EGEDC News Update: Need Small-business Assistance? We Can Help!

Starting a Business? Elk Grove Is Here to Help!

EGEDC Can Help New and Expanding Businesses

With an emphasis in excellent customer service and a focus on growing and expanding local business, the Elk Grove Economic Development Corporation is the first stop for businesses looking to locate or expand in Elk Grove. Through the cultivation of valuable partnerships with the City of Elk Grove and the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce, the EGEDC provides information and professional assistance to businesses, site consultants and individuals interested in expanding or establishing local operations.

"In a collaborative effort, the EGEDC, the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce and the City of Elk Grove provide support to help newly-formed and existing small businesses in the region by, among other things, assisting with expansion efforts, discussing incentive programs, providing outreach and educational opportunities, and representing the evolving needs and interests of small business owners," said Deborah Travis, EGEDC Board Chair.

Last year, in a continued show of support for the business community, the EGEDC and the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce launched a partnership with the Small Business Development Center, providing no-cost counseling to Elk Grove's existing and emerging entrepreneurs. The SBDC is located in the same office space as the Chamber and the EGEDC to provide a convenient one-stop-shop for all things related to business development.

The SBDC's goal is to help businesses in the local community as much or as little as they need. This non-profit, nationwide organization has nearly 1,200 centers across the country and focuses attention on business consulting to both existing businesses and startups. No-cost consultations are available and include subjects such as setting up business plans, social network marketing and other business needs. Low cost workshops are also available.

"According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses employ more than half of all private sector employees," said Angela Perry, Executive Director of the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce and EGEDC Interim Director. "Our strong working relationships with the EGEDC and the City of Elk Grove encourage building and expanding small businesses to further stimulate our local economy."

Elk Grove's SBDC Outreach Consultant, Dave McDougall, has one small piece of important advice for small business success: "Plan! Plan! Plan!"

"There are statistics that show roughly 80% of small businesses that do a fair amount of business planning succeed, and 80% that don't, fail," McDougall added. "I wish I knew me when I owned my own business--I would have saved myself a lot of money!"

Elk Grove also offers affordable, high-quality Class A office space perfect for incubating a small business. One example of prime space ready for immediate tenant occupancy, featuring countless amenities and easy access to both Interstate 5 and Highway 99, is Regus Office Solutions. Located at Laguna Pointe--a mixed-use suburban lifestyle center developed by Jackson Properties, Inc. --Regus is the world's largest provider of fully furnished move-in ready offices (and virtual offices) with support staff, and has become home to nearly 150 (and growing) small businesses and regional offices in Elk Grove. Another example of first-class office space suitable for incubating businesses is PDF Executive Suites at Liberty Center II. Offered by PDF Commercial, Inc., this property is geared toward an environment that stimulates business growth. (See "Property Spotlight" story below for more information on PDF Executive Suites at Liberty Center II.)

"With a population of more than 150,000 residents, we have a large community of skilled and well-educated professionals and well-designed, move-in ready office space--Elk Grove is the perfect place to locate your business," said Mayor Steven Detrick. "The City offers a supportive government that stands ready to do everything we can to make relocating or expanding your business a smooth and efficient process. Elk Grove is also a city in motion, a city that is open for business, a great place to call home, raise your children, and as you will see, a great choice for your business!"

By helping to streamline site selection, expedite the permitting process and bring together major decision makers, the EGEDC works closely with the City of Elk Grove and the Chamber of Commerce to uphold a business-friendly environment. If "locating/expanding business to Elk Grove" is at the top of your priority list, the EGEDC can point you in the right direction! Call (916) 691-3895 or send email to info@elkgroveedc.org.

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