MESA, Arizona – March 27, 2018 -- Mesa Community College and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce establish Green Flag Mesa, a new business development center for Mesa Community College (MCC) students. Officially opened for business March 7 the facility bolsters development of small businesses operated by MCC students.

The remodeled space located at the Mesa Chamber of Commerce’s new office at 165 N. Centennial Way, Suite 208, Mesa; provides work space for up to 10 small businesses for up to a year. Qualified MCC students rent the space for a modest $10 monthly fee.

“A majority of brilliant business ideas introduced by students rarely materialize due to inexperience, limited capital and lack of resources,” said Daniel Piercy, MCC Business & Information Systems faculty. “Green Flag Mesa provides students with the professional mentoring, office space, equipment and the knowledge resources needed to launch and bring their business ventures to fruition.”

Christopher Cole, operator of Lorde Cole, a men’s style and design business, is one of the first MCC students to take advantage of Green Flag Mesa resources and supports.

"Green Flag Mesa will help me connect with the community and hopefully expand my influence," said Cole.

“This is just the beginning,” said Sally Harrison, Mesa Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “Our plan is to partner with Chamber members to continually expand the resources available to students, further stimulating the growth of current and emerging businesses in the East Valley.”

MCC students with a fully developed business idea, one that is ready to launch, may apply by contacting Dan Piercy at 480-461-7871 or daniel.piercy@mesacc.edu.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-789

With a history that extends more than 110 years, the Mesa Chamber of Commerce has come a long way. The Chamber continues to bring top of the line networking opportunities to the community. Witnessing the growth and expansion of Mesa has given the Chamber more motivation to stay ahead of the curve and offer effective, up to trend events and programs throughout the years. Learn more at http://www.mesachamber.org.

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to higher education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Renowned faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and nationally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of 10 colleges comprising the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, Visit mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, http://www. maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.