Sustained business technical assistance was delivered through the Sierra Business Council (SBC) with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) providing the following technical assistance:
Free one-on-one business counseling to 138 unique clients for a total of 272 hours.
Client access to topics that included access to capital, website development, social media marketing, human resources, employee ownership, financial restructuring, accounting.
A Fall Business Ignitor series with Sierra Commons at which fifteen businesses participated.
Thirty-two free virtual workshops for interested participants.
There was no call to action to activate the Nevada County Relief Fund over the summer.
County staff continued to support Community Resiliency Grant Fund grantees, with 33 active grants: one yet to be funded and five completed.
Next Steps
In the next quarter:
The Small Business Development Center and Sierra Commons will complete the Business Ignitor program with a graduating group of 15.
Upon completion of the Business Ignitor program, a newly created success cohort will be launched.
Staff will conduct an assessment of the Nevada County Relief Fund to determine if it can be quickly mobilized if needed. Staff will also coordinate with the fiscal agent to ensure the current balance is sustained for future needs.
Engage with Sierra Business Council on their Pitch Camp workshop in eastern county. Determine if a similar model will work in western Nevada County.
Collaborate with Sierra Business Council (SBC) after CERF announcement and seek participation in the formation of the High Road Transition teams with Valley Vision.
