The John and Sandra Mayfield Fund was established by John and Sandra Mayfield to increase the prosperity of communities and individuals in Mendocino County through business and community development, education and entrepreneurship support. Previous grants have gone to Mendocino Private Industry Council implementing a work readiness training program for high school juniors and seniors, GRID Alternatives solar workforce development, and the Arbor Youth Resource Center work readiness program.
We’re proud to have The John and Sandra Mayfield Economic Development Fund as a Startup Mendocino Sponsor and we talked to John Mayfield about his thoughts on entrepreneurship in Mendocino County.
What part does your organization play in the economic development of Mendocino County?
We support small business and entrepreneurship development and workforce development with our fund. We really believe that growing those entrepreneurs and risk takers is an important task for all of us in our County and we focus on funding non-profits who help that fulfill that vision. We also try to reach high schoolers as well, with technical training and seed that entrepreneurial spirit early.
What good things do you see happening in the next decade in Mendocino County?
We hope to see an increase in entrepreneurs and new ideas in the next decade. We hope our work will emphasize to people that it’s important to take those risks and you will succeed more times than you fail. We want to encourage people to take those risks.
What’s your favorite place to be or eat or visit or stay in Mendocino County?
There are so many beautiful places in our County to visit. We have a family compound in Inglenook on the Coast and it’s one of my favorite places to be and spend time together with all of our extended family. It’s right near Mackerricher Dunes and all the beauty the Coast has to offer. We also love Restaurant Dora’s in Ukiah, she’s a really interesting entrepreneur serving excellent Brazilian food and we love to support her and her business.
Tickets for the Startup Mendocino Competition Gala Are Now on Sale
This family-friendly event takes place in Ukiah at the Mendocino College theater on August 25th. Tickets are $10 and include beer, wine, refreshments, local food and prizes — and most importantly, a chance to cast your vote to determine who will win the grand prize for Startup Mendocino. Click here to buy tickets now.
Startup Mendocino is a Business Bootcamp and Pitch Competition designed to spark new thinking about what is possible in Mendocino County through entrepreneurship. Startup Mendocino is sponsored by the West Business Development Center, America’s SBDC, The John and Sandra Mayfield Economic Development Fund at the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Adventist Hospital, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Economic Development and Financing Corporation, Mendocino College, North Coast Brewery, Harvest Market, The John Pack and Linda Francis Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, Ukiah Chambers of Commerce, Mendocino Coast Chambers of Commerce and Willits Chambers of Commerce and The Coast – KOZT, and the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity.
Startup Mendocino is supported by the Small Business Administration and California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office of Business & Economic Development.
As always, to sign up for free business advising from WestBDC go here
Our Sponsors
