Tag: Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — March event and webinar schedule

CONVENING FOR THE CERF PLANNING PROCESS

March 17 @ 1:00 pm

The six-county Uplift Central Coast Coalition – led by REACH, EDC and MBEP – is thrilled to officially kick off our regional Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) process at a virtual gathering on March 10th. The CERF grant funds a 2-year planning process to create an inclusive economic development plan for the six Central Coast counties with a focus on equity, sustainability, job quality, economic competitiveness and resilience. We invite you to join us for an update on the planning process, meet the team and learn about opportunities to engage in the work ahead.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

RESCHEDULED to March 17: Uplift Central Coast Community Convening to Kick off the CERF Planning Process

Due to anticipated heavy storms across our region and warnings of widespread power outages we will be postponing March 10th’s Uplift virtual Community Kickoff to ensure access to the information for those tuning in from all areas of our region.
The new date for the Community Kick off is Friday March 17th at 1:00 pm

If you previously registered, you are still registered, and the zoom information is the same.

About the CERF Planning Process

The six-county Uplift Central Coast Coalition – led by REACH, EDC and MBEP – is thrilled to officially kick off our regional Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF) process at a virtual gathering on March 10th. The CERF grant funds a 2-year planning process to create an inclusive economic development plan for the six Central Coast counties with a focus on equity, sustainability, job quality, economic competitiveness and resilience. We invite you to join us for an update on the planning process, meet the team and learn about opportunities to engage in the work ahead.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Women’s History Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize Women’s History Month. Since 2010 the EDC has counseled over 2700 women owned businesses and has helped generate over $13 billion in revenue. 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:

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Dr. Ray Bowman and Simona Racek Participate in APEC 2023 First Senior Officials’ Meeting

PALM SPRINGS — Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) government officials and invited guests from international organizations, intergovernmental organizations, academia, and the private sector recently convened in Palm Springs, California for the First Senior Officials’ Meeting. Dr. Ray Bowman, Director of the Economic Development Collaborative’s Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC), and Simona Racek, Trade Specialist with EDC SBDC, were invited by the Office of the United States Trade Representative to attend and present in two workshops that discussed accelerating the digitalization of trade.

 “APEC is addressing the need for open dialogue and informed global policy around the increasing digitalization of our lives, including discussing rights for people and businesses in a digital world. We are delighted to have participated in these important workshops and contributed to the discussions on digital trade policy and supply chain connectivity,” said Dr. Bowman. “SBDC is committed to supporting the growth and success of small businesses in the region, and these workshops provided valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.”

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

GO-BIZ: CALIFORNIA COMPETES WEBINAR

March 8 @ 9:30 am

Prior to each application period, GO-Biz hosts online webinars about the California Competes program. All businesses are encouraged to participate in the webinars to review the program and receive instructions on how to apply.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — California Competes Tax Credit Program Application March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

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:

March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

SBA: HUBZONE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

February 28 @ 11:30 am

Join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to increase your potential for federal contract opportunities through the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program. The SBA HUBZone Program mission is to promote job growth, capital investment, and economic development to Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) by providing contracting assistance to small businesses located in these economically distressed communities. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions related to this program. 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

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM: PHASE 1

The Economic Opportunity Grant (EOG) Program is for microbusinesses located in the County of Los Angeles that have been hardest hit in the pandemic. Phase 1 will only allow microbusinesses who have been the hardest hit in the pandemic to apply to the first round offering $2,500 grants. These grants are funded in part through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate. Additional rounds will be determined based on funding availability. Application will be open until February 23 or until funds are expended.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Honoring Black History Month

The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The EDC strives to provide equitable access and inclusive services, leading to stronger economic outcomes that support businesses and our region as a whole. The following are a handful of programs that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Free Event and Webinar Schedule

FREE BUSINESS RESOURCES FAIR

February 15 @ 11:00 am

Learn about business training, employee recruitment, funding and microgrant opportunities, mentorship and other resources. Receive 1 on 1 support from the EDC, Santa Barbara Foundation, SCORE, the Workforce Development Board and WEV. All community members are welcome to this bilingual (Spanish/English) event. Space is limited, and registration is required. Register for a specific timeslot.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Bruce Stenslie Selected as Business Leader of the Year

Bruce and his team of advisors and staff have worked diligently for years helping small businesses in the counties of Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. They have helped countless number of businesses throughout many disasters and the current COVID-19 pandemic. VCLA’s recognition of Bruce as the 2023 Business Leader of the Year is a representation of how hard Bruce and his team worked and continues to help the small business community.

Under Bruce’s leadership, in 2022 the EDC has counseled over 1,657 entrepreneurs and helped approve over $73 million in access to capital for small businesses across the region.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NEW COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations

On December 15, 2022, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted to adopt non-emergency COVID-19 prevention regulations. These regulations took effect on February 3, 2023 and will remain in effect for two years after the effective date, except for the recordkeeping subsections that will remain in effect for three years.

These regulations include some of the same requirements found in the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), as well as new provisions aimed at making it easier for employers to provide consistent protections to workers and allow for flexibility if changes are made to guidance in the future from the California Department of Public Health.

Note: These regulations apply to most workers in California who are not covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free event and webinar schedule

FREE BUSINESS RESOURCES FAIR

February 15 @ 11:00 am

Learn about business training, employee recruitment, funding and microgrant opportunities, mentorship and other resources. Receive 1 on 1 support from the EDC, Santa Barbara Foundation, SCORE, the Workforce Development Board and WEV. All community members are welcome to this bilingual (Spanish/English) event. Space is limited, and registration is required. Register for a specific timeslot.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — BEWARE of SBA Related Scams

Recently, people have been receiving emails and/or calls from people claiming to be from the Small Business Administration offering “Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Forgiveness”.

EIDL loans CANNOT be forgiven and there is NO EIDL forgiveness program. Please be cautious of anyone reaching out claiming that they can provide loan forgiveness.

REMEMBER: DO NOT provide personal and financial data to anyone you don’t know!

Helpful Tips

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) January, February Partner Event and Webinar Schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our partner’s no-cost webinars and events. Space is limited. Register today!

VENTURA COUNTY SCORE: FUNDAMENTALS OF STARTING A NEW BUSINESS

January 31 @ 6:00 pm

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but don’t know where to start? Do you have the passion and work ethic but need education and guidance? Being a small business owner is exciting, but understanding the lifestyle will clarify if it is right for you. Join Ventura County SCORE in this informative webinar and learn what it takes to be a successful business owner.

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

Labor Market Report for December 2022

The California Labor Market Information Division (LMID) released its December 2022 report on Friday, showing a surprising but welcome drop in the Ventura County unemployment rate, from 3.7% in November to 3.2% in December. That places Ventura County well ahead of California’s overall rate of 3.7% and ahead of the national average of 3.3%. For the official December data, click here.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event, webinar schedule

CALIFORNIA EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION: 2023 LABOR LAW UPDATE *SPONSORED BY THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF VENTURA COUNTY

January 24 @ 10:00 am

2023 looks to be a bit brighter regarding the pandemic, but the Legislature refocused its attention on passing a multitude of labor and employment bills. This presentation will go over critical updates for California employers. The California Employers Association training is unique in that they will not only cover the new laws, but their HR advisors will also discuss policy updates, practical guidance and available resources. Of course, they will also answer your burning questions!

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Get Green Certified For Earth Day 2023

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS CHALLENEGE

From the California Green Business Network

Most businesses in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties are now eligible for $500 in incentives to help reduce their operational costs and become a certified Green Business. Start off the new year with a resolution to be green, and get certified by Earth Day 2023! The Sustainable Business Challenge is a great opportunity to start reaping benefits now as your business gets started on its sustainability journey.

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

iHub² TIPS AND TRICKS: BOOT STRAPPING WITH PAUL SHRATER

January 18 @ 6:00 pm

Entrepreneur Paul Shrater co-founded Minimus.biz, the world leader in all things travel-sized and individual-sized. He navigated his company through all its growth stages, developing the marketing, sales, purchasing, operations, administration and accounting departments. Paul acquired extremely valuable tools, processes and strategies along the way and will share these best practices with attendees. A graduate of the acclaimed Wharton School, Paul received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Management. He has spoken at several conferences and guest lectured at universities on topics such as film finance, marketing, intellectual property and screenwriting. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd. Community Room Camarillo, CA 93012.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) January Event and Webinar Schedule

EN ESPAÑOL: CLASE GRATUITA DE COMPUTACIÓN BÁSICA

Comenzando el 10 de enero los martes a las 6:00 pm y los sábados a las 10:00 am

Este curso de 6 semanas enseña a estudiantes adultos conocimientos esenciales de computación que son necesarios en la vida diaria. Este curso está diseñado para personas con un mínimo o ninguna cualificaciones digitales que operan una computadora y es especialmente útil para los estudiantes adultos que necesitan más conocimientos de computación para conseguir un trabajo o pasar a un trabajo mejor pagado.

Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — New 2023 California Laws

Happy New Year! The new year has brought many new laws into effect. Read on and check out the links to learn more!

Minimum Wage: Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage is $15.50 per hour for all employers. Some cities and counties have higher minimum wages than the state’s rate. There is a list of City and County minimum wages in California maintained by UC Berkeley.

Wage Transparency: SB 1162 requires businesses with 15 or more employees to include information about salary ranges for all job postings. Workers will also have the right now to know the pay scale for their current position. Companies with 100 or more employees are required to submit pay data and wage history to the state by May of each year or face penalties. More information can be reviewed in this Fisher Phillips overview.

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 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:

January 3, 2023 – January 23, 2023
March 6, 2023 – March 20, 2023

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) free event and webinar schedule

The Economic Development Collaborative encourages you to sign up for our no-cost events and webinars. Space is limited. Register today!

IHUB² TIPS AND TRICKS: BOOT STRAPPING WITH PAUL SHRATER

January 18 @ 6:00 pm

Entrepreneur Paul Shrater co-founded Minimus.biz, the world leader in all things travel-sized and individual-sized. He navigated his company through all its growth stages, developing the marketing, sales, purchasing, operations, administration and accounting departments. Paul acquired extremely valuable tools, processes and strategies along the way and will share these best practices with attendees. A graduate of the acclaimed Wharton School, Paul received a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a concentration in Entrepreneurial Management. He has spoken at several conferences and guest lectured at universities on topics such as film finance, marketing, intellectual property and screenwriting. Location: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd. Community Room Camarillo, CA 93012.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Jan. 18 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present iHub² Tips and Tricks: Boot Strapping With Paul Shrater

Entrepreneur Paul Shrater co-founded Minimus.biz, the world leader in all things travel-sized and individual-sized and navigated his company through all its growth stages, building marketing, sales, purchasing, operations, administration, accounting departments and special projects. Paul acquired some extremely valuable tools, processes, and strategies along the way and will share these best practices with attendees.

Feb. 15 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) FREE Business Resources Fair

Join us Wednesday, February 15th 11:00 am – 5:00 pm!

Tap into the guidance, information and resources you need to strengthen your business in 2023. Learn about business training, employee recruitment, funding and microgrant opportunities, mentorship and other resources. Receive one on one support from the EDC, Santa Barbara Foundation, SCORE, the Workforce Development Board and WEV.

21 East Canon Perdido Street Suite 301 Santa Barbara, CA 93101

March 16 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)n — Free event — Selling to South Korea: Your Next Big Ecommerce Opportunity

Have you ever considered selling to South Korea? Well, it’s never been easier! The U.S. Commercial Service is partnering with Coupang, South Korea’s largest eCommerce company, to help U.S. cross-border online sellers to compete and win in this dynamic consumer goods market.

Join EDC Small Business Development Center Trade Advisors Simona Racek and Siddhi Khara at LA City Club where you will hear from experts discuss how you can take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Registration CLOSES Tuesday, March 14! For additional information, please email Cynthia Torres at cynthia.torres@trade.gov.

March 22 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) partnering to bring you a WEVWorks Webinar: Weathering the Economic Storm – helping small business owners feel prepared

The Economic Development Collaborative(EDC) and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) are partnering to bring you a WEVWorks Webinar: Weathering the Economic Storm – helping small business owners feel prepared.

Free webinar, March 22 from 12pm – 1pm.

Register today: https://us02web.zoom.us/…/reg…/WN_yYPaDt8XRxO24RJVidqf5Q

Live translation to Spanish will be available!

March 22 — Bilingual report — FREE WEBINAR: Weathering the Economic Storm – Helping Small Business Owners Feel Prepared

How would a recession impact my business? What do I need to know about inflation? This webinar will provide some of the answers. The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) have partnered to offer a FREE WEVWorks webinar. The webinar aims to provide small business owners with guidance on how to prepare their businesses for periods of inflation and recession. The webinar will begin with an economic overview from Dr. Peter Rupert, founder of the UCSB Economic Forecast Project, followed by small business-specific guidance from Dr. Ray Bowman and Gonzalo Fernández of the EDC Small Business Development Center. Nicki Parr of WEV will moderate the session, and a Q&A session will follow.

A live translation will be available for Spanish speakers during the webinar!

Join us March 22 @ 12:00 pm!

CLICK HERE to register

April 27 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present free Social Media In-Person Workshop

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), City of Santa Paula and Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring you a NO-COST in-person workshop on social media planning, unique marketing strategies and boosting sales through advertising. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn valuable business skills!

April 27 @ 6:30 PM

Address: Glenn Tavern Inn,134 N Mill St, Santa Paula, CA 93060

April 29 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) presenting free workshop ‘Working for a Better Future: The Power of Family Child Care Providers’

Join us in recognition of Ventura County’s family child care providers with a day filled with professional learning, networking and celebration! This free event will feature a keynote presentation from Miriam Beloglovsky, author of Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children and workshops on:

Through May 2 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present In-person NO-COST QuickBooks Workshop

The Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) and the Fillmore Association of Business (FAB) are partnering to offer a no-cost 4-week QuickBooks Online workshop led by Juliana Ramírez, a financial advisor from EDC’s Small Business Development Center. Juliana is an experienced accountant, entrepreneur, business advisor and Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor who has helped numerous small businesses, including her own, ranging from restaurants to retail stores, car dealerships to dental offices and non-profit organizations.

May 2 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) business alert — World Trade Week Southern California

World Trade Week Southern California, presented by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, has been promoting global trade and supporting our region’s economic growth for almost a century. The annual Kickoff Conference and more than 30 events held throughout May create a platform for innovation, collaboration and exploring new growth opportunities. As a driving force for our region’s success, World Trade Week highlights the critical role of international trade in sustaining our global economy.

June 1 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present N PERSON EVENT: Broadband for All, Digital Equity and BEAD Regional Planning Workshop

Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF), the California Department of Technology (CDT) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) are hosting a workshop to seek input on the development on the State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) and the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan.

EDC, SBF, CDT and CPUC are working to close the digital divide and ask community members from all walks of life to take part by sharing their experiences with connectivity and adoption issues, device access and knowledge/training about how to use devices.

June 23 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Meet Part of Our International Trade Team in Person!

Join EDC SBDC Center Director Dr. Ray Bowman and International Trade Specialist Simona Racek in Los Angeles

NO-COST Event: Building Bridges to Global Markets 

June 22 at 8:30 am

Location : The Beehive, 961 E. 61st, Los Angeles, CA 90001

Building Bridges to Global Markets is a first-of-its-kind event series organized by the U.S. Commercial Service, as part of their Global Diversity Export Initiative. Designed to connect SMEs in underserved communities with global business opportunities, events will be taking place in major cities throughout the U.S., including Los Angeles, California!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

July 12 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — NO-COST Event: Empowering Business Growth

Join EDC Staff Tiffany Hunsberger, Vivian Vázquez and EDC SBDC Financial Business Advisor Anthony Elliott

NO-COST Event: Empowering Business Growth

July 12 at 8:00 am

Location: Simi Valley Public Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA

The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Simi Valley, County Supervisor Janice Parvin and Mid Valley Properties, is excited to announce that they are offering a Business Resources Forum. This is a free event designed to inform businesses about free and low-cost programs available to bolster growth and success.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

July 13 — Bilingual report — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) Upcoming Uplift Central Coast Community Convenings

Join the Uplift Coalition for community meetings across the region for an opportunity to learn about the Community Economic Resilience Fund planning process and project progress, meet with community members and organizations engaging in the work and voice your experiences and insight on both the issues and challenges that face our communities and the opportunities and possibilities that are in the future of our Central Coast region.

Your participation is critical to the success of the project as Uplift works to develop an understanding of the barriers to economic opportunity across the diversity of Central Coast communities and builds a plan to invest in possible solutions into the future.

Refreshments provided. Meeting is open to the public until capacity.

Registration is required.

Check Where Your Nearest Community Convening Is Below:

July 18 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — Free Webinar Selling to South Korea, Your Next Big eCommerce Opportunity

Join the U.S. Commercial Service who has partnered with Coupang, Inc., one of the largest South Korean eCommerce companies, on this upcoming webinar where they will be discussing:

Export assistance from the U.S. Commercial Service
Market insights on the Korean eCommerce landscape
Insights from an industry expert on building brand awareness with South Korean consumers
You will hear directly from the eCommerce experts about Coupang’s state of the art logistics and delivery infrastructure and a look at their ecommerce marketplace.

July 18 at 9:00 am PST

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE

Aug. 30 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) to present two no-cost international trade webinar opportunities

Are you a U.S. company seeking to expand your business globally? Join us on August 28th and 30th at 8:00 am for two informative webinars that will provide invaluable insights into the thriving markets of Poland and Romania.

Unlock the Emerging Poland Market: Opportunities for Poland – U.S. Business Partnerships

Sept. 28 — Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) — FATHOMWERX Summit

FATHOMWERX Summit is an inclusive two-day event will be filled with tested technology expositions, demonstrations, tours, innovators, networking, a keynote speaker, industry and Department of the Navy program representatives and stakeholders. With participation from ANTX Coastal Trident and Venture Ventura, the two-day event explores the intersections between industry and the Department of the Navy.

Who should attend or exhibit?