Serving the community since 1970

Status of small business at coalition

Higher credit applicants are turning to online lenders over

large and small banks when it comes to loans, according to Kelly Bearden, director of CSUB's Small Business Development Center.

Bearden spoke about the status of small business at Tuesday's Wasco Coalition meeting at the K&R Banquet Hall.

Similar to 2017, more than half of firms that sought out new funding. That's one reason they need to have a line of credit and an alternative business plan that cuts expenses, he said.

Both businesses and families must establish an emergency fund to prepare for an economic downturn or a disaster.

Bearden shared information regarding the free development services the center provides and its plans to expand services to the Northwest Kern area.

The center provides informational statistics within the county, as well as what steps need to be taken in case of a downturn in the economy or a disaster.

For more information, contact the center at 661-654-2856 or http://www.csub.edu/sbdc.

Additional information given at the coalition meeting included reports from several local organizations:

[BOX] Sergeant Pete Martinez of the KCSO introduced the department's camera registry program and requested that all homeowners with a camera system on the outside of their property register it with the KCSO. In case of a crime, perpetrators could be identified by camera surveillance.

[BOX] The City of Wasco's planning director, Roger Mobley, shared that the high-speed rail construction is moving right along. Due to the project, Wasco Avenue will be permanently closed and the old farmworker housing on H Street will be used as a training facility for emergency service providers.

He also let attendees know there will be a community cleanup on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at Barker Park.

[BOX] WUESD board member Richard Reding invited everyone to visit the new gymnasium at Palm Avenue Elementary.

[BOX] Jaime Lopez, the North Kern Adult Education Program Manager at Bakersfield College, Delano Campus, reported that BC is partnering with the high school to expand the adult education center to include a health careers lab and CAN program.

[BOX] Council member Gilberto Reyna invited everyone to come celebrate the 100th year of St. John's at its Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 13, at 11 a.m.

[BOX] Deputy Patrick Basquez of the Wasco Substation reported that Sheriff's Athletic League has 163 members and is in need of volunteers. SAL is planning on remodeling its facility, and they need help with materials and labor. Anyone who can help is asked to contact [email protected] or call 661-342-7235.

[BOX] Orange Heart's Orquiedea Ocampo noted that Homecoming is Friday, Oct. 11, and the Wasco Festival is Saturday, Oct. 12, beginning with the parade at 10 a.m. The historical museum will be open that afternoon as well and the music festival doors will open at 5 p.m.

[BOX] A Department of Human Services representative reported that there will be a Wasco Job Fair on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. in the Wasco Recreation Hall. There will be two work readiness workshops prior to the job fair.

[BOX] John Kim reported on the Downtown Business Association's efforts to transition into a Chamber of Commerce. Membership applications will be sent out soon. The chamber's email address is [email protected]. Chamber President Camilo Vasquez told attendees that the Dia De Los Muertos event will be Friday, Nov 1. Volunteers are needed and should contact [email protected].

 

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