ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
EMpowering Entrepreneurs and a Regenerative Local Economy
We work with small businesses, local governments, and community non-profits to build the foundation for a vibrant local economy because dynamic communities are one of the most important resources the region has to offer.
Who
Our Economic Empowerment team works with small businesses, entrepreneurs, local governments, and regional partners who are equally committed to building the foundation for a thriving local economy—an integral part of strong, dynamic communities.
What
We provide free consulting, training, and advice to existing and new businesses to build a resilient future tied to our abundant natural resources and create an equitable, thriving local economy. We also partner with local jurisdictions and community non-profit organizations on regional initiatives to help solve key economic issues.
Why
Thriving local economies are the backbone of Sierra communities. We elevate economic issues across the private, nonprofit, and public sectors to foster regenerative, restorative business practices and a more vibrant, resilient region.
Economic Initiatives in the Sierra:
COVID-19 ECONOMIC SUPPORT
Since March, the Sierra Small Business Development Center at Sierra Business Council has been all hands on deck to provide the support necessary in order to survive the closures, mandates, statewide regulations, capital needs, and other challenges facing our neighbors. Through collaboration, partnerships, and advisors across Northern California, we have been able to create strong programming to encourage business survival.
Our business advisors have helped nearly a thousand clients with one-on-one advising related to COVID-19. From understanding the EIDL and PPP lending programs available from the federal government to pivoting your business to online selling and working on HR plans to bring back employees, SBDC expertise covers a wide range of topics. For more on the Resilience Fund – Sierra highlighted in the video below, click here.
Sierra Business Council is proud to host the Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which helps identify funding options for new businesses, walking them through the steps that turn ideas into successful ventures. We also assist existing businesses in strategizing expansion plans and accessing capital that position them for sustainable growth.
Upcoming Webinars and Resources
Recent Related Blogs and Updates
From Beyond the Line of Fire: Living through largest single fire in California History
As we contemplated go-bag contents and watched the relentless advance of the Beckwourth, River, Tamarack, and especially the Dixie fire over the last few weeks, one of our dearest Small Business Development Center counselors, Clint Koble was smack in the middle of the devastation. Clint lives at and manages a resort in Chester along Lake Almanor. Over the course of several days, Clint holed up at the resort, guarded by the command of fire fighters he so graciously hosted. The firefighters instructed him to park his car on the boat ramp and to take refuge in the car should the flames approach – they would protect him.
Guest Blog: Sierra SBDC Sierra SBDC’s In-Home Childcare Training Program Announced
The ripple effect of COVID-19 is still being felt in the Sierra and beyond. As the following guest blog (written by SBDC Business Advisor, Danielle Marshall) highlights, one area in particular where we’re still reeling from the pandemic is its disproportionate impact on women (especially women of color). We’re excited to announce an upcoming course taught by Danielle later this year that will hopefully help lessen the obstacles women face in reentering the workforce by helping entrepreneurs start in-home childcare businesses.
Photo of working mom by Charles Deluvio via Unsplash
Living Our Values – Green Business Certification
Core to Sierra Business Council’s mission is our commitment to being a triple bottom line organization so it’s only natural that we would lead an effort to help small businesses adopt these principles. A triple bottom line business considers more than just economic results or profit. They also value their impact on society and the environment. We often refer to these businesses as “sustainable” or “green” and research shows that they typically deliver superior customer service, score higher in job satisfaction, and perform better financially.
Join Us In Creating A More Resilient Sierra.
To learn more about our small business development services, becoming a client, applying for funding or loans, contact:
info@sierrasbdc.com
530.582.5022