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MESA CARES focusing on helping Spanish-speaking businesses

The Rebound Arizona
Posted at 12:24 PM, Aug 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-07 20:49:46-04

MESA, AZ — Rebounding has been difficult for many during the coronavirus pandemic, especially when a language barrier is involved.

Local businesses in the East Valley want and need training as well as education to help them evolve and survive.

However, many owners only speak Spanish.

*Para español presione aqui*

That is why the city of Mesa is expanding their Mesa CARES Technical Assistance Program beginning on Friday, to include webinars for Spanish-speaking businesses.

"Bills are still coming," said Mesa business owner Lizzie Salcedo of Cellulares Conexion. "It's the same bills, same rent, same everything and there's not traffic."

Salcedo thinks this kind of a program will be the lifeline the community needs.

"It's going to be way better, if it would be in Spanish, just so we can all understand and be all in one page," Salcedo said.

Councilmember David Luna agrees. He tells The Rebound Arizona, he is excited that the city is offering the support.

"Tax preparation, for example," Luna said. "E-commerce, adapting to the changing climate, boutique resale, working in restaurants and what that means. One of the most important things is marketing. How we begin to market to our entire community?"

This education will be available from now until at least December as businesses still have a long way to go to get back to where they once were.

Businesses will need to apply online to view classes and training opportunities. To do so, click here.