Garcia welcomes community to small-business resource fair

Small-business owners and other residents are invited to the Small Business Resource Fair hosted by Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-56th) in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation.

The aim is to learn about services and programs designed to support business development, noted Jacqueline Lopez, spokeswomen for Garcia’s office. This free event is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday. It will be held at the El Centro Old Post Office, 230 S. Fifth St.

GO-Biz was established in 2011 after the expiration of the state’s Redevelopment Agency. Go-Biz encourages business innovation by offering a range of services, remarked Lopez.

These include small business development, tips on tax credits, small business loan guarantees, export assistance, workforce staffing, technical assistance, contracting opportunities and veteran’s business assistance.

“As chair of the Assembly Jobs committee, we have asked GO-Biz about how effective state programs are in serving the needs of low-income communities, especially those in rural areas,” said Garcia. “Events like the Small Business Resource Fair will assist local businesses while providing GO-Biz with an opportunity to gain more understanding about their real world challenges.”

Business retention within California is a major function of GO-Biz. It can help with unwinding the red tape of permitting and facilitate bureaucratic hurdles.

The director of GO-Biz, Panorea Avdis will be making a first visit to Imperial County while bringing key members of the GO-Biz team, including the State small Business Advocate, California Business Investment Services and additional resource partners from across the state.

Later in the day the fair will have a forum with 20 staffed resource tables for economic development project managers or city staff who are assisting with community development projects to speak with GO-Biz directors about advancing projects already underway, with technical assistance or examining infrastructure projects in one-on-one meetings with GO-Biz, about their community priorities.

Finally, a binational luncheon will be held with business and government leaders of California and Mexico.

The day will conclude with Avdis visiting the Salton Sea for learning more about renewable energy and green energy development.