Moorpark, Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru businesses will be able to access up to $242,821 in services for small business development through technical assistance/consulting services and business loans beginning Nov. 15, thanks to the County of Ventura and the Economic Development Collaboration-Ventura County.

In October, the County Board of Supervisors and EDC-VC’s board approved the recommendation to create the Moorpark and Santa Clara River Valley Business Assistance Program from the county’s and city of Moorpark’s share of the federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

Investment in our local businesses is essential for the overall economic health of Ventura County. Working with these communities will open doors to create jobs and strengthen businesses, which is something we can all be proud of,” said Supervisor Kathy Long.

In partnership with the county and cities of Moorpark, Santa Paula and Fillmore, EDC-VC's Small Business Development Center will provide free business consulting services and low-cost workshops to small- and medium-size companies in the region. It's expected that more than 40 companies will receive intensive business consulting services, resulting in at least 26 new jobs and saving four at-risk positions by the end of this fiscal year on June 30.

Business loans of up to $25,000 are available to businesses in Moorpark and the entire Santa Clara River Valley area. The loan program is aimed at helping business owners overcome some of the hurdles to successful entrepreneurship. It’s expected that nine loans will be funded through the program, resulting in at least nine new jobs this fiscal year.

“The city has been very strategic in its economic development and has been working toward creating a loan program for a few years,” said Janice Parvin, mayor of Moorpark. “Having the program come on line now is great news for the city and its businesses as well as those in the Santa Clara River Valley area.”

EDC-VC will provide credit analysis and underwriting services for the loan program, assisting firms in accessing to new capital to support business growth.

For more information, contact Kelly Noble at 805-384-1800 x 21, or kelly.noble@edcsbdc.org.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, the Manufacturing Outreach Program, Global Entrepreneur Training in Trade (G.E.T. Trade) program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 21 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.