A new federal grant to the Small Business Administration’s University of California, Merced Small Business Development Center Regional Network will provide additional resources to grow or start businesses – and create jobs in the process.

The one-time $645,894 grant, funded through the Small Business Jobs act of 2010, will be used to provide business counseling and advice to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the 15 county Central California area, including Turlock.

“This is yet another example of the Small Business Jobs Act putting proven tools in the hands of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners,” said Fresno SBA District Director Carlos Mendoza.  “UC Merced SBDC submitted a proposal to SBA to expand their delivery of SBA programs and services and we are pleased that the Jobs Bill could help out with the funding considering the important role that small businesses have in creating jobs.”

Specifically, the funding will be used in five areas:

·         To provide additional on-line training and one-on-one business advising in international trade, intended to increase export opportunities for local businesses;

·         To partner with regional innovation networks – like the Central Valley Business Incubator and Water and Energy Technology Lab – to aid businesses in accessing growing industry sectors;

·         To offer workshops and counseling in new product development, technology transfer, and licensing for high-tech entrepreneurs;

·         To expand bilingual business training and advice for Spanish speaking clients, and;

·         To establish new satellite centers to serve rural businesses and entrepreneurs.

The SBDC already operates a Stanislaus County satellite center in Modesto’s Alliance Small Business Development Center. The Alliance manages a by-appointment only satellite in downtown Turlock’s Small Business Incubator, located at 300 E. Main St.

For more information on available services, visit www.alliancesbdc.com or call 567-6459 or 634-6459.

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.