San Mateo County will support business launches and growth after the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to invest nearly $1.5 million to help entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses.
The funds, they said, will also help job seekers gain the skills they need to compete for in-demand careers.
Programs including how to access capital will be launched through the North Fair Oaks Economic Advancement Center.
“This will be an important step in moving families and individuals closer to economic independence by giving them the right tools and training to move forward,” said Supervisor Warren Slocum, who represents the Fourth District which includes North Fair Oaks, parts of Menlo Park including Belle Haven, East Palo Alto and Redwood City.
“We know that there is a lot of talent and treasure within our vulnerable communities and with the right services, they too can become small entrepreneurial businesses here or get jobs in some of our local companies. It is also about equity and giving opportunities to others,” she added.
The investment builds on ongoing work over several years to develop the entrepreneurial spirit of residents in the North Fair Oaks area and to help job seekers gain valuable skills.
It should be noted that two service provider organizations were selected and grants approved to begin the work of the North Fair Oaks Economic Advancement Center.
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center was selected to provide services to local small businesses and entrepreneurs. Its work will be funded with a $500,000 grant from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and federal American Rescue Plan Act funding.
JobTrain will provide employment services, including job training, to individuals, households and small businesses in North Fair Oaks.
Classes, tutorials, and materials will be available in English and Spanish with a focus on women’s programs; skills development and industry-specific workshops (finance, marketing, operations); technology training; website development; and legal workshops on small business topics (leases, intellectual property, contracts).
The program will also provide targeted assistance for entrepreneurs seeking grants for Latino-owned businesses and information on accessing COVID-19 relief grants for microenterprises in California.
Until a site is located and leased for the North Fair Oaks Economic Advancement Center, the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and JobTrain will begin work at Casa Círculo Cultural in North Fair Oaks.
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