Tag: Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces 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 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:

January 6, 2025 – January 27, 2025
February 24, 2025 – March 10, 2025

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces 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 2024-2025, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire

Apply Now!

Thanks to legislation approved by Congress and signed by President Biden, SBA has received $2 billion to resume issuing disaster loans. Residents and businesses can now get the disaster loan assistance they need to recover from recent disasters across the nation.

SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s authorized representative, Director Nancy Ward, of the California Office of Emergency Services on November 25. The disaster declaration makes low-interest federal disaster loans available to residents and businesses the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Kern who were affected by the Mountain Fire that began November 6.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

Labor Market Report for November 2024

The California Labor Market Information Division has released its November 2024 report, showing no change to the unemployment rate, steady month-over-month at 4.9% and nearly unchanged year-over-year, though up a tick from 4.8% in November 2023. 

For those who follow this report, apologies, we’ve been busy a bit and skipped last month. That noted, for this month, we’re providing only a brief summary, including a bit of a look back, over the five-year period to November 2019, to what was then just a couple of months short of the onset of pandemic. Next month we’ll have the full calendar year 2024 to look at and will make some observations accordingly.

Jan. 16 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presenting Navigating the 2025 Employment Law Landscape: Key Updates and Insights

Schneiders & Associates, in partnership with the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and SCORE, invites you to the Annual Employment Law Update! This in-person event offers a comprehensive overview of the latest employment laws and practical insights to help your business stay compliant and ahead of the curve. This essential event covers critical topics like NLRB rulings, freelance protections, handbook updates, travel time rules, and IRS mileage rates.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — UPDATED: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí. UPDATED: SBA OFFERS DISASTER ASSISTANCE TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE MOUNTAIN FIRE Apply Now for Future Funding!* *Funding for the U.S. Small…

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: HOW TO GET BUSINESS CREDIT LINES & LOANS WHEN BANKS SAY “NO WAY”

December 18 @ 5:00 pm

The SBIR and STTR programs are highly competitive and encourage U.S. small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) initiatives with commercialization potential. Join SBA as they discuss NASA’s SBIR/STTR program. Learn about program phases and discover funding opportunities for innovative projects and technologies. Gain insider knowledge to position your business for success. Hear from industry leaders and expand your aerospace network. Stay informed and inspired, and have your questions answered at this exclusive event. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note that if you are planning to use a mobile device to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app on your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. To request reasonable accommodation, please email lado@sba.gov at least seven days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents Affected by the Mountain Fire – EDC Business Alert

Apply Now for Future Funding!*

*Funding for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Fund has been fully expended. No new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding. HOWEVER, the SBA remains committed to supporting disaster survivors and will continue to accept applications and process them to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available. 

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: BUSINESS FORMATION UNCOVERED: NAVIGATING BUSINESS STRUCTURES

December 10 @ 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 need for this webinar arose from observing how frequently new business owners navigate the initial setup phase without a clear understanding of the implications of their choices. The structure you choose affects not only your liability and tax obligations but also your ability to manage everyday operational tasks effectively. Each entity type comes with its unique requirements and benefits, and understanding these can be the difference between flourishing and floundering. Additionally, SCORE will cover essential topics such as government and state registration, agreements, permits and business insurance. Whether starting a new venture or looking to improve an existing one, join SCORE to learn how to establish a strong and compliant foundation for your business.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: YEAR-END FINANCIAL REVIEW WITH QUICKBOOKS ONLINE

December 3 @ 10:30 am

Prepare for year-end with a comprehensive financial review using QuickBooks Online. EDC Small Business Development Center Advisor, Accounting Expert and QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will cover closing the books, reviewing financial health and preparing for tax season.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces Small Business Saturday

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday approaching, the 2024 holiday shopping season is about to begin! According to the 2023 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express, last year, approximately $17 billion was spent on independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday. 

Local small business purchases this holiday season make a big difference for your neighbors and community. Now is a critical time to encourage friends, family members and local businesses to shop local and join the Small Business Saturday movement!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) announces free event and webinar schedule

SCORE: STRATEGIES FOR OVERWHELMED AND OVERTHINKING ENTREPRENEURS

November 26 @ 10:00 am

There are two reasons that the business of “working on your small business” rarely gets done. The first is that you are overwhelmed because you’re responsible for everything. Even if you can delegate, you still must check the work and make sure it’s done correctly. That takes a toll. The other half of that equation is when you do get into action to improve your business, you are shown dozens of options. This causes you to overthink your decisions. In this webinar, SCORE will look at ways you can solve these problems in your business with easy-to-implement solutions. Everyone who attends will receive a copy of, “The Marketing Checklist 4: Your Guide for Overwhelmed and Overthinking Entrepreneurs.”

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

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

November 19 @ 10:00 am

Would you like to do what you love and have someone else foot the bill? Have you ever thought about corporate sponsors for your business, show, book, charity, speaking 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, Fed Ex, Health Net, Southwest Airlines, Bank of America, Staples, American Airlines, Walmart and IBM.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Mountain Fire Resources Update

UPDATED: Local Assistance Center for Mountain Fire Recovery

Local Assistance Centers are designed to provide one centralized location for information, referrals, resources and services to individuals and families impacted by disasters. Several Local, State, and Community-Based Organizations will offer support and services at the Local Assistance Center. 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Mountain Fire Resources Update

On November 11, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Ventura County due to the Mountain Fire. As of right now, the proclaimed state of emergency has NOT triggered FEMA or SBA disaster assistance.

County Specific Resources

Ventura has been proclaimed a state of emergency. Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties have not declared any disasters. For updates, check your county’s website below.

County of Ventura, click here

County of Santa Barbara, click here

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO TO CYBERSECURITY

November 12 @ 10:00 am

Empower your small business with a deep dive into cybersecurity basics at SBA’s upcoming Introduction to Cybersecurity event. Discover practical strategies to protect your business online. Join SBA for insights tailored to small businesses, ensuring your digital assets are secure. Do not miss out on the chance to boost your digital security knowledge. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams, please register to obtain for the login information. Please note, if you are planning to use a mobile device 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. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — National Veterans Small Business Week

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Veteran’s Small Business Week. The EDC is dedicated to providing equal access to resources, advising and capital to all business owners. Since 2010, the EDC has provided over 2,000 hours of one-of-one business advising to Veteran-Owned businesses and has helped generate over $990 million in revenue.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Mountain Fire resources

The Mountain Fire began in the Somis area on November 6, 2024, and has since expanded to other cities. If you or your business are affected, resources are listed below.

County Specific Resources

Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties have not declared any disasters. For updates, check your county’s website below.

County of Ventura, click here

County of Santa Barbara, click here

County of Los Angeles, click here

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC PARTNER NOVEMBER EVENT AND WEBINAR SCHEDULE Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost events and webinars. Plan ahead! Our full partner event schedule is updated at the start of each month.   IN-PERSON EVENT:…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to honor, learn and stand united in appreciation of the invaluable contributions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Celebrating the rich history and vibrant cultures of Native American communities is critical for fostering understanding, preserving cultures and promoting unity across our nation. EDC is dedicated to providing equitable access to resources, advising and capital. Since 2010, EDC has helped generate over $150 million in revenue for Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian businesses.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presents free event and webinar schedule

DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: MODERN FIREWALLS

October 29 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Regional Plan Part II Report Now Available!

UPLIFT CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL PLAN PART II REPORT

Uplift Central Coast submitted the Regional Plan Part II, a comprehensive report to the State of California, in September 2024. The report identifies impactful, equitable ways to improve the local economy, dives deep into research findings and identifies strategies.

View the report HERE

Summary Reports

Executive Summary Report CLICK HERE

Community Summary Report CLICK HERE

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Director of Strategic Relations Alondra Gaytán Celebrates Her 10th Year With EDC

Alondra Gaytán began her career with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) in 2014 and currently serves as the Director of Strategic Relations, overseeing vital relationships with EDC’s partners and stakeholders. During her tenure as Client Services Manager, Alondra successfully managed a team of 60 business advisors, focusing on strategies for client retention, engagement and advisor recruitment. Recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business community, she was honored as one of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “40 under 40” in 2022. In addition to her professional achievements, she is actively involved in the community, serving on the board of Bell Arts Factory. Alondra is also a part of the Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) Cohort XXX, where a new, diverse group of emerging leaders participates in a nine-month program designed to explore key issues shaping Ventura County.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: INCIDENT REPORTING AND POST-INCIDENT AUDITS

October 22 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Ventura County’s Computer Basics Program Empowers Hundreds of Novice Learners; Free Replication Toolkit Now Available

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Computer Basics program has been transforming lives by providing essential digital skills to over 450 participants to date. The program was launched by the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to train and empower individuals underserved by current upskilling opportunities and who have little to no experience with computers, enabling them to confidently navigate the digital world, improve their job prospects and increase their earning potential. Now, EDC has created a Computer Basics Course Replication Toolkit that can be used by anyone to expand the impact of the course and get the critical curriculum to more people across the state.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: HOW TO MANAGE CLOUD PROVIDERS

October 15 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring National Women’s Small Business Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Women’s Small Business Month. In the most recent program year (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024), EDC supported over 1,700 women-owned small businesses and female/male-owned businesses. The EDC is dedicated to helping women achieve their business goals.

The EDC is proud to support the community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

DOD, CMTC AND CASCADE: CMTC & CASCADE CYBERSECURITY TRAINING SERIES: NETWORK SECURITY REFERENCE ARCHITECTURE

October 8 @ 10:00 am

With support from the DoD, CMTC and CASCADE offer a series of no-cost Cybersecurity Trainings for executives, operations and IT. Starting September 19th and ending November 5th, the trainings will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT. Each of the 14 trainings will focus on a specific cybersecurity topic.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Just Released! Notice of Funding Opportunity from Uplift

Uplift Central Coast — the six-county coalition led by REACH, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership and Economic Development Collaborative — is pleased to announce the release of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Catalyst Predevelopment Phase of work.

This funding opportunity marks a significant step in supporting projects that will drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability and equitable growth in the region, in line with the California Jobs First initiative and the strategies developed as part of Uplift’s Regional Plan Part II Report.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presents NO-COST Computer Basics Course in Moorpark!

VENTURA COUNTY DIGITAL UPSKILLING TRAINING PROGRAM

The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training program is a NO-COST short-term training program that will increase the digital skills of job seekers, current workers and small business operators. The initiative seeks to expand the opportunities and earning power of Ventura County participants by providing them with much-needed digital skills training to help individuals and employers grow.

NO-COST Classes for New to Tech Learners

This 6-week course teaches adults essential computer skills needed to get a better-paying job.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: FEDERAL FUNDING – SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) & TECH TRANSFER (STTR)

October 1 @ 9:00 am

Join the Golden State APEX Accelerator and the Economic Development Collaborative for an exclusive in-person event focused on securing federal funding through the SBIR and STTR programs. Learn a clear overview of the programs available to you, how to identify potential topics/ funding sources and what to know about the application process. This interactive workshop equips new and experienced participants with the tools they need to succeed in SBIR/STTR programs. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Board Room, Camarillo, CA 93015.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Economic 411 Labor Market Report

The California Labor Market Information Division has released its August 2024 report, showing a slight uptick to the unemployment rate, from 5.0% in July to 5.2% in August. We’re currently up from a low 3.6% just a few months back in May, and also up from one year ago, in August 2023, at 4.8%.

While a rise in the unemployment rate in the summer months is routine, we are seeing a real and troublesome increase in the number of unemployed workers (that is, residents looking for work but either not finding it or not choosing to take it). At 21,600 unemployed workers, that’s the highest number we’ve had since 2021, back when we were still in the throes of COVID.