Category: Finance

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: DOUBLE YOUR SALES WITH “THE LAUNCH PYRAMID”

July 24 @ 8:00 am

Did you ever wonder why some people seem to make money hand over fist while everyone else is struggling? If yes, this is a “Must Attend” for business owners, no matter what size or type of business you have. Join SCORE and EDC for this info-packed, NO-COST In-Person workshop that will give you the answers you need! Regardless of the size and type of business you have, this might be one of the most important workshops you’ll attend all year. In it, one of our resident business experts, James I. Bond, will share the 5 tactics businesses are using RIGHT NOW that are helping them accelerate how fast they are able to bring on new customers and clients for their business. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, CA 93001.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Health Care Foundation for Ventura County invests over $1.2 million in critical medical equipment to strengthen public health care system

VENTURA — Health Care Foundation for Ventura County (HCFVC) proudly announces a significant philanthropic investment of $1,258,949 in essential medical equipment for Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). This contribution reflects HCFVC’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the public safety-net healthcare system and delivering high-quality, compassionate care for all residents of Ventura County. To date, HCFVC has secured and directed more than $14.5 million in charitable support to advance the work of the Ventura County Health Care Agency (HCA).

Allan Hancock College encourages students to register for Fall classes

SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College is still accepting registrations for the upcoming fall semester, which begins Aug. 18.  

“Fall is a great time for students to take that next step,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Whether they are pursuing a degree, a certificate, or just exploring something new, our faculty and staff are here to support their success.” 

With hundreds of classes available in-person and online, there’s never been a better time for students to pursue their educational goals.  

Volunteers fill 650 backpacks with donated school supplies at Yarrow Family YMCA

Five hundred fifty backpacks will be distributed to participants in the Southeast Ventura County YMCA’s Find My Genius, a free five-week summer program to support academic and social-emotional learning for low- and moderate-income students who are not reading at grade level. One hundred backpacks will be given to children affected by the California wildfires identified through the YMCA’s California Strong initiative.

Music Academy of the West Music Note Gala Raises $750,000 to support music education and community engagement programs

SANTA BARBARA — The Music Academy of the West, now in its 78th season, hosted its annual gala on Saturday, July 11, raising $750,000 in support of its mission to advance transformative musical education and foster meaningful community through music. This year marked the debut of the Music Note Gala, a dazzling new celebration held on the breathtaking Upper Lawn of the Montecito Club. The sold out event hosted 410 passionate supporters of the arts under the stars for an inspiring evening of philanthropy, celebration, and extraordinary music.

Thanks to the generosity of Gala attendees — through paddle raises, auction bids, a raffle, and heartfelt donations — the event surpassed fundraising goals, reinforcing the critical role the Gala plays in sustaining the Music Academy’s year-round impact. 

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor sends 2025 Annual Value Notices to property owners

VENTURA — The Ventura County Assessor’s Office has begun mailing approximately 250,000 Annual Value Notices to property owners. These notices inform recipients of their property’s assessed value as of the lien date, January 1, 2025.

Of the total notices being sent, approximately 205,000 are postcards reflecting the standard 2% increase in assessed value in accordance with Proposition 13. In addition, more than 5,700 notices inform owners that their property’s market value is lower than its Proposition 13 factored base year value, indicating a temporary reduction in assessed value.

Ventura County Credit Union amplifies support for VCCDC with additional $150,000 donation through FHLBank partnership

“We’re proud to deepen our support for VCCDC through this incredible opportunity provided by FHLBank,” said Linda Rossi, president and CEO of VCCU. “Together, we’re not just celebrating our 75th year — we’re investing in the future of Ventura County by helping more families access the resources they need to achieve homeownership and financial stability.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: FUND YOUR BUSINESS WITH SPONSORS, EVEN IF YOU’RE JUST STARTING OUT

July 15 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever considered corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking engagements or events? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this webinar is for you! America’s most successful companies partner with sponsors. Why not you? Linda Hollander can help you. She is the author of the #1 best-selling book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps, and the CEO of Sponsor Concierge. Linda has consulted with many entrepreneurs to help them profit from the awesome power of corporate sponsors and has 20 years of experience in business. Her corporate sponsors have included Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Epson, Citibank, FedEx, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.

Cottage Health names Matthew Morgan as Chief Financial Officer

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health appoints Matthew (Matt) Morgan, MBA, FHFMA, FACHE, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 19, 2025.

Matt brings more than two decades of healthcare financial leadership and a proven ability to drive performance through strategic alignment and data-driven decision-making. Most recently serving as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Montage Health in Monterey, CA.

Friendship Center to host Polo Fundraiser on July 18

Didn’t snag your Polo ticket in time!? Not to worry!

Due to an increase in demand we have been able to extend our ticket sales for Friendship Center’s Polo Fundraiser on July 18th. However, don’t wait too long!! The new deadline to purchase tickets is just under one week away and a limited quantity is available.

Ventura County Air Pollution Control District doubles old car buyback payments

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District has doubled the amount it pays residents to retire old vehicles to $2,000 and expanded the eligible model years to 2003 or older.

Before the change, the Old Car Buyback Program offered $1,000 per vehicle with model years of 1997 or older.

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)’s Consulting helps local entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and communities

CENTRAL COAST — From coffee shops and beauty salons to startups and design studios, local small businesses power our economy—and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is helping them grow stronger every day. Running a business can be exciting—but also overwhelming. Many entrepreneurs face challenges like financial stress, lack of strategic planning, or simply not knowing where to turn for support. That’s where WEV comes in.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: LINKEDIN MARKETING ESSENTIALS

July 8 @ 10:00 am

As one of the most important B2B social media platforms, LinkedIn can help you attract more eyes to your business. The biggest advantage of LinkedIn is that it is frequented by many senior-level influencers, decision-makers, and thought leaders. If you want to grab the attention of top-level executives, then you should work on your LinkedIn marketing strategy. Unlike other social networking sites, LinkedIn offers a goldmine of opportunities for B2B marketers. You’ll be better informed about what’s going on in your industry and the industry of your ideal, favorite and most profitable clients.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — SBA financial assistance now available for businesses affected by the civil unrest

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has declared a disaster for the Los Angeles County Civil Unrest, which occurred from June 6 to June 18, 2025. SBA now offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations impacted by the civil unrest.

Help United Way of Ventura County provide backpacks with essential school supplies for 1,000 local homeless youth

Help United Way of Ventura County provide backpacks with essential school supplies for 1,000 local homeless youth

SUPPORT OUR ONLINE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

Our online school supply drive closes on Wednesday, July 9th. When you purchase supplies online through Roonga, the donations will be shipped directly to us to fill backpacks for at-risk students in Ventura County. Our Roonga Drive includes a bundle where you can purchase a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies for $21.30. For less than $22, you can help pave the path to academic success for a homeless student. Click the link here or scan the QR code below to purchase supplies to donate. Thank you so much to those who have already donated!

Bilingual report — Ventura County Assessor certifies record $187 billion assessment roll ahead of deadline

VENTURA — Ventura County Assessor Keith Taylor has officially certified and delivered the 2025 Annual Assessment Roll to Auditor-Controller Jeff Burgh as of Thursday, June 26 – ahead of the July 1 statutory deadline. The roll reflects a record-setting $187 billion in taxable property, highlighting the continued strength and stability of the county’s property tax base.

FireAid donates $75,000 to California Strong to distribute to Palisades and Eaton fire victims

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — FireAid donated $75,000 to California Strong, powered by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA (SEVC YMCA), to distribute to families affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Seventy-five fire victims who had previously filled out relief applications and were vetted received the funds.

The FireAid January 30 benefit concert in Inglewood provided $50 million in immediate relief assistance to more than 120 nonprofit organizations that distributed the funds to over 150,000 fire victims. The California Strong/SEVC YMCA donation is part of a second distribution phase that focuses on long-term recovery.

Friendship Center — The Friendly Finch: July

Dear Families & Friends,

So, I have some news….

We didn’t hit our $50,000 goal for the 2025 Spring Appeal…..

WE SURPASSED IT by raising $52,000! You surpassed it! This was one of our most successful spring campaigns to date, and it couldn’t have come at a more important time. With membership levels and activity scheduling at an all-time high, your support is helping us meet the immediate, growing needs of our community. We received gifts from 106 generous donors, including:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: IS EXPORTING FOR ME – GRANT-FUNDED ASSISTANCE

July 2 @ 10:00 am

Join SCORE for a webinar on a new, grant-funded Regional Export Training and Assistance Program (RETAP). This free webinar will introduce you to RETAP, to the many organizations supporting it and to the entirely cost-free services it offers to new and early-stage exporters. Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up for the program. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your export knowledge, connect with industry experts and get customized NO-COST support to help you start and expand your export activity.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment and strategic importance to the state or region.

Application Period Timeline: For fiscal year 2025-2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during:

July 21, 2025 – August 11, 2025
January 5, 2026 – January 26, 2026
March 2, 2026 – March 16, 2026

People’s Self-Help Housing welcomes new director of home ownership

CENTRAL COAST — People’s Self-Help Housing’s (PSHH) has announced a new Director of Homeownership: Emily Baranek.

As the Director of Homeownership, Emily leads a team of dedicated professionals working to make the dream of homeownership a reality for families across the Central Coast of California. With over two decades of experience in new home design, construction, and affordable real estate development, she brings a wealth of practical knowledge and strategic insight to PSHH.

“I am incredibly proud of the years spent working and learning with Habitat for Humanity. Providing affordable homeownership opportunities for our friends and neighbors throughout the Central Coast is a true passion of mine,” said Baranek. “I have always felt that homeownership is more than just a roof over your head – it’s a foundation for stability, growth and meaningful connection, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining People’s Self-Help Housing in this shared mission.”

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: BUSINESS FORMATION UNCOVERED: NAVIGATING BUSINESS STRUCTURES

June 24 @ 10:30 am

This business formation webinar is tailored to help entrepreneurs and business owners thoroughly understand the advantages and disadvantages of each entity type (sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp.) from legal separate entities, tax reporting structures, non-tax paying entities, liabilities, asset protection and more. In today’s competitive market, choosing the right business entity is more than just a procedural step; it’s a strategic decision that impacts every aspect of your operations and long-term success. The

Stuff the Bus — Help United Way of Ventura County provide backpacks with essential school supplies for 1,000 local homeless youth

United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign aims to increase school readiness of homeless youth and lessen the financial burden of back-to-school expenses on their families. Over 8,000 youth have been identified as homeless in Ventura County. The average cost for back-to-school supplies for one child is almost $600, which can be a challenge for low-income families.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura reports $2.31 billion in agricultural value for 2024

“The 2024 Crop and Livestock Report focuses on the history of Ventura County’s top 10 crops and the issues that farmers face today in cultivating these crops,” stated Korinne Bell, Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner. “Ventura County is unique in that our agricultural community cultivates a significant number of crops with values well over $1 million. This allows for a wide range of products to be cultivated but also presents some substantial challenges for our farmers. Many thanks to the Ventura County agricultural community – growers, packers, and shippers – for providing the data on their efforts in 2024 and making the production of this report possible.”

New state oversight board’s report highlights need to improve nonprofit contracting practices in California

Two bills pending in California State Senate — including Assembly Bill 880 by Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) and Assembly Bill 1039 by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) — deserve Governor’s support

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH NASA’S JET PROPULSION LABORATORY (JPL)

June 18 @ 11:00 am

Join SBA for an exclusive session featuring representatives from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), to learn how your small business can engage in federally funded space research and technology initiatives. “How to Do Business with Federal Agencies” series is designed to empower small businesses with the knowledge and tools to successfully navigate federal contracting, build strategic relationships and unlock new growth opportunities within government agencies.” This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams; please register to obtain the login information. Please note that if you plan to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Please email lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance for reasonable accommodation requests.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Workzones ignites Santa Barbara’s startup scene

SANTA BARBARA — As layoffs and “return-to-work” mandates increase, more people are forging careers as independent contractors and entrepreneurs. Workzones, a premier coworking community located in downtown Santa Barbara, is playing a pivotal role in this transformation, not just a provider of flexible office spaces, but also as a supportive launchpad for the region’s startups.

For more than a decade, Workzones has served the Santa Barbara independent worker and business community by offering shared co-working facilities, flexible private offices and meeting and event space. More recently, the company has expanded its offerings to meet the growing demand for mentorship and support among startups and fledgling entrepreneurs.

County of Ventura Supervisor Jeff Gorell — Wildfire and Emergency Preparedness presentations — Are you ready?

want to personally invite you to attend one of the Wildfire and Emergency Preparedness presentations I am offering across District 2. I have worked closely with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Ventura County Fire Department to make sure these valuable presentations are available to the public — because when it comes to protecting our families and homes, preparedness truly saves lives.

These community presentations will cover key topics like wildfire risks in our area, how to create defensible space around your home, evacuation planning, emergency alerts, and other practical steps you can take now to be ready.

I am thankful to have Fire and Sheriff Emergency Service experts available to offer four opportunities for you to attend this same presentation, held at Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meetings throughout District 2 on the following dates:

El Concilio Family Services — Need to renew your permanent resident card?

OXNARD — Let El Concilio help you stay protected and prepared! *** Nuestro equipo acreditado a nivel federal está listo para ayudarlo. Ofreciendo renovaciones gratuitas de tarjetas de residencia permanente. Renovaciones Solo para Tarjetas que han vencido o vencerán dentro de los próximos 6 meses.

Atentamente,
El Concilio Family Services

Bilingual report — Celebrate the 4th of July with Ventura’s Street Fair and Parade

VENTURA — The City of Ventura’s beloved 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem-Pullem Parade returns on Friday, July 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the heart of Downtown Ventura.

Courtesy photo.
The Pushem-Pullem Parade, presented by the Rotary Club of East Ventura, kicks off the celebration at 10:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Cemetery Memorial Park and flows into the Street Fair. The parade is free and open to all; no registration is required. Families are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, strollers, or wagons and join the fun. Please note motorized vehicles are not permitted.

Meadowlark Service League distributes more than $315K to local charities

CAMARILLO — Representatives from 37 charities across Ventura County gathered to celebrate community along with the hard-working ladies of the Meadowlark Service League on Thursday, June 6th at the Las Posas Country Club. 

The charities that are supported by the Meadowlark Service League impact the elderly, youth/children, the arts, the homeless, the disabled, veterans, hospice, health, feeding the needy, community services, and education. In addition, $15,000 in scholarships will be given to new and continuing college students. 

Bilingual report —City of Ventura encourages community input on future of Downtown through Main Street Moves questionnaire

VENTURA — The City of Ventura invites community members to help shape the future of downtown by participating in the Main Street Moves Questionnaire, available online through June 30, 2025. The questionnaire offers a valuable opportunity for residents, property owners, business owners, and visitors to share input on the future design and use of Main Street.

The questionnaire follows the overwhelmingly positive turnout at the Main Street Moves Visioning Session hosted on May 31, 2025. More than 100 residents participated in the event, offering thoughtful ideas and feedback on potential streetscape design improvements, accessibility upgrades, landscaping, public art, and downtown programming.

STRIKE AVERTED: Healthcare Workers at Six Planned Parenthood Central Coast Clinics Reach Tentative Contract Settlement

CENTRAL COAST — SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW) and Planned Parenthood California Central Coast (PPCCC) have reached a tentative agreement that both supports the clinical staff of the organization as well as positions the organization to face the challenges ahead.

Grace Housing Inc. to announce 15 local nonprofits receiving funds during its 10th annual grant recipient reception

The reception celebrates the 2025 recipients of Grace Housing Inc.’s charitable grants, which empower local organizations to meet the community’s most urgent needs. Since its inception in 2015, GHI has distributed over $1.25 million in charitable grants, continuing the legacy of service established by Grace Lutheran Church, which donated the land that made this mission possible.

Grace Housing Inc. operates with a commitment to sustaining and expanding the impact of Grace Lutheran’s charitable work. Beyond managing affordable housing properties, GHI actively seeks to fund initiatives that address Santa Barbara’s community needs. Its charitable grant program supports organizations focused on essential services, including food security, healthcare access, and housing solutions for vulnerable populations. By reinvesting rental income from its properties, Grace Housing Inc. maintains a steady source of funding that ensures long-term support for Santa Barbara’s most pressing social challenges.

Bilingual report — County of Santa Barbara June 10 Board of Supervisors meeting — Topics Include: Mental Health Services Act Update, Homelessness Update, Williamson Act Overview

The next regular meeting of the
County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 
9 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Joseph Centeno Betteravia Government Administration Building
Board Hearing Room
511 East Lakeside Parkway, Santa Maria
The public may participate virtually or in person at the County Board Hearing Room
in Santa Barbara or Santa Maria. 

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) — Our Youth Fellowship Quinceañera

As a supporter, you know that we care deeply about investing in the next generation of movement leaders.

And next month, we’re proud to share that we’ll be kicking off our 15th year of the CAUSE Summer Youth Fellowship!

Consider making a gift of $15, $25, $50, $100, or more in honor of our Summer Youth Fellowships Quincenera!

Some of you have been building this program with us since the very beginning. Some of you know our graduates well or are alums yourselves!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON: DIGITAL MARKETING 101

June 3 @ 8:30 am

Join SCORE Ventura County, City of Moorpark and EDC for this insight-packed workshop. It aims to educate business owners on the essential digital marketing skills, including social media dos and don’ts, tips for both digital and print marketing, creating engaging and effective content, avoiding common mistakes and so much more! Location: Moorpark City Hall, 323 Science Dr., Moorpark.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Esteemed Barry Goldwater Scholarship awarded to California Lutheran University student

THOUSAND OAKS — Elisha Tong is furthering her student research at California Lutheran University amid the growing health crisis of antibiotic resistance, thanks to a scholarship from The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. The nonprofit awards scholarships to college students pursuing research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. A total of 441 sophomores and juniors nationwide were selected from over 5,000 who applied for the 2025-2026 academic year.

“This scholarship reflects my hard work and the support I have received from Cal Lutheran professors, mentors, friends and family,” said Tong, a Cal Lutheran junior. “Being selected as a Goldwater Scholar has reaffirmed my aspiration to contribute to our growing understanding of the world through science.”

Central Coast United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) hiring team members in Oxnard

We’re building power – and we’re building our team.

CAUSE is excited to announce that we’re hiring two new team members in Oxnard to grow our environmental justice organizing and advocacy work.

Right now, powerful industries are trying to turn our communities into sacrifice zones – polluting our air, threatening our health, and putting profit over people. And with growing attacks from the federal level, we know we need bold, grassroots leadership now more than ever. That’s why we’re expanding our team to meet this moment.