Business Resources for
Women & Minority-Owned Businesses
BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR
The Economic Development Collaborative is proud to support women and minority-owned businesses. Your success is our success. We remain committed to continuing the conversation around inclusion and equity in order to provide a better quality of life for all.
The following organizations specialize in assisting women and minority-owned businesses.
RESOURCE PROVIDERS
Central Coast Minority Enterprise Resource Affiliates (CMERA)
Central Coast Minority Enterprise Resource Affiliates provides world-class business development solutions for hundreds of consultants, entrepreneurs, small businesses with Business Support Services in the tri-counties to help them reduce or eliminate the need for expensive consultants with the intent to connect the resources that drive wealth and success to enterprises within the Central Coast region and beyond.
Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator
Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator is dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers. Grow your business with access to financial support, strategic business guidance and mentorship, and marketing and promotional support. Participation is free, but does require a valid minority-owned business registration or certification. Information on how to register your business as minority-owned can be found in the Frequently Asked Question section of the link provided.
EDC Español
Economic Development Collaborative offers individual no-cost consulting services in Spanish for business owners looking for assistance. Additionally, EDC offers a loan program for those seeking capital and financial advising services available in Spanish. Please call 805.409.9159 to schedule an appointment.
Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GSBHCC)’s mission is to foster the economic vitality and prosperity of the Hispanic business community as well as the quality of life of the greater Santa Barbara area. GSBHCC provides an organizational forum for the exchange of ideas and information, technical assistance and business opportunities to promote, support and encourage the advancement of Hispanic owned businesses.
Westside Community Development Corporation
Through programs and services the Westside Community Development Corporation create opportunity and vitality for the residents and businesses of Ventura’s historic Westside.
WEV en Español
WEV programs and services – including business training, loans, financial education, recovery advisors, technical assistance, social media and webinars – are delivered in both English and Spanish. Please call 805-456-2383 for assistance in Spanish.
GUIDANCE & TOOLS FOR ECONOMIC EQUITY & JUSTICE
EDC Business Resources: A Guide To Educate And Empower The Community On Social Justice
EDC has compiled a guide to provide a broad collection of resources aimed at (1) supporting and educating employers, employees, and individuals across Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties on understanding the racial justice issues highlighted by recent events, (2) strengthening connections between diverse community members and (3) empowering community members to take action to combat racial injustice.
National League of Cities: Advancing Racial Equity In Your City
NLC’s Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) initiative is dedicated to helping local leaders understand and gain the tools necessary to combat racial disparities in their communities.
