About EDC
MISSION
VISION
A strong and healthy Ventura and Santa Barbara regional economy with a high quality of life and broadly shared opportunities.
WHEN BUSINESS THRIVES, OUR COMMUNITY PROSPERS
A private nonprofit, the EDC was founded in 1996 with funding from the County of Ventura, the 10 cities in the county and key private-sector companies to provide a pathway to business growth, economic prosperity and high quality of life for all.
Today, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center, the EDC is a regional asset for economic vitality in Ventura, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties, giving businesses, community partners and civic leaders the resources they need to succeed. By leveraging public and private funds, the EDC has become a key player in delivering business consulting, funding and strategic initiatives that support the regional economy.
OUTCOME-DRIVEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
EDC is dedicated to the delivery of four core functions:
- Regional convener, collaborator and strategist on economic development initiatives.
- Retention and growth of our existing business base through business advising, training and lending.
- Business attraction, by promoting our region’s assets, coordinating with cities and other stakeholders for effective response to new business opportunities.
- Entrepreneurship, by networking resources and supporting start-up enterprises.
EDC PROGRAMS
The EDC promotes jobs and economic growth to maintain the region’s economic vitality through one of California’s largest direct business support networks, with more than 30 professional advisors on contract and a full-time loan manager, all available to local business at no cost. Click here to set up an appointment.
EDC SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
- Economic Data & Interpretation
- Strategic Initiatives
- Business Attraction
- Start up Assistance
- Strategic Planning
- Marketing & Planning
- E-Commerce & Social Media
- Legal Compliance
- Human Resources & Training
- Operational Assistance
- International Trade
- Manufacturing Assistance
EDC GO GLOBAL TRADE PROGRAM
- Export/Import regulations advising
- Export/Import documentation
- International financing
- International distribution and logistics
- International market research
EDC CULTIVATE & IGNITE TECH PROGRAM
- Technology focused advising
- Virtual and in-person training sessions
- Pitch panels
- Industry panels
EDC FILM
- Film locations
- Pre and post production resources
- Talent and crew lodging
- Film permitting
- Production, Start Up and Business Consulting
