APRIL 25' UPDATE
CHRIS RICO
President & CEO
Dear Members, Partners, and Friends of the EDC,
Last month we hosted our Annual Breakfast and it was a great success. I had the opportunity to share all of the projects and programs our small, dedicated team is working on to bring greater prosperity to the people, businesses, and communities of Solano County, each with a focus on either business retention, business attraction, and serving the public good. I also had the opportunity to facilitate a really compelling conversation with our State Senator Christopher Cabaldon and Dr. Olaf Groth, a futurist from UC Berkeley. Over 300 people attended, and we received a lot of positive feedback. Thank you, again, to Kaiser, Valley Strong, and Medic Ambulance for sponsoring, and to Pat for pulling off such a big lift. Stay tuned for a few more breakfasts to come in the year ahead.
One of the things I shared was our new branding and our new website. We are proud to introduce the new Solano EDC website, our most engaging and user-friendly digital platform yet. This redesign reflects our continued commitment to supporting the businesses, investors, and community members that drive Solano County forward. With a clean, modern layout and intuitive features, the site was built to make important information easier to find and our work easier to follow. Whether you are looking for industry data, upcoming events, or opportunities to get involved, the new platform offers a smooth experience across all devices.
This update is more than just a visual refresh it is a reflection of who we are and where we are going. The site features new tools that highlight key programs, economic updates that move with you, and visually compelling elements that tell our story in a more impactful way. Navigation is simpler, insights are deeper, and connections to our newsletters and partner opportunities are right at your fingertips. A special thank you to our Marketing Manager, Darren Holmes, whose vision and talent brought this platform to life. Darren designed and built the site entirely from the ground up, creating a custom experience that captures the energy and direction of Solano EDC. We invite you to explore it and see how we are continuing to elevate the story of Solano County with clarity, purpose, and vision. Wishing you all good health and continued prosperity.
Chris Rico President/CEO
Made possible by funding from the County of Solano.
SOLANO BIZ-GROW
Small Business Loan Program
Limited Funds Remaining Limited Funds Remaining
Loan Amount: $25,000 to $125,000
Interest Rate: 6%, Fixed Rate
LoanTerm:5Years
MinimumCreditScore:630
No Prepayment Penalty
Loan Application Fee: $250 (Borrowers who complete an assessment and counseling with the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center shall receive a $250 rebate)
Eligibility: Small Business must meet Covid-19 impact eligibility requirements and be located in Solano County.
Must be in business prior to 12/31/21
These are just some of the benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) in states like California that are in great need of innovative, affordable and effective housing solutions. Visit the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)'s website today to find out more about our ADU Grant Program or contact one of our ADU lenders and let them help navigate you through the process.
RECEIVE ENERGY UPGRADES FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Meet Arsh, the store manager for Barrel 2 Bottle, a locally owned wine and spirits shop in Vacaville, CA. The current owners acquired the business in 2021 and have since made major renovations to modernize the store and make it more inviting for customers.
Looking for ways to reduce overhead while continuing their improvements, Arsh partnered with BayREN Business to implement energy-efficient upgrades at no cost to the business. Through the program, Barrel 2 Bottle received:
New high-efficiency LED overhead lighting
ECM motors & controllers for refrigeration units
BENEFITS
$22,999.42 BayREN rebates made the upgrade free of charge
“These upgrades have made a noticeable difference. The store is brighter, the refrigerators run more efficiently, and we saw savings just a few months after installation!”
- Arsh Sidhu, Store Manager of Barrel 2 Bottle
$7,815.74 in annual electricity savings for Obanke Beauty Supply
Did you know up to half of a building’s carbon emissions are generated before it even opens? These “embodied carbon” emissions come from materials, transportation, and construction—often overlooked in climate efforts. Join this free online forum to explore California’s Green Building Code, low-carbon design strategies, and how local governments can lead the way.
AI is Changing the Way Wine is Made & It’s Starting in the Vineyards
AI-powered tractors and tools are transforming vineyards like those in Napa Valley and beyond, helping farmers like Tom Gamble improve precision, reduce waste, and cut emissions. From yield predictions to water-saving irrigation valves, artificial intelligence is boosting sustainability, efficiency, and decisionmaking—without replacing workers. For Solano County and California’s wine regions, this marks the start of a smarter, greener future in viticulture.
Solano County Projects $38
Million Year-End Balance
Amid Budget Planning
Solano County expects to end the fiscal year with a $37.7 million fund balance, according to its mid-year budget review. While revenues have exceeded expectations and expenditures are down, officials warn of a structural deficit and potential future challenges. Revised reserve targets and fiscal planning will guide the county through rising costs and uncertain federal funding.
Shauna Manina Named Woman of the Year for Impact on Dixon’s Growth
Shauna Manina, President and CEO of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, has been named 2025 Woman of the Yearfor Assembly District 11 by Assemblywoman Lori Wilson. Honored for her transformative leadership, Manina has doubled chamber membership, revitalized Dixon’s business community, and fostered cultural connection and economic growth through events and outreach.
Vacaville Museum Awarded State Grant to Preserve Solano County History
The Vacaville Museum has received a Groundwork Grant from the California State Library to enhance protection of its priceless historical collection. Funds will support environmental monitoring, disaster kits, and preservation toolsfor artifacts reflecting Solano County’s rich cultural legacy—including stories of veterans, farmworkers, and local communities.
Vallejo Moves Forward with $10M Street Repair Plan
The Vallejo City Council has tentatively approved $10 million in Measure P funds to repair over 11 miles of city streets this summer and fall. With Vallejo holding the lowest road condition score in the Bay Area, this investment aims to boost safety, accessibility, and long-term infrastructure across neighborhoods.
Investing in Community Wellness
Kaiser Permanente’s support of Solano EDC goes beyond healthcare—it’s about strengthening the heartbeat of our region.
From fueling local farmers markets to championing wellness programs, their commitment to Solano County helps empower healthier, more vibrant communities. Together, we’re building a future where well-being is accessible, inclusive, and truly local.
Registration is now open for the Solano WDB's 2025 NorCal Career Fair April 10 at Solano Community College in Fairfield. With 90 participating employers offering hundreds of job opportunities, the NorCal Career Fair is the largest annual hiring event in our region and it is available to both our job seekers and employers at no-cost! To assist you in preparation for the career fair, the Solano WDB is hosting Career Fair bootcamps throughout March and April.
REALTIST WEEK REALTIST WEEK
APRIL 12TH APRIL 12TH
2PM - 5PM 2PM - 5PM
Bible Ministries Bible Ministries 1650 Fairground Dr. 1650 Fairground Dr. Vallejo, CA Vallejo, CA
SessionsInclude: SessionsInclude: TheRoadofHomeOwnership TheRoadofHomeOwnership DownPaymentAssistance DownPaymentAssistance WhattodowithBigMommaHouse WhattodowithBigMommaHouse EstatePlanning EstatePlanning SellerOption SellerOption IInvestinginRealEstate nvestinginRealEstate
SOLANO COUNTY
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$10,000 INVESTORS
$7,500 INVESTORS
