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Mission EDC reports downtown grant program, internship launch and several local investments including $4M restaurant and $3M manufacturer expansion
Summary
The Mission Economic Development Corporation told council the downtown assistance program opened offering up to $25,000 per business; Mission Ready will place 15 interns this summer; Don Pepe’s broke ground on a $4 million investment creating 40 jobs and Bet Manufacturing announced a $3 million plant expansion adding 50 jobs.
The Mission Economic Development Corporation updated the council on a batch of local economic initiatives and private investments intended to support small businesses and job creation.
EDC Executive Director Mr. Garcia announced the Downtown Assistance Program is now open for businesses along Conway Avenue (1st to 18th Street and one block east/west), offering up to $25,000 per applicant to fund façade, interior or technology improvements. The program aims to revitalize the downtown corridor and encourage reinvestment.
Mr. Garcia also said Mission Ready, a six‑week paid internship program limited to Mission students, selected 15 interns from a pool of more than 155 applicants; interns will begin June 15 and work with local businesses through July.
On the project front, the EDC reported a $4 million capital investment for a Don Pepe’s restaurant on Sherry Road that will create about 40 jobs and celebrated the grand opening of a hotel property and upcoming ribbon-cuttings. Bet Manufacturing is expanding with a $3 million investment, adding three new service lines and about 50 jobs; staff estimated the expansion will generate roughly $16 million in payroll annually.
EDC representatives said other programs—Ruby Red Ventures entrepreneurship training and the Starlight collaboration—are ongoing and intended to support commercialization and local business growth.
Why it matters: The mix of façade grants, workforce internships and private capital projects represents coordinated public and private efforts to grow the local economy and create jobs; several announcements include immediate construction and hiring commitments.
Next steps: Downtown Assistance Program applications will be processed by EDC staff; the Mission Ready internship begins June 15; the EDC will return to council with updates as projects progress.
