Paso Robles Selected for 
Rural Innovation Initiative 2022

The City of Paso Robles in partnership with the Hispanic Business Association has been selected from among 40 communities nationwide to receive fully-funded participation in the Rural Innovation Initiative for 2022 to create digital entrepreneurship and tech jobs for rural communities of color. The grant is being supplied by the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), which was founded to address the dramatic opportunity gap between rural and urban communities that grew out of the Great Recession. 

“The Hispanic Business Association Board and membership is excited to partner with the City to develop a collaborative and inclusive vision for the economic future of Paso Robles.  Diversifying our economy and creating technology opportunities will ensure that our Paso Robles community continues to be a great place to live with ample opportunities for all members of our community.” --Maria Garcia, HBA Treasurer and Paso Robles City Councilmember

The Miniature World of Space Tech...

Mayor Martin and Paso Robles Airport Commissioner Bill Britton visited the CubeSat Lab at the Cal Poly College of Engineering to discuss the technical and economic opportunities of a potential Paso Robles Spaceport in the commercial space sector of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) small satellites, called CubeSats, such as those being held in the photo at right. CubeSat specifications were originally developed at Cal Poly for the design, manufacture, and testing of small satellites intended for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) that perform a number of scientific research functions and explore new space technologies. 

Also visited the same day was Stellar Exploration, a SLO-based engineering company specializing in satellite propulsion systems.  Dr. Tomas Svitek, President of Stellar Explorations, is pictured here holding full-size examples of the miniature rocket engines that are used to position CubeSats in the weightless environment of space.  Conversations continue with a wide range of companies from the numerous sectors of the space industry who have expressed early interest in a potential Paso Robles Spaceport.

New Website for Small Businesses

California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business Economic Development (GO-Biz), has announced the launch of calosba.ca.gov – a website that connects California’s small business community with critical resources available through state-funded small business technical assistance program and other state resources. Included on the site is a Business Learning Center that helps business owners navigate the varying stages of the business development process.

National Small Business Week Virtual Summit

Don't forget 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.

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. Application deadline: September 27, 2021.  No prior coding experience is required to enroll in the program.

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. Application deadline: October 12, 2021  There’s no experience required to apply, be accepted, or succeed.

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/

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.

Customer Service Academy

The Customer Service Academy course series is now online! Cuesta College’s Customer Service Academy courses provide you with life skills needed throughout your career. Taught using state-of-the-art distance education methodologies including discussion forums, in-place activities, and a live, interactive session, these courses offer high quality professional development opportunities designed to engage employees in finding
solutions to their current work issues and increase their ability to apply learning back in the workplace. 

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 through September 30th.

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.

How Retailers Can Capitalize on Evolving Consumer Behavior

In the last year, rapid shifts in consumer behavior and the surge in online shopping have driven retailers to adapt their operations and offerings. Join Sophie Blake, Founder of Sophie Blake Designs, Suzanne Mcgrath, SCORE Mentor and Retail Expert, and Blake Clark, Group Vice President of Software Advice, for an exciting conversation about how retailers are pivoting to provide more payment offerings, fulfillment models, and more to adapt to the demands of today’s new consumer.

Cultivating a Work from Anywhere Culture in Your Business

Businesses of all-size companies are facing new employee expectations for a “work from anywhere” culture.  The right technology is essential for this to be possible. If you or your employees have been working outside of the office for years or have implemented recently, maximizing productivity and employee satisfaction is key to balance in the current environment.
In this session, we will focus on ways to arm your company with the right solutions and best practices to set your business up for success.

Protecting Your Business from Cybercrime

Is your business protected from Cybercrime?Cybersecurity Experts Mitchel Chang, Jon Clay, and Cindy Liebes, will discuss the latest overview on scams and fraud challenges which we are facing in the United States. Detailed examples will be shared of how both organized criminals and cybersecurity professionals are in a technological race by leveraging the latest technology progressions such as artificial intelligence (AI), public cloud, and internet of things (IoT).

Managing a Business

Nate Stein, inventor of PLATESCRAPE, will share his entrepreneurial experiences and journey to creating a company in San Luis Obispo. PLATESCRAPE is changing the way dishes are washed saving time, energy, and water. Frustrated with how much water was being wasted while working for a cleaning company, Nate just knew there had to be a better way. That night he drilled toilet scrubbers into a super-glued, Plexiglas tub. The next morning he filled it up with water and ran a dirty plate through it.... 3-weeks later he was standing on the stage of Tech Pitch holding Audience Choice Award. 
Date: 10/13/21 8:30AM–9:30AM