Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Join us for a NO-COST workshop series for businesses!

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READY • SET • GROW

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS WORKSHOP SERIES

Join the City of Oxnard and EDC for this workshop series, which has been developed to help advance business formalization, financial resilience and strategic visibility among small businesses in Ventura County. It addresses core areas where entrepreneurs often face barriers—legal compliance, financial planning, and marketing execution—offering hands-on, actionable training that leads to real outcomes: formal registration, funding readiness and customer growth.

This 3-workshop series will be conducted in English, with the option to answer questions in Spanish. Hands-on materials will be provided in both English and Spanish.

Workshop 1

Build It Right: Legal Structure, Licensing & Business Planning

This foundational workshop helps entrepreneurs legally structure their business and build a strong roadmap through a simplified and strategic business plan. Attendees will gain clarity on compliance, documentation, and business goal setting, all aligned with Ventura County city and state requirements.

In this workshop, you will learn:

  • Choosing the Right Legal Structure
  • City, County and State Licensing Compliance
  • Essential Components of a Business Plan
  • Planning for Success: Business Planning Tools & Templates

Designed for:

  • New and early-stage entrepreneurs
  • Informal businesses looking to register
  • Underserved communities
  • Bilingual support English/Spanish

Workshop 2

Money Moves: Financial Planning, Loans & Growth Strategy

This hands-on session walks entrepreneurs through real-world financial planning tools and local funding opportunities. The goal is to make financial data meaningful and practical—so business owners can confidently apply for loans, manage cash flow, and grow sustainably.

In this workshop, you will learn:

  •  Financial Planning Essentials for Small Business
  • Business Loans & Local Grant Opportunities
  • Hands-On Budgeting for Growth
  • Understanding Business Financial Statements

Designed for:

  • Business owners ready to scale
  • Entrepreneurs exploring loans or grant options
  • Small businesses with limited financial knowledge

Workshop 3

Make It Matter: Marketing Planning & Digital Strategy Execution

This interactive session helps business owners develop a clear, simple marketing plan and strengthen their online visibility. Attendees will learn how to attract customers using digital tools and engaging content while maintaining brand consistency.

In this workshop, you will learn:

  • Elements of an Effective Marketing Plan
  • Digital Marketing 101: Platforms & Tools for Local Reach
  • Content Planning: Consistency Meets Creativity

Designed for:

  • Solo entrepreneurs and home-based businesses
  • Small businesses with limited or no online presence
  • Those seeking to develop a consistent marketing strategy

WORKSHOP INFORMATION

City of Oxnard

September 23 and 30

(Workshops 2 and 3 only)

Check-in starts at 8:30 am, and the workshops start at 9:00 am

Location: Oxnard Main Library

251 S A St. Oxnard, CA, 93030

For more information, CLICK HERE!

City of Ventura

October 2, 9 and 16

Check-in starts at 8:00 am, and the workshops start at 8:30 am

Location: Ventura City Hall

501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001

For more information, CLICK HERE!

Meet the Advisors Behind the Workshops

Luisa Arzate

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Specialties: Marketing/Sales, Social Media, Fluent in Spanish

Juliana Ramírez

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Specialties: Finance, Fluent in Spanish
The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
Partners:

ABOUT THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to enhancing regional quality of life through business development services and strategic initiatives that support the greater Ventura and Santa Barbara County area. Thanks to our countless partners, EDC’s business consulting, upskilling opportunities, low-interest lending and recovery resources are provided at NO-COST!

Get started today by calling our Business Assistance Line at 805.409.9159

Assistance is available in both English and Spanish

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