In addition, two other businesses in the downtown district received loan assistance through the non-profit.

As part of their assistance program, NEDCO will be sponsoring a “Social Marketing” workshop on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Inside the Bungalow, 48 N. Robson. The event is sponsored by US Bank and includes a light breakfast.

“We are excited to assist these new and existing businesses in making Mesa’s downtown their home.” NEDCO Executive Director Terry Benelli said. “Our partnership with the City shows how local government and non-profits can have a positive impact on our community one business at a time.”

NEDCO provides special loans at competitive rates with flexible terms tailored for new and start-up businesses and for growth, upgrades and expansion of existing businesses. Funding is provided by both the private sector and the public sector via CDBG grants through the City.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy and the mainstay of America.” Mesa Economic Development Director Bill Jabjiniak said. “Leveraging the federal funds we receive through a portion of the CDBG program allows us to work with organizations such as NEDCO and Mesa-based businesses to maximum benefits in our downtown district.”

Businesses receiving loans through the NEDCO programs include:
Sweetcakes Café (19 & 21 W. Main St.) – The popular deli/bakery offering gourmet sandwiches, soups and a variety of fresh baked treats and cookies expanded at their current location, adding a new business “FroYo,” a frozen yogurt and desert shop, which held a grand opening last week.

Nunthaporn (17 W. Main St.) – A Thai restaurant offering a wide range of authentic traditional cuisine including chicken, duck, pork, beef, seafood and vegetable dishes with rice, noodles, tofu, pineapple, cashews, curry, coconut milk and the like opened six months ago.

Il Vinaio (270 W. Main St.) – An American wine bistro with Mediterranean influences serving traditional American home-style breakfasts and lunches, complemented by Italian & Greek specialty dishes, opened several months ago.

Cucina Di Vita (142 West Main St.) – An Italian deli with fresh and unique pizza, panini and signature sandwiches coupled with hearty soups and salads, and a European style breakfast, take out, and catering services opened last month. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19.

Kinetix Engineering (12 N. Center St.) – A consulting firm that provides civil engineering services in land development and water resources engineering in residential and commercial projects throughout Arizona.

Access Legal Solutions (137 N. Country Club Rd.) – A legal firm based on a completely new model of legal services offering limited scope legal services at low hourly rates, low-to middle income residents of Mesa and the East Valley.

NEDCO, which recently located their offices to Main Street, also provides small businesses, homeowners’ associations and other non-profits with access to development assistance such as entrepreneur education, loan readiness assessment, business credit repair services and loan application assistance.