VEDC Receives Grant for Business Growth Program

The Wells Fargo Foundation awarded Valley Economic Development Center $175,000 to help it continue its Statewide Small Business Growth Program across the state. Through the program and community partnerships, the VEDC plans to provide entrepreneurial consulting, training workshops and access to capital business expos in three major markets over a one-year period. “VEDC is exceedingly proud to partner with Wells Fargo in this time of severe credit crunch and high statewide unemployment,” said Roberto Barragan, the center’s president. “This Statewide Small Business Growth Program will prove vital in promoting access to capital to small businesses which are expected to be the source of new jobs in the immediate future.” Barragan said the group plans to partner with community organizations in San Francisco to host its signature event “Where’s the Money Access to Capital Business Expo” in November 2010. The organization also plans to host the expo in San Diego in the spring of 2011. Over the past two years, Wells Fargo has invested in the VEDC and has helped the group establish programs to assist businesses throughout Los Angeles County. Jessica Selva