San Pablo EDC partners with the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center, East Bay SCORE, and other business development organizations to bring free business workshops to local and regional entrepreneurs. Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and merchants are encouraged to attend these workshops to learn new skills and strategies to grow their businesses.
Business Watches actively reduces and prevents crime through cooperation and education. Programs vary according to need; however, successful groups adhere to these fundamental steps:
Promote communication and understanding between law enforcement and business.
Encourage and enhance cooperation among merchants.
Teach merchants to crime-proof their own properties, watch over neighboring businesses, and document and report suspicious activity.
Develop a telephone tree and/or email distribution list to quickly disseminate information about area crime.
Develop signals to activate in adjacent businesses when someone needs help.
DreamBuilder is a series of 13 online business courses. The goal of the program is to help entrepreneurs achieve success. The courses that are included in the program cover the basics of starting a business as well as relevant topic areas, such as marketing, finance, and accounting. In addition to the interactive courses, participants have access to helpful tools and templates. Throughout the program, a Business Plan Generator guides the participants in the creation of a business plan.
Access to capital is essential for fostering economic growth, job creation, and community development. It helps local businesses thrive, contribute to the local economy, and create a sense of vibrancy within the community.
