Mayfield family at January 10 reception

West Business Development Center is grateful for the generous support of the sponsors of StartUp Mendocino 2022. We recently spoke with Jim Mayfield about The John and Sandra Mayfield Family Economic Development Fund at the Community Foundation of Mendocino County.

The fund was created by John and Sandra Mayfield in 2014 to increase the prosperity of communities and individuals in Mendocino County through business and community development, education, and entrepreneurship support.

The fund’s charitable purpose is to make grants to organizations that are working to increase the prosperity of communities and individuals in Mendocino County through business and community development, education, and entrepreneurship support. The fund’s founders stated, “New businesses will be more diversified and therefore more self-sustaining. We can help leverage the success of homegrown businesses. That seems to be a more successful strategy than attracting businesses from out of our county.”

How does your organization support economic development and business growth in Mendocino County?

An emphasis on education, and training will help make that new business successful. There is an awareness that we need to support local entrepreneurs.

What is one resource you would like to share that would help businesses be more successful in Mendocino County?

A resource often overlooked is a good business mentor. Seek out someone you know is successful and ask them for help. Having someone to share ideas, get advice and inspiration from can often be the difference in success and failure.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Mendocino County?

The Mayfield family enjoy gathering multiple generations together to share the incredible natural places and varied environments of Mendocino County.