Economic Development Through Entrepreneurship
To assist in its efforts to service the Central Valley’s rural communities, the Central Valley Business Incubator recently received a $60,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program.
The award was made at CVBI’s Board of Directors meeting on July 9. Presenting the check was USDA Rural Development State Director Ben Higgins. “Small businesses are the backbone of our rural economies,” said Higgins. “With these funds, we are supporting those who are showing the entrepreneurial spirit and drive to succeed that makes for successful families, neighborhoods, and communities. I’m excited to leverage Central Valley Business Incubator’s proven ability to foster that entrepreneurial spirit and create good jobs in this critically important region of California.”
Accepting the check was Board Chairman Claude Laval, who made remarks on behalf of the Incubator. Also present were Tal Eslick, representing Congressman Devin Nunes, and CVBI board of directors and staff.
Anna Borgeas, chief operating officer of CVBI, said that economic development issues are regional, so the grant will go toward expanding CVBI’s reach. “The grant will help us reach rural communities so that they can benefit from our mission of economic development through entrepreneurship,” Borgeas said. “CVBI will be able to reach out so those in the outlying areas can benefit from our services.”
Craig Scharton, chief executive officer of CVBI, cited one way the grant could help rural communities. “The grant will help us translate CVBI materials into Hmong and Spanish for people in our surrounding communities,” Scharton said. “We will also be able to share our classes electronically.”