Information provided by the Monterey County Business Council. Check out the latest information in Spanish.
Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) announced today that it has been awarded a contract to manage the Small Business Administration's Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in Monterey and San Benito Counties. This achievement confirms the Council's dedication to fostering a thriving business environment and supporting local businesses. Managed by California Coastal since 2003, the new SBDC will be renamed the Central Coast Small Business Development Center and officially launch on April 1, 2024.
“Winning this contract to manage the SBA's Small Business Development Center means our community is poised for transformational growth,” said Kimblee Craig, president and CEO of MCBC. “It means that it is.” “Under MCBC’s stewardship, our vision is for local SBDCs to serve as dynamic hubs of innovation, empowerment, and opportunity, with customized advisory services, comprehensive training programs, and strategic resources. By delivering, we aim to foster sustainable economic development, foster job creation and strengthen the competitiveness of our region's businesses in global markets. We are committed to fostering a local ecosystem where communities thrive and entrepreneurship is a vibrant reality.”
The Small Business Development Center plays an important role in providing entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small business owners with advisory services, training programs, and resources to help them start, grow, and prosper. Through strategic guidance and tailored assistance, SBDCs enable businesses to overcome challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and contribute to the economic vitality of their regions. The new SBDC expands on previous plans with its main location at the MCBC office in Salinas, with satellite locations at the Gateway Center in Soledad and the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in Monterey.
MCBC Chief Operating Officer Paul Farmer said: “Taking over the reins on April 1st will not only support local small businesses and entrepreneurs, but will further our goal of achieving ultimate world domination. It will also promote the “All kidding aside, our team has the expertise, network, and resources to build a thriving local SBDC.”
America's SBDC Network's mission is to help new entrepreneurs realize their dreams of business ownership and to help existing businesses remain competitive in an ever-changing global economy. Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can visit their local SBDC for free in-person business consulting and free or affordable training on a variety of topics. Other services include a full calendar of workshops and trainings focused on business skills, local regulations, and other business challenges.
MCBC's leadership team is well qualified to manage the transition and successfully manage the new contract. Kimbley Craig, president and CEO, brings his nearly 15 years of experience owning and operating his own small businesses and his 25 years of experience with the business community, including the past seven years as president and CEO of MCBC. I have experience in cooperation. COO Paul Farmer has more than 12 years of experience leading local business organizations, including the past two years at MCBC and his 10 years as CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce. Previously, he was the founder and owner of OfficeStar Computer Training Center in Salinas, where he provides comprehensive job skills and services to local workers.
For more information about the Monterey County Business Council and its efforts, please visit www.mcbc.biz.