Green Flag Program

Green Flag Mesa provides students with the business tools, mentoring, and resources to launch a new business venture in today's competitive environment. The program is a unique partnership between the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Mesa Community College.

MCC students receive support through each phase of developing their business, and have access to the knowledge, experience, and networking opportunities of Mesa Chamber of Commerce members.

Those accepted into Green Flag receive support for up to four semesters (two years) through the launch of their venture.

Looking to start a business?

If you have an idea for a great new business, the work involved in launching it can feel overwhelming. Green Flag is here to help you succeed with personalized training and support. We can help you:

• Build a strong business knowledge base
• Find investment capital, space, and other financial resources
• Network, including with an assigned mentor

When you own your own business, each day brings new challenges, exciting opportunities, and a chance to engage your passion. Take control of your future with support from the Green Flag program.

The Green Flag Approach

Participants progress through four phases, completing one major section of a business plan per phase while receiving classes, mentorship, resources, and compliance support. Classes are aligned with the business plan elements being developed in each phase.

Vetting and Validation (prior to admittance)

You will join the MCC Student Entrepreneur Club to pitch your initial idea. Representations from MCC and Mesa Chamber of Commerce will review ideas for marketability.

Once approved, you will have access to instructor-guided use of MCC resources to see if your idea is viable. You may complete tasks such as surveys, "smoke tests," and market research.

Timeline: Complete within 30 days.

If your idea is validated, you will apply the Green Flag program and move into the first phase if accepted.

Phase I: Business Foundation

You will begin developing your formal business plan based on the SCORE template. In phase one, we will focus on the company mission, vision, goals, target market, and legal structure.

Activities:

• Receive a dedicated mentor from MCC, the Chamber, or the SCORE network for ongoing guidance.
• Classes aligned with the early business plan stage, covering foundational topics such as introductory accounting, basic law/business structures, human resources basics, introductory finance concepts, general marketing principles, and technology tools for startups.
• Build a polished business plan draft (starting with Company Description) and initial pro forma financials (e.g., high-level revenue/cost projections).

Timeline: One semester (about four or five months).

Phase II: Marketing and Compliance

You will obtain your business license and continue developing your SCORE plan, focusing on identifying your target market, competition, pricing, promotion, and distribution.

Activities:

• Ongoing support from your mentor.
• An Arizona-specific regulatory and compliance deep-dive, following the Arizona Corporation Commission’s “10 Steps to Starting a Business in Arizona” (e.g., entity formation like LLC, name registration, tax IDs/EIN, transaction privilege tax).
• Obtain City of Mesa Business License and complete required filings.  
• Classes aligned with the marketing plan stage, emphasizing market analysis, customer segmentation, branding, digital/social media marketing, sales channels).

Timeline: One semester (about four or five months).

Phase III: Finance and Resource Integration

You will receive workspace and develop the financial plan section of your SCORE template, focusing on startup expenses, capitalization, projections, cash flow, and balance sheets.

Activities:

• Ongoing mentor support.
• Enroll in the Mesa Business Builder Program (City of Mesa in partnership with the Chamber), providing access to free expert consulting, coaching, networking events, resource hubs, and tools.
• Leverage Mesa Chamber of Commerce connections—including the Capital Opportunity Program (referrals to financial partners for loans/grants/equity), Mesa Financial Network committee (sessions on credit, lending, capital readiness), and partner institutions—to identify and pursue lending options. This might include bank loans, microloans such as Arizona Microbusiness Loan Program, equity opportunities, grants, and other capital sources. Includes facilitated introductions, workshops, and referral pathways.
• Receive a workspace assignment. This might include The Studios co-working space in Mesa for general operations, or “Next Phase” retail space at Superstition Springs Mall for retail-focused ventures (through the Chamber and Department of Economic Development).
• Classes and assignments aligned with the financial plan stage, with emphasis on finance and accounting topics. These might include detailed financial modeling, bookkeeping, cash flow management, break-even analysis, funding strategies, and tax considerations.

Timeline: One semester (about four or five months).

Phase IV: Launch and Executive Summary

You will launch your business and complete the executive summary of your SCORE plan.

Activities:

• Optional continued mentorship.
• Active support from the City of Mesa and the Mesa Chamber. They will help you identify property, secure leases/loans, and provide launch assistance (such as marketing support and ribbon-cutting events.
• Full business launch! You will begin operations, sales, and growth activities.

Timeline: One semester (about four or five months).

Additional Benefits

• Participants are encouraged to compete in MCC and City of Mesa Pitch Competitions. These events run throughout each semester for skill building, networking, and potential funding.
• Links to MCC Entrepreneurial Studies certificates.
• East Valley Community Entrepreneur Center consultations.
• Chamber of Commerce perks such as member-rate events.