Support is coming for small businesses in Imperial County’s Northend
Adrik Vargas
CALIPATRIA, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – A new partnership in Calipatria is aiming to bring vital business training to rural communities in Imperial County.
The Becoming Project and Asociación de Emprendedores have teamed up to launch an eight-week program designed to help Northend residents start or grow small businesses.
The initiative focuses on Spanish-speaking residents and others who have historically lacked access to entrepreneurial resources.
“This is an opportunity for the smaller rural communities that have just as much talent, just as much need, but not the resources to bring their dreams to life,” said William Cooper, Executive Director of The Becoming Project.
Participants will learn business fundamentals, develop leadership skills, and receive one-on-one support to bring their ideas to life.
“We will train the local business owners and or people who want to start a new business, how to start and grow their business and how to empower themselves, develop their leadership skills,” said Monica Robles of Asociación de Emprendedores.
The program, called Emprendedor@s, begins in September and is open to Northend residents who already have a business or simply an idea.
Calipatria Mayor Michael Luellen said small businesses have always been a part of the community, but many have struggled to stay local.
“Since before I was born, we’ve had small businesses, at home enterprises, and mom and pop shops that have planted their roots here in the Northend of the Imperial Valley, but have essentially had to leave due to a lack of community involvement,” Luellen said.
He hopes the program will give local entrepreneurs the tools they need to thrive.
“We have many small businesses that are out of their house and so bringing them in here getting them the experience that they need and hopefully diverse their background as we continue to diverse our own economy here locally,” he said.
The new training effort is one step toward building lasting support for the Northend’s homegrown businesses.