The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce announced on March 15, 2023, that its Madera County Mountain Community Main Streets program has been selected to participate in a statewide entrepreneurial training and small business coaching initiative. This opportunity, facilitated by the California Main Street program, aims to enhance support for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Oakhurst and the surrounding mountain communities.
California Main Street is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of downtowns and commercial districts across the state. Since its inception in 1986, it has successfully secured over $8.5 billion in public and private investments, added 34,940 jobs, created 7,049 new businesses, and rehabilitated 1,845 buildings. The new Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Small Business Coaching Program is a significant advancement in building resources for local business support.
The initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration among various stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, local governments, educational institutions, financial organizations, and community groups. By uniting these entities, the program aims to create a more robust support system for small businesses, ultimately fostering economic vitality in the region.
Participants in the program will engage in an in-person entrepreneurial ecosystem workshop, complemented by a series of virtual strategy sessions. Additionally, they will have access to digital assessment tools tailored for both organizations and entrepreneurs. Following these sessions, staff from Main Street America will prepare a customized report outlining recommendations to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the mountain region.
The small business coaching aspect of the program will provide one-on-one support to four selected Oakhurst area business owners. This coaching will focus on developing essential digital skills, strategic planning, and personalized growth strategies. To initiate the process, each business owner will complete an online questionnaire detailing their goals, challenges, and vision. A professional business coach will then utilize this information to create a tailored coaching plan.
Each participant will receive up to four individualized coaching sessions. This flexible approach allows business owners to dictate the pace and intensity of their engagement, ensuring that the support meets their specific needs.
Adam Olivares, executive director of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm about the selection. “Being chosen for this program is a tremendous honor and an exciting opportunity for our Chamber and our community,” he stated. “This initiative will significantly enhance our Mountain Community Main Streets program by connecting local business owners with vital tools and resources while promoting collaboration among various organizations dedicated to supporting economic growth.”
For those interested in applying or seeking further information about the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Program, the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce can be contacted at (559) 683-7766 or via email. This program represents a promising step forward for small businesses in the Oakhurst area, positioning them for growth and resilience in a changing economic landscape.