Author: Alison de Grassi
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Attend our Awesome August Workshops!

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-7-12-attend-our-awesome-august-workshops/

West Center’s August workshop line-up is nothing short of awesome! Get out your calendar and sign up today for a series of workshops designed to make you and your business shine.

The pandemic certainly turned the way we do business on its head, from new health and safety regulations to incorporating technology and e-commerce into business practices. On August 4, join instructor Lani Lott as she delves into how the retail experience has changed post-pandemic and learn what you can do to maximize sales from your storefront to your online store in “The New Face of Retail: Strategies for a Changing Marketplace.”
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Three Key Takeaways for California Small Business Owners

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-7-22-three-key-takeaways-for-california-small-business-owners/

The past 18 months has been exhausting for everyone and the future is still uncertain. So what has this meant for small businesses? At West Center, we found this thoughtful article by Zayna Syed published on the CalMatters.org website on July 14, 2021.

COVID-19 recovery efforts are finally underway — now, most anyone 12 or older who wants a vaccine can get one, businesses and office spaces are slowly starting to open up and schools plan a return to in-person classes. But many small businesses in California are still dealing with the devastating effects of the pandemic.
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Be Water Wise During Drought Days

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-6-28-water-wise/

As we are all aware, water in Mendocino County – in fact, the entire state — is in critically short supply due to a lack of snow and rain these past few winters. West Center knows that having water is essential for small businesses to continue to operate. We did some research and found the following article, written by Megan Erwin for PG&E and adapted for length, with some water conservation tips every business should implement immediately.
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Celebrate July by Shopping Local!

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-6-25-july-is-national-independent-retailers-month/

Every July is a month-long shop local event. And this July is the first month that businesses have been able to be fully open in more than a year! So this is just the right time to encourage consumers to shop at our county’s many independent retailers. Shopping local helps create more sustainable cities, towns and communities as well as highlighting their positive social and economic impact – locally, nationally and globally!
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Get a Go Bag for Your Business!

https://www.westcenter.org/get-a-go-bag-for-your-business/

In Mendocino and Lake Counties we are all too familiar with packing a go bag for yourself, your family and the pets, just in case of wildfire, earthquake, or other natural disaster. But preparing your business for that type of situation is an entirely different proposition. And one every business owner should consider as it’s a way to safeguard the years of work and love you’ve put into your business, and protect both your people and your assets.
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Jump into July with West Center Workshops!

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-6-7-jump-into-july-with-west-center-workshops/

Celebrate July 4 and then dive into an exciting series of free informative workshops designed to help you raise the profile of your business. Whether you’re already a business owner or are considering opening a small business, these workshops are a great foundation for building a path to success.

Instructor Tara Gardiner kicks off July’s workshops with a four-part series, Manifest Your Brand. Join Tara and your fellow brand-hounds every Wednesday at noon, beginning on July 7.
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COVID Funding Opportunities

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-5-27-post-covid-funding-opportunities/

We are beginning to return to some semblance of normalcy. The SBA COVID funding programs are winding down and Congress appears to be moving on to other issues. But there are still small business funding sources available.

Contact West Center at 707.964.7571 to speak with a business advisor who can help you with these opportunities and other advice for making your business a success.
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Post-Pandemic Shopping

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-5-26-post-pandemic-shopping/

West Center recently read the following article that appears in the May 2021 edition of AllBusiness.com. If you have a small business, check out these tips for creating a comfortable post-pandemic shopping experience.

From ramping up online offerings to implementing new health and safety protocols, the Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the way people do business—especially for physical retail stores navigating the future of post-pandemic shopping. While it can be challenging for companies to pivot their operations based on customers’ changing needs and expectations, it can also serve as a unique opportunity for growth.
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Client Survey Findings

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-5-26-client-survey-findings/

West Center recently sent a survey to our clients. We wanted to know how our local small businesses have fared over the past (long) 14 months and to see how they view the future.

The majority of our respondents were in the retail field, followed by professional services and the arts. We’re happy that no one reported a business as permanently closed. Ninety percent of businesses are either fully or partially open and just nine percent reported a temporary closure that is still ongoing.
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Meet Cat Garcia: Latinx Outreach Coordinator

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-5-12-meet-cat-garcia/

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, to Central American parents. Growing up in a very large and diverse environment has been instrumental in my career over the last 18 years. I began volunteering as a teenager in 1992 at a homeless shelter and knew this was my path, to help people. I have been privileged to have worked with victims of abuse, mental health, homelessness, addiction, etc. Since moving to Fort Bragg in 2015, I have advocated for underserved populations and am eager to put my skills towards a whole new craft.
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Welcome to Summer Workshops!

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-5-12-welcome-to-summer-workshops/

We’re almost halfway through the year so don’t miss out on some of these great free workshops offered during the month of June.

“The Cloud” has become ubiquitous in our lives… we all use it even though many of us don’t realize that we are. But how safe is it and what measures should small businesses take to safeguard their documents and assets? If you have questions like these, sign up to attend our free CyberSecurity workshop on June 2, led by instructor Tom Jacobson.
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Celebrate Small Business Week!

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-4-28-celebrate-small-business-week/

In the first week of May, we salute Small Business Week, a time to celebrate and appreciate the entrepreneurs and small businesseses that keep our economic engine purring! West Center once again puts a focus on local shopping and supporting local entrepreneurs, in order to highlight the role small businesses contribute in the nation’s economy.

We’ve put together a pop-up marketplace where you can not only shop local but also find unique Made in Mendo products, gifts, and services. When you spend your money locally, it benefits us all!
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Workshop May Day!

https://www.westcenter.org/2021-4-12-workshop-may-day/

The merry month of May has much to offer… spring is here and West Center’s workshop offerings are in full bloom!

We kick off our workshops on May 5 with a primer on how best to use Zoom to further successful business meetings. Even if you’re a regular Zoom user, this workshop will offer troubleshooting tips and tools for those moments when the screen freezes!