I’ve been looking at what government and “NGO” services are available to help the local entrepreneur turn her basket weaving business into a regional powerhouse. Here is what I’ve found.
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) fosters regional economic development efforts in communities across the nation. Through strategic investments that foster job creation and attract private investment, EDA supports development in economically distressed areas of the United States. They are hosting a National Conference on April 7-8, 2016 in Washington, D.C. https://www.eda.gov/
California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) is California’s premier economic development association. With more than 800 members, it is one of the largest EDAs in the country. It teaches economic developers, local elected officials, and state representatives the value of economic development and how it is used to grow businesses, generate revenue to support community development programs, and retain and create quality jobs. CALED is hosting its 36th Annual Conference in South San Francisco April 26-28. http://www.caled.org/
Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is a one-stop shop for the state’s job creation efforts. It is the lead agency for developing economic strategy and marketing of California’s businesses.. The office focuses on attraction, retention and expansion of business services by helping with site selection, permit streamlining, regulatory hurdles, small-business assistance, international trade development and assistance with state governments. https://business.ca.gov/Programs.aspx
California Community EDA (CCEDA) serves as a clearinghouse for information and action that advances the field of community economic development through training and continuing education, technical assistance, and advocacy on public policy. http://cceda.com/
Riverside County EDA started in 1989 with 20 employees and has grown to 830, with an annual budget of $496 million. EDA strives to create communities that are attractive, functional and safe; support a broad spectrum of business growth with access to a quality workforce; and provide residents with recreational and cultural activities. http://www.rivcoeda.org/
Murrieta Innovation Center (MIC) supports new and innovative companies that are focused on Healthcare Technologies and Medical Devices. MIC hosts start-up and growing companies, provides resources through mentors and partners, and offers the support all young businesses need to grow. https://www.innovatemurrieta.org/
Inland Empire Women’s Business Center (IEWBC) was formed to meet the unique needs of women business owners in the Inland Empire region. The IEWBC assists existing and aspiring women business owners to start and grow successful businesses. The program also provides targeted services to Latina business owners by providing services in English and Spanish. http://www.iewbc.org/
Temecula Valley Entrepreneur’s Exchange (TVE2) is a business incubator and regional resource center that fosters business growth and economic vitality for entrepreneurs. TVE²’s objective is to assist and serve as a regional hub for technology start-up companies in Southwest Riverside County, connecting people and ideas with knowledge and resources. http://tve2.org/
Economic Development Corporation SW California is a private/public partnership that promotes Southwest California regional economic development through business retention and development, job opportunities, and related economic growth. The EDC is dedicated to expanding the competitive position of the regional businesses in a global economy. http://edcswca.com/
InSoCal CONNECT acts as a catalyst linking startups and technology companies with local government, universities, professional service providers and investors.. http://insocalconnect.greenrope.com/
SCORE offers the nation’s largest network of free, expert business mentors. SCORE also conducts workshops throughout Riverside County and speakers for business events. https://inlandempire.score.org/
