Tag: Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

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

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Native American Heritage Month. The EDC is dedicated to providing equitable access to resources, advising and capital. Since 2010, the EDC has helped generate $2 million in revenue to Native American businesses.

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:

Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade
E-commerce & Social Media
Manufacturing Assistance
Legal Compliance
Strategic Planning
QuickBooks & Accounting
And MORE

If you need assistance with your business, please give us a call:
EDC Business Assistance Line (805) 409-9159

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: CUSTOMER DISCOVERY AND RESEARCH TOOLS FOR TECH BUSINESSES

November 17 @ 6:00 pm

The Economic Development Collaborative’s Inclusive Innovation Hub (iHub²) is a technology service and resource program that helps facilitates growth for entrepreneurs and companies in technology. The program provides one-on-one tech-focused advising, mentor matching, funding options, pitch deck development, general business marketing, growth strategies and other technology-focused services to a diverse client base. Reaching out to underserved and underrepresented companies, iHub² collaborates with diverse groups throughout the region to offer a wide variety of networking, mentoring, and industry-focused events, work-shops and networking events.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Office of Veteran’s Business Development

Year round the EDC offers support to our local veterans who wish to start a business or have an existing business. The EDC offers programs designed to assist businesses in key areas with one-on-one technical advising through the EDC Small Business Development Program (EDC SBDC). In partnership with the Small Business Administration, the EDC SBDC provides entrepreneurs with high level business consulting at NO-COST. For more information on the programs and services the EDC provides CLICK HERE.

For guidance with starting a business or getting guidance with an existing business please call

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

SBA: ACCOUNTING AND BOOKKEEPING TIPS TO WRAP UP YEAR-END

November 8 @ 10:30 am

November and December are some of the busiest months for small business owners. With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it can be easy to get caught up in managing the day-to-day sales and operations. But taking the time to wrap up the year thoughtfully can significantly impact next year. Get a jump start on your year-end checklist and avoid stress by learning how to wrap up your business from Accounting Expert Juliana Ramirez of JR Bookkeeping. Through an interactive webinar, she will share a checklist of tasks you can follow and discuss accounting and bookkeeping tips that can be applied to your small business. Come prepared with your specific questions.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

SBA: VETERAN ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING

October 31 @ 11:00 am

Like all successful missions, small business ownership and growth starts with training. This workshop will empower service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members and military spouses with entrepreneurial trainings and resources right in their local community. Specialized training programs for women veterans, service-disabled veterans and veterans interested in federal procurement will also be discussed.

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. The EDC has supported over 300 Women owned small businesses this year alone and has helped generate over 100 jobs. The EDC is dedicated in supporting women with achieving 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:

Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade

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

Labor Market Report for September 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its September 2022 report on Friday, the overall data showing some positive change, including a net gain of 2,100 industry jobs and an improvement in the unemployment rate, from 3.5% in August to 3.3% in September.

Most encouragingly, the improvement in the unemployment rate came as a result of a gain by 3,100 more workers reporting employment and, happily, by a decline of 900 workers reported as unemployed. 

Or put another way, our unemployment rate improved not because workers were dropping entirely out of the labor market (as has been the case for several recent months), rather, as we so strongly prefer, because more workers were taking jobs. This is good both for workers and their earnings as well as for employers who have been struggling to find workers to take their jobs. That noted, the gains varied widely across the key industry sectors. We’ll share more on how that played out by industry in our comments below. For the official September data, click here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

SBA: HOW TO START A BUSINESS

October 25 @ 10:00 am

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop targeted to new entrepreneurs. Topics covered from creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. 

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Uplift Central Coast Coalition Secures $5 Million Planning Grant for Six-County Region

The Uplift Central Coast Coalition is excited to announce that we have been awarded the $5 million grant through California’s Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF). We are excited for the opportunity to drive a 2-year planning process to create an inclusive economic development plan for the six Central Coast counties of Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura, with a focus on equity, sustainability, job quality, economic competitiveness and resilience.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Golden State Education and Training Grant Program

The Golden State Education and Training Grant Program (GSETGP) supports Californians who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic with a one-time grant of $2,500 to reskill, up-skill and access educational or training programs to get back into the workforce.

Eligible Applicants:

Were displaced from employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To be a displaced worker, individuals would have to had lost their jobs completely, and not just experience a decrease in wages or business

Were not enrolled in a training program or institution of higher education at the time they were displaced from employment

Have been unable to obtain employment that provides an average monthly wage that is equal to or greater than the average monthly wage received from their employment prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free weekly webinar schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: LEGAL STEPS TO START A BUSINESS

October 19 @ 10:30 am

Starting a business can be an exhilarating time, where everything seems full of potential and purpose. But navigating the logistics of launching a business can be daunting, so that clients may turn to you with many questions about the process. In this session, Nellie Akalp of CorpNet.com will outline the steps necessary to legally start a business and get up and running on the right foot. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

SBA: INTRO TO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

October 11 @ 10:00 am

This webinar will provide an overview of SBA programs and services, with an emphasis on SBA’s federal contracting resources! Government contracts are a tremendous financial opportunity for small businesses, and the U.S. government is the largest customer in the world. It buys all types of products and services — in both large and small quantities — and it’s required by law to consider buying from small businesses. The SBA has several contracting assistance programs, and federal contracting resources available to assist entrepreneurs. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you on your way to small business success.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Cybersecurity Awareness Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The internet has become an invaluable tool for small businesses, opening the door to a wide range of previously unheard-of possibilities. Unfortunately, as e-commerce continues to grow, so does the number of bad actors looking to exploit hard working entrepreneurs. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, check out the Small Business Administration’s best practices and upcoming events where you can learn how to keep your small business cyber secure.

Cybersecurity Best Practices

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — EXTENDED: 2022 COVID-19 Supplement Paid Leave

UPDATE: On September 29, 2021 Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 152 into law, extending Supplemental Paid Sick Leave through December 31, 2022. This extension does not allocate additional hours of leave.

2022 COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) took effect on February 19, 2022. This SPSL is only applicable to employers, public or private, with 26 or more employees. Smaller employers will not be covered but may be covered by local supplemental paid sick leave ordinances.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Director of Lending Celebrates His 10th Year With the EDC

Marvin Boateng started with the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) as the Director of Lending in 2012. He oversees all of the EDC’s small business loan programs. In 2013, Marvin was recognized by the Pacific Coast Business Times “40 under 40” for his passion for public service. Marvin is an African American Board Leadership Institute Alumna (AABLI), a certified Economic Development Financial Professional (EDFP), and a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). Marvin earned a double bachelor’s in African American Studies and Economics from California State University, Northridge, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from California Lutheran University. Mr. Marvin Boateng is a founding Board Member of the Black Cooperative Investment Fund in Los Angeles, California, and Chair of the Sampa Community Educational Project in Ghana, West Africa.

Congratulations, Marvin, on 10 Years with the EDC! We are incredibly grateful for your commitment to the region.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

SBA: EIDL REGISTRATION, PAYMENTS AND MORE!

October 4 @ 11:00 am

With the COVID EIDL first payment date fast approaching, it is important that recipients of COVID EIDL know and understand the payment process. Join SBA Fresno District Office in this virtual workshop and learn the “How To” payment process for your business COVID EIDL Payments.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Alondra Gaytán Selected as 40 Under 40 Winner -EDC Business Alert

On Thursday, September 22, EDC’s Director of Strategic Relations, Alondra Gaytán, was recognized as a 40 Under 40 winner of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ (PCBT) annual 40 under 40 event. Each year the PCBT hosts an event to recognize 40 people who positively impact the Tri-county region.

Since childhood, Alondra has always been committed to serving underserved communities. Alondra shared, “I love that every day I contribute, collaborate and strategize ways to build economic growth in the region for now and our future.” As the Director of Strategic Relations, Alondra oversees vital relationships with the community and businesses.

CLICK HERE to read the full article on all 40 Under 40 Recipients.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE: SHOWCASING THE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF HISPANIC-OWNED AND LED BUSINESSES

Septmeber 28 @ 11:00 am

The U.S. Commercial Service invites you to register below for the eighth session of our “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the U.S. Commercial Service will feature an interactive discussion of how Hispanic-owned and led Southern California-based companies have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
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The EDC is proud to support our community by providing professional technical assistance in English and Spanish through our Small Business Development Center. Our NO-COST advising areas include:

Start-up Guidance
Marketing & Branding
International Trade
E-commerce & Social Media
Manufacturing Assistance
Legal Compliance
Strategic Planning
QuickBooks & Accounting
And MORE

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

EN ESPAÑOL: SBA Y SCORE: REUNIÓN VIRTUAL EN ESPAÑOL CON MENTORES DE SCORE

Septiembre 20 a las 4:00 pm

Acompaña a la SBA para hablar con los mentores de SCORE. SCORE es una organización, de voluntarios que prestan su tiempo, gratuitamente. Ayudan a las personas a crecer o a crear pequeñas empresas.

HAGA CLIC AQUÍ PARA REGISTRARSE

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: HOW TO RECORD PAYROLL IN QUICKBOOKS ONLINE

September 13 @ 10:30 am

This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finance. This webinar will concentrate on steps to properly record payroll transactions that are administered.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Selling Online to Latin America

Learn How Selling to Latin America’s Online Consumers Could Be Your Next Big Growth Opportunity!

Grow Big Initiative (GBI) is back with their MASSIVE Latin America Market Entry through eCommerce Direct Sales workshop. Gain immediate access to the 330mm people online across the region without writing any customs clearance paperwork, setting up bank accounts or creating any in-region marketing, payments or fulfillment infrastructure.

September 22 at 10:00 am PST

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Fathomwerx Summit -EDC Business Alert

FATHOMWERX Summit, with participation from Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) Coastal Trident Open House and Agility Summit, has the goal of exploring the intersections between industry and the Department of the Navy. This inclusive event will be filled with tested technologies, demonstrations, tours, networking, keynote speakers, panels and the Department of the Navy program representatives and stakeholders.

September 14-15, 2022

FATHOMWERX LAB, 319 Ponoma Street, Port of Hueneme,

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: DOUBLE YOUR SALES WITH 5 EASY STEPS

September 7 @ 10:30 am

Are you working too hard to find enough profitable customers and clients for your business? Bring your pen and paper. This hands-on webinar will take you through five specific ways people are doubling and tripling their sales with low-cost and no-cost techniques you can start using almost instantly. Whether you market traditionally or through the Internet, this is one of the most important workshops you will attend this year.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: CYBERSECURITY-PROTECTING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

August 30 @ 10:30 am

Even small businesses are not immune from the cybersecurity epidemic. In fact, 60% of small businesses that are hit by a cyber-attack go out of business within six months. That said, there are many tools that are available to protect your small business, many are available in your current IT environment. During the first half of the webinar David will take you through some cybersecurity basics, conduct a demo of how a hack actually occurs, and then give you some tips that you can take back to your IT expert or IT vendor to make sure you are doing the right things in securing your business. David will then conduct a Q&A session to answer your most pressing questions.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report for July 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its July 2022 report on Friday, Ventura County’s unemployment rate remaining unchanged from June to July at 3.2%, a bit off from our low of 2.7% in May, but still at an extraordinary low. The County benefitted from gains in several sectors—Construction, Manufacturing, Professional & Business Services, Private Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality and Other Services—but on net the gains were overshadowed by large declines in Farm, down by 2,800 jobs, and Public Education, down for summer break by 3,500 jobs. For more on the labor force and specific gains and losses in jobs, see below; for the July data, click here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF VENTURA COUNTY WEBINAR AND CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION: RECRUITING IN A POST-COVID WORLD

August 23 @ 10:00 am

Are you having a difficult time finding qualified people to hire back to work now that many COVID restrictions are easing up? This training shows how the pandemic has changed recruiting and gives you tips on how to market, interview and follow-up to get the best candidates to fill your job requirements.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) August Partner Webinar Schedule

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here EDC AUGUST PARTNER WEBINAR SCHEDULE The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-costwebinars. Space is limited. Register today! IN-PERSON EVENT: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SCORE: BOOKKEEPING BASICS: TIPS AND…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Are You Prepared for the Next Big Disaster?

Economic Development Collaborative is partnering with the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, the California Academy for Economic Development and Edison International to promote the statewide Outsmart Disaster campaign, which equips businesses with the tools and resources they need to be prepared for disaster. Here’s two ways you can take immediate action for your business:

Take the Resilient Business Challenge – a self-guided, five-step process to help your business become more resilient. CLICK HERE
Watch a recording of a Disaster Resiliency Clinic and receive a walkthrough of the basics of preparedness and the campaign’s Resilient Business Challenge. CLICK HERE

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

IN-PERSON EVENT: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SCORE: BOOKKEEPING BASICS: TIPS AND TOOLS FOR STARTUPS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

August 18 @ 10:00 am

As a small business, it’s important to get your head around company finances in order to maximize profits and margins. This can only be accomplished when your bookkeeping is in order. During this interactive session, Accounting Expert, Juliana Ramirez, will walk you through small business bookkeeping and small company accounting tips and tools to help you ensure your bookkeeping is in order and move your business forward as you start, maintain, and grow. Address: Workzones Santa Barbara, 351 Paseo Nuevo, Fl 2, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free webinar schedule

BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR VETERANS FROM THE SBA

August 2 @ 12:00 pm

Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources and programs for Veterans and the military community? If you are a transitioning or active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran of any era or military spouse, the SBA is here to help. Through training programs, contracting opportunities and access to capital, the SBA is here to help your business start, grow, expand or recover. You can access the SBA’s Veteran resources through the Southern California Veteran’s Business Outreach Center!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Employee Retention Tax Credit

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí EMPLOYEE RETENTION TAX CREDIT The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a refundable credit that businesses can claim on qualified wages, including certain health…

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Loan Opportunity for Businesses

As the region’s largest economic development public-private partnership, the Economic Development Collaborative works with more than 30 professional advisors on contract and a full time loan fund director, available to local businesses at no cost all designed to pair you with the financial expertise and right amount of capital you need to move your business forward.

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Para leer este boletín en español, haga clic aquí

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Labor Market Report for June 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its June 2022 report on Friday, Ventura County losing a bit of ground from our unprecedented low unemployment rates the last two months, slipping up in June to 3.2%, from our low of 2.7% in May. While our overall job gains in June were low, which is somewhat discouraging, our rise in the unemployment rate is mostly seasonal, from a drop in Farm jobs and also tied to the summer slowdown in education.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR VETERANS FROM THE SBA

August 2 @ 12:00 pm

Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources and programs for Veterans and the military community? If you are a transitioning or active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran of any era or military spouse, the SBA is here to help. Through training programs, contracting opportunities and access to capital, the SBA is here to help your business start, grow, expand or recover. You can access the SBA’s Veteran resources through the Southern California Veteran’s Business Outreach Center!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Business Alert — California Competes Tax Credit and Grant 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 twelve 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 the remainder of the 2022-2023, applications for the California Competes Tax Credit will be accepted during the following periods:

July 25, 2022 – August 15, 2022
January 3, 2023 – January 23, 2023
March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR VETERANS FROM THE SBA

August 2 @ 12:00 pm

Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has resources and programs for Veterans and the military community? If you are a transitioning or active-duty service member, National Guard or Reserve member, veteran of any era or military spouse, the SBA is here to help. Through training programs, contracting opportunities and access to capital, the SBA is here to help your business start, grow, expand or recover. You can access the SBA’s Veteran resources through the Southern California Veteran’s Business Outreach Center!

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: HOW TO RECORD PAYROLL IN QUICKBOOKS ONLINE FROM THIRD PARTY COMPANIES

July 12 @ 10:30 am

This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finance. This webinar will concentrate on steps to properly record payroll transactions that are administered by third party companies like ADP and Paychex. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: HOW TO INFLUENCE, PERSUADE AND SELL ANYONE

July 6 @ 10:30 am

Have you ever struggled to get someone to accept your ideas or buy your product or service? Well, help is finally on the way, with this breakthrough webinar! In less than an hour you will learn how to convince and sell almost anyone. Suddenly, you’ll have an incredible power to persuade all the people in your life, unlike anything you’ve ever been able to do before. From friends and family members to prospects and clients, you will suddenly be able to enjoy more stress-free, predictable and FUN ways to get people on your side and buying from you… whether it be face-to-face, from your website, from your ads and emails and more! In this webinar for small business owners, top behavioral management specialist James I. Bond will share secrets that will help you grow your business and simplify your life almost immediately.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

SHOWCASING THE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS OF LGBTQ+ OWNED AND LED BUSINESSES

June 29 @ 11:00 am

The U.S. Commercial Service invites you to register below for the fifth session of their “From Local to Global: Celebrating Diversity” event series. In celebration of Pride Month, the U.S. Commercial Service will feature an interactive discussion of how LGBTQ+ owned & led Southern California-based companies have successfully grown their businesses internationally.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Pride Month

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) would like to recognize PrideMonth. Observed annually in June, Pride Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the the LGBTQ+ community. The EDC prides itself in focusing on diversity equity and inclusion for the business community.

EDC’s Economic 411 Labor Market Report

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its May 2022 report last Friday, Ventura County breaking for the second month in a row our lowest recorded unemployment rate going all the way back to 1990, down from 3.0% in April to 2.7% in May. While both April and May were record-setting, the May number is truly remarkable, the first time in at least 32 years that Ventura County has dropped below three percent. For the May data, click here. 

That noted, you may recall from our prior recent reports that we’ve become less interested in the unemployment rate as an indicator of our economic health, and more focused on the size of our total labor force and the total numbers of employed workers and industry jobs. On each of those fronts we at least moved very moderately in the right direction in May, but not enough to suggest that our local economy is anywhere near fully recovered.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

SBA: CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH SBA AND JWBC

June 21 @ 9:30 am PST

Join the SBA North Florida District Office (NFDO) and JWBC as we recognize and celebrate Pride Month, by delivering key information that will benefit future and existing small business owners at no cost! The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) network for LGBTQ+ Businesses aims to bring focus on economic empowerment in the LGBTQ+ business community by providing access to SBA’s programs and services and recognizes the importance of greater inclusion at all levels and in all communities. Discussions will include a local business owner from the LGBTQ+ business community and resources available to launch and take your business to the next level through the SBA North Florida District Office, SCORE Jacksonville & JWBC. There will also be resources that support LGBTQ+ communities available to connect with. If you plan on attending this free virtual event, you must register, to save your virtual seat!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: QUICKBOOKS ONLINE AND BEST ACCOUNTING PRACTICES: AN OPEN TOPIC INTERACTIVE SESSION

June 14 @ 10:30 am

This live, interactive webinar session is designed to help you understand the features, functions and benefits of QuickBooks Online for small business owners as well as assist you in implementing accounting best practices to manage your business finance. This webinar will concentrate on setting up QuickBooks Online for your business. Juliana Ramirez from JR Bookkeeping will live answer your questions related to the subject matter including live demonstrations.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: PANEL DISCUSSION: FUNDING YOUR FRANCHISE AND LEGAL ASPECTS TO CONSIDER

June 8 @ 10:30 am

Have you ever thought about owning your own business, but were worried about legal and liability issues? What are the funding options available in today’s lending climate? This casual panel discussion featuring a franchise consultant, a small business attorney and a funding expert will answer your burning questions. SCORE’s goal is to help you gain an understanding as to whether entrepreneurship makes sense for you, to understand the unique legal requirements for franchisors and franchisees in California and to gain insight into funding strategies for your business.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: ASK THE EXPERTS – 90-MINUTE POWER-PANEL ON “GROWING AND PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS”

June 1 @ 10:30 am

In this workshop, you will learn how to improve your business’s chance of being found in relevant online searches. SCORE will cover the building blocks of bringing exposure to your Google My Business listing and how to leverage the Google local pack ranking algorithm to show up above your competitors online. You won’t want to miss this webinar!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize National Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Observed annually in May, AANHPI Heritage Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. To commemorate AANHPI Heritage Month, the Small Business Administration highlights resources, funding, and training available to all AANHPI-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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

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

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its April 2022 report on Friday, showing an extraordinary improvement in the unemployment rate, down all the way from an already unprecedented low of 3.5% in March to 3.0% in April. Though rather than being encouraged by that data, we’re more convinced than ever that the unemployment rate in the COVID recovery era is all but meaningless as an indicator of our regional economic condition.

For the April data, click here. For our commentary on it all, or on why we’ve mostly given up on the unemployment rate as a measure of recovery, please read on.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Schedule

STARTING YOUR BUSINESS IN LOMPOC

May 26 @ 12:00 pm

Turn your 2022 business goals into a realty! Join the EDC SBDC, the Small Business Development Center serving Santa Barbara County, the City of Lompoc and the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce in this FREE webinar to learn more about starting your business in Lompoc.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New Retirement Savings Requirement for Small Businesses

Did you know that any employer with at least five California-based employees, at least one of whom is age eighteen, that doesn’t already offer a workplace retirement savings vehicle will be required by state law to do so by June 30, 2022?

Businesses can either begin offering retirement savings through the private market or through CalSavers!

The CalSavers program ensures nearly all Californians have access to a workplace retirement savings program by offering employees a completely voluntary, low cost, portable retirement savings vehicle with professionally managed investments and oversight from a public, transparent board of directors, chaired by the California State Treasurer.