Unlocking Opportunities: A Panel on Small Business Resources

Our Small Business Equity & Recovery (SBER) partnership held its first event of 2024 – a six partner affair, hosted by Los Cien. Against the backdrop of partner collaboration, the event highlighted the ways each partner could provide aid or services to the small businesses of Sonoma County. Creser Capital, Legal Aid of Sonoma County, EDB, Red LatinX, and The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce delivered thought-provoking insight and participated in engaging panel discussions on what resources were available to the community.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn and gain invaluable knowledge to apply to their businesses. One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of partnerships forged within the SBER coalition.

Marcos Suarez from the Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) explained to the crowd, “You come to us for knowledge and connection, we can turn you around to say, Creser, and get you the funding you need for your business.” This demonstrated their commitment to collaboration and tapping into synergies across the coalition reinforcing SBER’s progressive approach to driving growth through strategic alliances.

The SBER coalition’s active involvement in supporting the startup ecosystem was evident in the various topics addressed during the event, including funding opportunities, assistance and support with taxes, and free legal advice. This reaffirmed their dedication to nurturing mom-and-pop shops and fostering emerging businesses in Sonoma County. Furthermore, the event facilitated networking opportunities for the attendees, allowing them to meet the partners and engage in meaningful discussions to establish valuable connections in their very own community.

The event was abundant with knowledge, enabling the business owners and entrepreneurs to explore potential avenues of support and guidance and absorb best business practices endorsed by the SBER panel.

The SBER coalition focuses on providing technical, legal and financial services to the county’s small businesses and entrepreneurs that experienced harm from the COVID pandemic. Emphasis is placed on providing services to BIPOC, women and LGBTQ+ communities.

If your business needs assistance, contact Teryn Kelley to explore options: 707-636-3672. To learn more about the SBER partnership, visit https://www.sbersonoma.com/.