Benicia Business Resource Guide

BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE

CHRIS RICO President & CEO

Solano Economic Development Corporation

Solano Business Leader, If you aren’t familiar with the Solano County Economic Development Corporation, allow me to introduce our great organization to you. For over 40 years, we have been entrusted by all seven cities, the county, and the leading employers of Solano County with a goal to bring more prosperity to the people and businesses of our fine region. We sit at the nexus of public and private and our organization also includes workforce development, education, and non-profits. All of these systems work together in service of this prosperity goal. With funding by the Economic Development Administration, we have recently concluded Moving Solano Forward 3, a landscape analysis of our economy to identify key assets, quantify challenges and opportunities, and to provide direction to both the EDC, and all of our economic development partners. This report identified a need for greater connection to our businesses to support them, and ensure that they are aware of, and taking advantage of, any and all local, state, and federal programs that might affect their bottom line.

We are delighted to introduce Nicole Mooc, our new, dynamic, Business Retention and Expansion Manager, who has a passion for supporting our business ecosystem. You can count on her to be available to guide and support you. She will keep you up to date on any new programs that you might not be aware of or currently taking advantage of. If you look at the last page of this resource packet, you’ll see the quality and quantity of leading organizations who support our work. We’re hopeful that you will see the value that we provide and consider supporting us as well.

Here’s to your success.

Cheers.

CITY HALL • 250 EAST L STREET • BENICIA, CA 94510 • (707) 746-4200 • FAX (707) 747-8120

Greetings from the City of Benicia! We trust this letter finds you well and thriving in the heart of our beautiful city. At the Economic Development Division, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your invaluable contribution to our local business community.

We are particularly proud of the delicate balance we have achieved in maintaining our city's smalltown charm while fostering economic success. Benicia's unique character and sense of community are paramount, and we are dedicated to preserving these qualities as we move forward.

Our initiatives for economic development are designed with an understanding of the importance of preserving the appeal that makes Benicia a special place to live, work, and visit. Part of this initiative is our collaboration with the Solano Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to provide you with the resources and support you need. We are here to support your continued success and ensure that Benicia remains a place where businesses can prosper.

Thank you again for being a part of our community. Please feel free to contact us at (707) 746-4202 or edev@ci.benicia.ca.us if you have any questions.

STEVE YOUNG, Mayor Members of the City Council KARI BIRDSEYE · TOM CAMPBELL · TREVOR MACENSKI · TERRY SCOTT, Vice Mayor

MARIO GIULIANI, City Manager LISA WOLFE, City Clerk KENNETH C. PAULK, City Treasurer

Benicia

Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce

Providing members with Advocacy, Resources, and Community since 1947.

The Benicia Chamber of Commerce promotes its members through Advocacy, Referrals, Networking & Education to support and strengthen the local economy for a higher quality of life. As the voice of business, the Benicia Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization that offers numerous benefits and services including advocacy, networking opportunities, business referrals, business education, and workshops.

We welcome you to visit us at our office located at 601 1st Street, Suite 100, Benicia, CA 94510 or call us at (707) 745-2120.

Solano

Fil-Am Fil-Am Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce The Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce in Solano County is dedicated to empowering the Filipino-American business community. We believe in providing resources, support, and mentorship to Filipino-American entrepreneurs and professionals, helping them thrive and succeed in their business. We actively engage with local government, policymakers, & community leaders to voice our concerns, promote inclusivity, & create a supportive business environment.

Through advocacy efforts, we aim to address issues, influence policies, & create opportunity.

Please contact us at (707) 333-8850 or info.filamchambersolano@gmail.com

Solano

Hispanic Hispanic Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce

The Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SHCC) exists to strengthen Solano County’s Hispanic businesses by advocating for opportunities that support their economic growth and by providing resources, training and tools, which advance development, prosperity and success in Solano County. Through its business, government and community partnerships, the SHCC has developed a cohesive network dedicated to promoting business prosperity, educational parity, business and home ownership, citizenship, voting privileges, and political equity for the local Hispanic community.

Please contact us at: (707) 999-2966 or info@solanohcc.com

NAACP Tri-City Tri-City Branch Branch

The Tri-City Branch NAACP’s Economic Development Department is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship and supporting sustainable business practices within the community. With a keen focus on Sustainable Marketing & Green Growth, the department provides invaluable guidance and expertise to aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. The department champions initiatives aimed at supporting Black Entrepreneurs by providing resources for sustainable planning and advocating for Environmental Justice.

Please contact us at: (707) 389-6020 or president@tri-citynaacp.org

Solano

Community Community College College Established in 1945, SCC offers a wide range of academic programs, vocational training, and community education courses. Accredited by ACCJC/WASC, SCC provides associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to universities. Its curriculum covers diverse fields such as liberal arts, sciences, business, health sciences, technology, and vocational trades, catering to the diverse needs and interests of its student body. With modern facilities and online options, SCC supports student success. Its vibrant campus life includes clubs, events, and athletics, fostering a strong sense of community. SCC aims to provide accessible, affordable, and quality education for students to achieve their goals.

Please contact us at: (707) 864-7000 4000 Suisun Valley Rd., Fairfield, CA 94534

SOLANO COUNTY OFFERS EXCEPTIONAL VALUE 21 business and industrial parks Affordable diverse lifestyles – housing cost average 50% less than Bay Area High employee productivity ranking, 4 out of 5 1.3 million workers within a 40 mile labor shed 15-20% lower operating costs than SF or Silicon Valley; industrial space 40% less 2.0 million sq. ft. of available industrial, flex and warehouse space One of the strongest manufacturing bases of advanced materials, biotech and food & beverage

Scan QR code or Click Here: MSF III Full Report/Summary

MOVING SOLANO FORWARD III Recognizing the need for a more strategic approach to economic development, the Solano EDC competed for an EDA grant to assist in an in-depth analysis and planning process designed to provide insights and recommendations on building a more resilient local county economy and better define the role EDC should play in that effort. This process brought together public and private leaders to build on existing planning initiatives, Moving Solano Forward II, Solano Transportation Agency efforts, as well as, county and individual city initiatives and plans.

Several key themes emerged from quantitative data analysis and qualitative stakeholder engagement. These themes informed the review of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) and the five goals that comprise the Strategic Action Framework.

To rebuild Solano’s economy and move forward to a sustainable future, MSF-III looked at critical components of the economy – how economic sectors survived, how they shifted, challenges that might still be faced, indirect impacts, opportunities and longterm actions needed as a community to recover and rebuild stronger.

Solano Biz-Grow A SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCY FUND

Offers small business loans for Covid-19-affected Solano County businesses.

Loan amount: $25,000-$125,000 at a 6% fixed rate for 5 years.

Minimum credit score: 630; no prepayment penalty.

Contact Wendi Reed at (707)-864-1855 x21 or wendi@solanoedc.org for eligibility.

SBDC provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in both Solano and Napa Counties with the highest quality, confidential business counseling, training, and business research at no cost.

Over 20 expert Business Advisors for tailored guidance.

Services include expert advising, educational opportunities, and funding support.

Contact (707) 646-1071 or visit SolanoNapaSBDC.org for assistance.

Partners with businesses for customized solutions to meet your talent needs.

Tailored services for talent recruitment, employee retention, and more.

Most services offered at no cost to Solano County businesses.

Financial supports and Employer Seminars are also available.

Contact Candice Ward at cward@solanowdb.org or visit career centers for information.

The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a state agency that reimburses costs for employer customized job skills training.

ETP funds a broad range of employer customized job skills training.

ETP can also provide funding for job readiness and ancillary skills training for underserved workforce populations and economically disadvantages communities.

Common training topics are: business skills, computer skills, manufacturing skills, continuous improvement, and more.

Live orientations available; contact ETPEDUnit@etp.ca.gov or (916) 327-4391.

Find grants relevant to your business at www.grants.ca.gov/ Grants.ca.gov is managed and hosted by the California State Library.

State grantmaking agencies input and update their information to make all state grant opportunities searchable on grants.ca.gov.

For grant writing information contact Nicole Mooc at (707) 864-1855 x18 or nicole@solanoedc.org

PG&E is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the communities we serve. There are a variety of energyand money-saving programs available small and medium business customers.

Programs to help you update equipment cost effectively and improve operations at your business.

Includes CA Foodservice Instant Rebates, Simplified Savings, and Utility Economic Development Rate Program.

Contact economicdevelopment@pge.com or energyadvisor@pge.com for assistance.

MCE is a not–for–profit, public agency that provides renewable power at stable rates, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and invest in community energy programs.

Programs include Strategic Energy Management, EV Charging Station Rebate, and Peak FLEXmarket.

Promotes energy efficiency and emission reduction.

Collaborates with PG&E for reliable service.

For more information contact MCE’s Business Relationship Team at: 1-888-632-3674

The Solano Mobility Program provides mobility services and programs for Commuters and Employers in Solano County. The variety of services and programs offer ways to get to and from work.

Offers varied programs like Bucks for Bikes, Commute Challenge, and Vanpool Incentives.

Partners with Lyft for discounted rides and Amtrak passes.

Encourages alternative travel modes with Commute Challenge rewards.

For more information contact the Solano Mobility Call Center: 1-800-535-6883

Collaboration of nine Bay Area counties promoting energy, water, and greenhouse gas reduction.

This program can help upgrade your business systems for utility and energy savings via rebate assistance.

Upgrades can include: air conditioning, LED lighting, refrigeration equipment, and space and water heating equipment.

Contact Nicole Mooc at (707) 864-1855 x18 or nicole@solanoedc.org to check eligibility.

GO-Biz serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth, economic development, and business assistance efforts.

Drives job growth and economic development in California.

Provides no-cost consultation for incentive identification, site selection, and regulatory compliance.

Programs include California Competes, R&D Tax Credit, Partial Sales & Use Tax Exemption, and Full Sales & Use Tax Exclusion Contact us at (877) 345-4633 for more information.

$10,000 INVESTORS

$7,500 INVESTORS