Paso Robles Air and Spaceport...

City Council unanimously voted to submit pre-application information to the FAA and continue evaluating the Spaceport license opportunity with the Airport Commission. Spaceport operations of potential interest are horizontal launches, similar to a private jet taking off and landing. There are no sonic events (sonic booms) associated with horizontal launches. Vertical launches are not being considered. (Photo: Jeff Johnson)

...Cuesta and Cal Poly Partnerships

Council discussed the potential economic development benefits of having the FAA Spaceport designation as it would allow the City to market the airport for firms wishing to conduct research, manufacturing or launch of small scale satellites and attracting high paying space tech related jobs. Educational training partnerships with Cuesta and Cal Poly, such as the Cubesat and aerospace engineering programs, can provide a pipeline for locals to find employment in the growing global commercial space transportation industry.

Cal Poly CIE is Coming to Paso!

The Cal Poly Center for Innovation for Entrepreneurship is excited to announce the extension of its Incubator program and Small Business Development Center to the SANDBOX Paso Robles. These two programs have been at the forefront of technology, innovation, and Economic Development in San Luis Obispo County. An Open House will take place September 1st from 5–7PM at the SANDBOX Paso Robles 1345 Park Street. RSVP on Eventbrite at cieopenhouse.eventbrite.com

National Small Business Week Virtual Summit

Register for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration, September 13 – September 15, 2021
Attend this free, online event to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners, and chat with industry experts! This 3-day, action-packed event will include educational webinars, updates on resources for small businesses, and a networking chat room for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

North County Job Boards

Looking for work or looking to hire staff? 
Here are two North County Job Boards listing a wide range of available positions:

• Visit SLO CAL North County Job Board
  
  
• Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Job Board

The "Pipeline" Report

Check out the numerous projects in process in our community.  The City of Paso Robles Community Development Department publishes The "Pipeline" Report with the status of Planning Entitlements and Building permits throughout the City. Click here to learn more.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program

The Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program with Local Union #403 is a five (5) year training program. Apprentices earn while they learn, working on the job with Journeymen.  The beginning apprentice wage starts at $21.10 per hour with a package rate (benefits included) of $25.81 per hour. As of September 1, 2018, the Journeyman wage is $46.88 per hour with a package rate (benefits included) of $74.30 per hour.  
For information on additional programs visit https://www.pipecareers.com/

Cal Poly Extension Cyber Bootcamp

Go from novice to cybersecurity professional and gain the tools to land a job in one of the world’s highest-paying industries—all in 26 weeks part-time. Graduates will qualify for full-time cybersecurity positions that could earn them six-figure salaries in their first role. The program is specifically designed for beginners.  There’s no experience required to apply, be accepted, or succeed.
Early Enroll Deadline: September 14, 2021

Women Who Code Scholarship

SLO Partners and Fullstack Academy are offering three (3) “Women Who Code” - scholarships for their online Software Engineering Immersive boot camp starting October 4th, 2021. This 26 week, part time course prepares candidates for software development roles - currently one of the most in-demand professions and one of the most popular careers for remote working, offering greater freedom, flexibility and job security. No prior coding experience is required to enroll in the program.

Certified COVID Hospitality Compliance Officer (CHCO)

This certification prepares hospitality leaders by offering the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 compliance, operational regulations, and safety protocols. The Academy for Hospitality Arts (AHA) is committed to imparting knowledge and processes set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  No prerequisites.

Medical Billing and Coding

Whether you're just starting work or transitioning into a different field, there has never been a better time to enter a career in Medical Billing and Coding. This course will prepare you for success in this rewarding career as you learn about legal, ethical, and regulatory concepts central to this field, including HIPAA compliance, official coding guidelines, and third-party payer requirements. You will also be able to choose a voucher for the professional certification that best aligns with your interests and career goals.

Workforce Development Support

JobNow and VetNow programs offer learning, career, and veteran support tools, such as resume and writing labs and an extensive list of resources, in addition to in-person support, such as live job coaching, live veteran benefits eligibility, and live tutoring.  An Unemployment Benefits Navigator has recently been added to JobNow to assist patrons struggling to file for unemployment benefits. Find out more at the Paso Robles City Library.

New Funding Rounds for the California Small Business

Office of the Small Business Advocate Announces New Funding Rounds for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.  The additional $1.5 billion expansion, for a total of $4 billion, makes California’s small business relief program the largest in the country. The funding will support small businesses and nonprofits that have struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New applications will be accepted starting September 9th.

Small Business Tax Credit Programs

The American Rescue Plan extends the availability of the Employee Retention Credit for small businesses through December 2021 and allows businesses to offset their current payroll tax liabilities by up to $7,000 per employee per quarter. This credit of up to $28,000 per employee for 2021 is available to small businesses who have seen their revenues decline due to COVID.

Loan Guarantee Program

The Small Business Loan Guarantee program helps businesses create and retain jobs, and encourages investment in low- to moderate-income communities. The program promotes statewide economic development by increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs, the self-employed, microbusiness and small business owners to have better access to capital and other technical resources.

Emergency Broadband Benefit

Low-income households who qualify can apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program to get online. The program provides $3.2 billion to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide a $50 monthly discount on in-home broadband service for eligible households, as well as a one-time $100 discount on a laptop, desktop, or tablet computer for those same qualifying households. 

SBA COVID-19 Relief Options

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.  COVID-19 portal

How To Apply for a Business License

Find out how to apply for a business license, including fees, taxes, and other required permits and forms.  The Department of Administrative Services is responsible for providing service to the general public, business license applicants and each existing licensee. Our objective is to assist each business in obtaining the proper business license and/or permit and to ensure proper compliance to the business license code for all businesses transacting business within the city.  

City Website Business Tools  

The City has recently updated the Economic Development section on the City website.  Details on related programs along with specialized business development tools can be found in this section, including tools for Business Data, Smart Mapping, Demographic Data, Talent Pool, Opportunity Zone, Community Profile, and links for researching commercial property listings.

THE SANDBOX Paso Robles

THE SANDBOX Paso Robles is a co-working, shared office & event space offering a variety of dedicated and private desks and offices as well as meeting spaces that are perfect for remote workers, entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, freelancers and more.

To Incorporate or Not to Incorporate Your Business? That is the Question

You hear about “getting an LLC” or “incorporating,” however it seems confusing and overwhelming. Join this webinar presented by Intellectual Property Attorney Kelley Keller, Esq. to learn about the essential aspects of incorporation so you can eliminate uncertainty and make the right decisions for you and your emerging business.

Develop Action Plans for Your Business Model

The Business Model Canvas PLUS is a unique 21st Century business management tool that takes the 9 building blocks of the BMC further by identifying strategies to implement key areas of improvement, developing concrete action steps, and prioritizing them.
This presentation will guide you through the essential next steps of your business model planning so you can grow your company efficiently and profitably.

How to Find Government Contracting Opportunities

Learn how to navigate the information found on the internet to identify government contracting business opportunities. The presentation will provide insight into the similarities and differences of how and where to go to find government opportunities at the various Federal, State, and Local levels. 

Managing a Business

Peter & Ben Wen, of Tallyfor and winner of AngelCon 2021, will join us this month to talk about their journey after winning $145K in equity investment. Tallyfor is the first collaborative, cloud-native app in a $2.8B market: US business income tax. This cloud software helps move data from source transactions to IRS filing. Tallyfor enhances online accounting software with the ability to complete business taxes. Date: 9/8/21 8:30AM–9:30AM