MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) has been awarded the contract to manage the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Monterey and San Benito counties.
This achievement underscores the Council’s dedication to fostering a thriving business environment and supporting local enterprises. Previously administered by Cal Coastal since 2003, the new SBDC has been renamed Central Coast Small Business Development Center and officially launched on April 1 with expanded locations.
“Winning this contract to manage the SBA’s Small Business Development Center means our community stands poised for transformative growth,” said Kimbley Craig, president and CEO of MCBC. “Under MCBC’s stewardship, our vision is for the local SBDC to serve as a dynamic hub of innovation, empowerment and opportunity. By providing tailored advisory services, comprehensive training programs and strategic resources, we aim to catalyze sustainable economic development, foster job creation and enhance the competitiveness of our region’s businesses in the global marketplace. We are 1,000% committed to cultivating a local ecosystem where businesses thrive, communities prosper and dreams of entrepreneurship become vibrant realities.”
Small Business Development Centers play a vital role in providing advisory services, training programs and resources to entrepreneurs, start-ups and small business owners, empowering them to start, grow and prosper. Through strategic guidance and tailored assistance, SBDCs enable businesses to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities and contribute to the economic vitality of the region.
The new SBDC will expand on the previous iteration with a main location at MCBC’s office in Salinas, as well as satellite locations at the Gateway Center in Soledad and at the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in Monterey.
“Taking over the reins on April 1, not only helps support our local small businesses and entrepreneurs, it also furthers our goal of achieving ultimate world domination,” said Paul Farmer, COO of MCBC. “All joking aside, our team has the expertise, networks and resources to build a thriving local SBDC.”
The mission of America’s network of SBDCs is to help new entrepreneurs realize the dream of business ownership and to assist existing businesses to remain competitive in an ever-changing global economy.
Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can go to their local SBDC for free face-to-face business consulting and free or affordable training on a variety of topics. Other services include a full calendar of workshops and training focused on business skills, local regulations and other business challenges.
The leadership team at MCBC is well qualified to manage the transition and successfully administer the new contract.
Craig has nearly 15 years of experience owning and operating her own small business, and 25 years of working with the business community, including the past seven years as president and CEO of MCBC. Farmer has more than 12 years of experience heading up local business associations, including the past two years at MCBC as well as 10 years as CEO of the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce. Previously, he was founder and owner of OfficeStar Computer Training Center in Salinas, which offered comprehensive job skill services for the local workforce.
For more information about the Monterey County Business Council and its initiatives, visit mcbc.biz.
