Category: Finance

The Greater Contribution ‘Move 2 Empower’ fundraiser kicks off July 7-20

by Community Contributor • July 2, 2024 • Comments Off

THOUSAND OAKS — The Greater Contribution in Thousand Oaks is on the move to empower women in remote villages in Uganda.

A special “Move 2 Empower” online fundraiser July 7-20 kicks off a vital mission to help provide micro loans and training to women in remote villages, so they have the tools and support needed to provide for their families.

If that sounds personal, it is. More than 31,000 micro loans have been issued since the non-profit was founded in 2006 by Thousand Oaks resident Karon Wright. Thousands of lives have been changed, and with a loan repayment rate of 98%, future generations share in each success.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2024 • Comments Off

SBA: WOSB – OFFICE HOUR FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFIS)

July 2 @ 8:30 am

The Women-Owned Small Business Program has a new webinar series: WOSB Office Hour for RFIs! This series is intended for applicants who have applied to the become WOSB/EDWOSB certified who have received a Request for Information (RFIs) but are unsure of how to move forward in responding to the RFI. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in an open forum on how to respond to RFIs from members of the WOSB staff. Sessions will be held virtually every Tuesday and Thursday of each week at 11:30 am until 1:00 pm EST.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

County of Santa Barbara July 2024 Newsletter

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2024 • Comments Off

Join us for movies every Friday evening in July and August, except during Fiesta, at 8:30 p.m. Kick off the series with the classic, JAWS, on July 5th.

United Way of Ventura County’s 2024 Stuff The Bus

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2024 • Comments Off

Over 7,500 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. The high cost of school supplies remains a challenge to low-income families during back-to-school season. Studies show that students with barriers to school readiness have increased absenteeism, developmental delays, poor literacy, and decreased emotional well-being. As a result, students who come from low-income families are 7 times more likely to drop out of school than those from families with higher incomes. With your support, we can help increase school readiness among homeless youth in our community, increase their self-esteem, and help them stay in school.

Bilingual commentary — The Risks of Starting a Home-Based Business

by Community Contributor • June 28, 2024 • Comments Off

As incredible as it may seem, there was a silver lining to the pandemic that we all lived through. During that difficult time, when many of us endured a traumatic lockdown, a healthy number of Americans began to seriously consider establishing their own home-based business.

After all, we had time to study and learn how to plan for and establish a home business. People began realizing that by working for someone else, they were actually quite vulnerable to office politics and the vagaries and whims of an employer.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Grant opportunity for California Restaurants

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2024 • Comments Off

Restaurants Care, a nonprofit program of the California Restaurant Foundation, is partnering with SoCalGas, PG&E and SDG&E to offer resilience grants to independent restaurants at the heart of our communities. To date, the Restaurants Care Resilience Fund has awarded grants to more than 2,050 California restaurants. Restaurants Care was created in 2017 as a safety-net for food and beverage workers. To learn more about their fund for food and beverage workers click here.

Bank of America Announces 2024 Ventura-Santa Barbara Student Leaders

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

“By providing career and leadership development opportunities for teens, we can help develop the next generation of skilled workforce that is essential to Ventura and Santa Barbara’s long-term economic growth,” said Midge Campbell-Thomas, president, Bank of America Ventura-Santa Barbara. “These students are truly exceptional, and the opportunity for them to work with a highly impactful local nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity along with financial education can collectively prepare them for future success.”

People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHHC) — Tiburon Place: Pre-Applications Open Monday, July 8

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2024 • Comments Off

“We are excited to bring more affordable housing to the city of San Luis Obispo as construction on Tiburon Place comes to a close,” said Ken Trigueiro, CEO & President of People’s Self-Help Housing. “We encourage those in need of new affordable housing in the area to submit their pre-applications, and look forward to welcoming them home.”

CSU Channel Islands adopts Cal-SOAP from CommUnify

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2024 • Comments Off

… Cal-SOAP is dedicated to improving access to higher education for students from groups that are underrepresented in colleges. CommUnify has operated the Cal-SOAP program since 2011, employing local college students to work as tutors and peer mentors, providing advice and guidance to younger students.

The program also provides financial aid and college access workshops to help students and their families understand, apply, and enroll in college. Students are also able to participate in field trips to college campuses and receive tutoring services to help prepare them for college.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Celebrates Successful Inaugural Year of ¡Listos! Smart & Ready Program and Announces Expansion Plans

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2024 • Comments Off

Launched in response to the financial challenges faced by local families, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic, ¡Listos! Smart & Ready has empowered parents with crucial financial skills through bilingual financial literacy classes. Topics covered include budgeting, saving, and investing. In its first year, the program provided scholarship assistance to 33 families, who have benefitted greatly from the initiative. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting significant improvements in their financial well-being.

First District Supervisor Das Williams — Statement Regarding Loss of Life of Local Teen

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2024 • Comments Off

My heart was broken to hear of the death of one of our local youth as the result of a train strike last week. This is a horrifying accident, and as a parent, it deeply pains me to imagine the grief that this young man’s loved ones are going through right now.

The County Behavioral Wellness team is offering resources and supportfor anyone who is affected by this tragedy. The Community Wellness Team can be reached at 805-364-2750.

It’s time for United Way of Ventura County’s 2024 Stuff The Bus

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2024 • Comments Off

Over 7,500 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. At United Way, our mission is to ensure youth in our community are college and career ready. Support our 2024 Stuff the Bus campaign and help us reach our goal of providing 2,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to local students experiencing homelessness. You can help pave the path to academic success.

Bilingual report — City of Oxnard Adopts Surplus Budget; Will Use $20M of Surplus To Pay Down Long-Term Debt and $9.5M to Bolster Reserve Fund

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“Thanks to the policy direction of our Council and the hard work of City staff, we’re delivering a positive, balanced budget that will continue the restoration of infrastructure such as paving our streets and alleys and investing in community services throughout Oxnard,” said Mayor John C. Zaragoza. “We’re also supporting Oxnard’s long-term financial sustainability by using one-time surplus funds to make a significant payment towards long-term debt.”

Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura Hosts Grand Opening of next phase of Westview Village

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“The timing of this next phase of Westview Village is significant as it is our 75th Anniversary year and this was our first public housing project,” said Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Executive Officer, HACSB. “The success of this particular project is emblematic of our successful housing programs across the City and we are very proud of it,” said Lambert.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura Board of Supervisors approve $3.04 billion balanced budget for fiscal year 2024-2025

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

“I appreciate the work of our directors from across our 25 County agencies and the efforts they have put in to develop a budget to support our County and community,” stated 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “Some challenging decisions were made, but we approve this budget with the greatest good for our community in mind and based on the needs to continue to support the programs that serve our residents.”

Ventura County Community Foundation Power of Purpose – June 2024

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

As a longtime partner with the County of Ventura, VCCF wants to celebrate our latest collaboration to facilitate investment and technical support to our local community’s arts and culture nonprofit organizations.

These groups’ primary mission is to promote, preserve, and enrich the cultural and artistic aspects of our society. They are committed to advancing creativity, fostering cultural understanding, and contributing to the overall well-being of Ventura County residents, while offering platforms for artistic expression, innovation, and promoting a deeper understanding of our shared world.

As a result of the leadership of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and County Executive Officer, our County has made an unprecedented investment of $1.3 million in our community’s arts and culture organizations, independent artists, and art projects. This investment led to the establishment of the Ventura County Arts and Culture Investment Fund at VCCF, and for the County to engage VCCF to manage this grant program for nonprofit organizations, with $600,000 of the overall County investment funding.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura names Scott Powers as new Chief Financial Officer

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The County of Ventura has named Scott Powers as the new Chief Financial Officer. He replaces Kaye Mand who retired in March. Powers was selected following an extensive recruitment of both internal and external candidates and brings 25 years of experience to the position. In his role, he will oversee the County’s $2.9 billion budget.

UCSB — The Current — ‘UCSB’s ÉXITO Program graduates third cohort of future ethnic studies teachers amidst rising attacks on ethnic studies’ and more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

Designed for highly motivated students, the first of its kind program in the UC system provides undergraduates with a clearly structured pathway to becoming credentialed K-12 teachers.

Guest contribution — Can you support Friendship Center?

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

We’re 80% of the way to reaching our Spring Campaign goal of $25,000! We just need a few more donors to push us to (or past) our goal; will you help us close the gap and continue providing low-cost, high quality to our beloved senior friends?

Ventura College Foundation Distributes Over $636,000 In Scholarships

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura College Foundation presented 421 scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year totaling $636,017 during its 35th Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony, May 16, at the Ventura College Sportsplex Field.

Of the 230 scholarship recipients, many received multiple scholarships. Of the amount awarded, $583,884 went to general scholarships, $29,110 was awarded to students focusing on agriculture, advanced manufacturing, diesel mechanics or veterinary tech careers and $23,023 went to students in paramedic studies.

Continuing students received an average of $2,417 in scholarships while students transferring to four-year universities received an average of $3,557. At a minimum, each student received a $1,000 scholarship.

DignityMoves Success Propelled by Partnership with Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — DignityMoves, the organization that has partnered with Santa Barbara County and Good Samaritan Shelter, has received tremendous community and philanthropic support in its effort to reduce homelessness and provide essential services to those in need.

DignityMoves’ appreciates one of our early “believers” whose initial support in 2022 of $75,000 provided both credibility and much positive public attention.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2024 • Comments Off

SBA AND SCORE: SBA CHAT WITH SCORE BUSINESS MENTORS

June 11 @ 9:00 am

Join the SBA and SCORE Business Mentors as they discuss resources to help you with your small business goals. Some of the workshop topics are SBA Resources and How to access them, SCORE Business Mentor Panel and so much more! Bring your coffee and questions to this free virtual event. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. To request reasonable accommodations, please email lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Join us for the June 11 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors FY 2024-25 Budget Hearing

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

Reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores en español
(Board of Supervisors’ Meetings in Spanish)

El Condado de Santa Bárbara está ofreciendo interpretación en español de las reuniones de la Junta de Supervisores. Véalo en vivo en nuestro canal de YouTube en español, o las personas suscritas a la televisión por cable pueden acceder a la programación secundaria de audio (SAP) en los ajustes de idioma.
Aún se requiere pedir con anticipación la interpretación de los comentarios públicos en español. Para proporcionar comentarios públicos en español, póngase en contacto con la Secretaría de la Junta llamando al (805) 568-2240 antes de las 4:00 p.m. del viernes anterior a la reunión de la Junta.

Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ meetings are available in Spanish. Watch live on our Spanish YouTube Channel, or Cable TV subscribers can access Secondary Audio Programming (SAP) in language settings.

Advance requests are still needed to interpret public comment originating in Spanish. To provide public comment in Spanish, contact the Clerk of the Board at (805) 568-2240, before 4:00 p.m. the Friday before the Board meeting.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces Economic Development Collaborative Delivers Financial Assistance for Worker Training in Ventura County

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

CAMARILLO, Calif. – The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) proudly announces the renewal of its contract with the Employment Training Panel (ETP), providing financial assistance to Ventura County employers to offset the cost of worker training and fostering economic growth within California.

ETP funding offers a unique opportunity for employers to invest in customized job skills training, reducing the financial burden associated with employee development and allowing businesses to leverage their tax contributions to the California Unemployment Fund. By determining their own training needs, companies enhance their competitiveness, boost employee productivity and upskill their workforce with industry and job-specific skills. This beneficial initiative also creates opportunities for employees to advance their careers within their current organization.

Bilingual report — Ventura Police Officers’ Association announces 2024 Dee Dowell Memorial Scholarship

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA — The Ventura Police Officers’ Association (VPOA) is proud to announce the 2024 Dee Dowell Memorial Scholarship Program, with over $7,000 in scholarships to be awarded to deserving recipients. The application deadline is June 30, 2024.

“It is a privilege to honor the legacy of Sergeant Darlon Dowell by supporting the educational goals of our local students,” said Corporal Joseph Metz, President of the VPOA. “For over 20 years, this scholarship has enabled us to give back to our community and inspire the next generation of public servants.”

The scholarship will be awarded to three applicants who aspire to pursue careers in law enforcement. Funds can be used for college tuition, books, and other educational expenses.

People’s Self-Help Housing Receives $50,000 Wells Fargo Foundation Grant for New Resident Financial Program

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2024 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing (PSHH) has received a $50,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation to jumpstart the new pilot program Wealth Warrior: 2024 Financial Health and Housing for PSHH residents at the Los Adobes de Maria property in Santa Maria.

The three-month financial literacy program, taught by financial educator and author Linda Garcia, will target 25 USDA farmworker households and aims to empower participants to overcome potential financial trauma. By offering practical knowledge and actionable tactics for long-term financial planning, residents will be provided the tools to create a legacy of financial stability and prosperity for their families through wise investment practices and begin building their own stock portfolios.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announces $25,000 grant from Mechanics Bank in support of affordable housing

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA COUNTY — Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) has been awarded a $25,000 operating grant from Mechanics Bank in support of affordable housing in Ventura County. The new funds will be used to support new loan program development and operations as Housing Trust Fund VC continues to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. The grant is part of the Mechanics Bank Corporate Giving Program which aims to support community development financial institutions and nonprofit organizations that directly support low- to moderate-income individuals, families and communities.

“Mechanics Bank has been a supporter for many years. Their Corporate Giving Program is an important catalyst for change in our community,” said Housing Trust Fund Ventura County CEO Linda Braunschweiger, “We are grateful to have their continued support as we work to bring more affordable housing to Ventura County.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Event and Webinar Schedule

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2024 • Comments Off

CMTC: CMTC CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: LOGICAL ACCESS CONTROL VIA MICROSOFT’S AGDLP

June 6 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC is offering a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting May 21st and ending June 27th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 – 11:30 AM PT. Each of the 12 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Women’s Economic Ventures Unveils 2023 Impact Report at Event that Celebrates Strategic Community Partnerships Dedicated to Economic Equity

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2024 • Comments Off

VENTURA AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) has announced the release of its 2023 Impact Report, highlighting significant strides in empowering women entrepreneurs in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The event, held at the Ventura County Community Foundation, saw attendance from key stakeholders, community leaders, and representatives from partnering organizations, showcasing the collective effort to support women’s economic independence and financial literacy in the region.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Grant Update – New Deadline June 7!

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2024 • Comments Off

This deadline extension encourages more applications and outreach as well as creative and out-of-the box proposals that may take more fine tuning or research. Think big — the options are fairly limitless in terms of how you may use these funds. The key is that the proposed projects drive food justice, food sovereignty, and/or agroecological practices. If you would like help workshopping your idea or if you are not sure the project fits within the scope of the grant, please reach out!

ACH Foundation awards $582,290 at annual scholarship ceremony

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA MARIA — Students and donors gathered at the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on May 23 to celebrate the Allan Hancock College Foundation’s annual?scholarship?awards.

This year, the Foundation awarded 496?scholarships totaling $582,290 to 345 Allan Hancock College students.

“The Foundation continues to expand our ability to serve Hancock’s students, and tonight is evidence of that,” said Jon Hooten, Ph.D., executive director of college advancement and the AHC Foundation. “Congratulations to each and every one of these students who earned these awards.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2024 • Comments Off

SBA: EXPLORE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES WITH EMERALD CITIES COLLABORATIVE (ECC)

May 28 @ 10:00 am

Join SBA LADO to explore the benefits of connecting with ECC & take your business to the next level in government contracting. Discover how Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) can support your small business in accessing government contracts. ECC connects you with government agencies, prime contractors and other stakeholders to help you build relationships and secure contracting opportunities.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2024 • Comments Off

CMTC: CMTC CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: TACTICS & TECHNIQUES USED BY THREAT ACTORS

May 21 @ 10:00 am

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme Announce Community Benefit Fund Scholarship Program

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2024 • Comments Off

PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme and City of Port Hueneme are launching the Community Benefit Fund Scholarship Program. This program was developed to provide financial assistance and support the academic efforts of high school seniors residing in Port Hueneme. The program provides scholarship opportunities to students who are pursuing a college education or seeking to develop expertise in a trade or vocation. The program will provide eight $1,000 scholarships at an upcoming Recognition Ceremony. For details on how to apply and criteria, please email the contacts above or see the attached application packet.