Location: Frazier Park, CA

Program: Charter Class of WEV's Self-Employment Training (SET) Course in Kern County

On August 23rd, 22 local business owners successfully completed the Mountain Communities Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Self-Employment Training (SET) course. The SET course is a comprehensive 14-week, 56-hour course that uses WEV's proven curriculum, “From Vision to Venture,” to help clients write business plans in order to start or expand microenterprises or small businesses.

The charter class of Kern County had a 100% business plan completion rate. This is one of the few times in WEV’s history that a class has acheived this level of success. In addition, each business owner received free business consulting services from WEV’s SBDC program in Kern County. On average, each business received 12 hours of individual consulting services during the duration of the course; the individual consulting paired with the class was a pilot model made possible by funding through the SBDC. The dedication and time these business owners committed, not only to their individual businesses but to one another’s, was remarkable.

Each week, business owners became more confident in their ability to make decisions that would support their business goals, as well as each other’s dreams for success. As the weeks passed, it became apparent to all of us that the success of each individual business owner translates into success for our local economy. Working together to support one another’s goals and dreams gives a boost to our entire community.

Thank you to our local business owners who fully dedicated themselves to this class for 14 weeks. I could not be more proud of all of you. I look forward to your continued success and appreciate the opportunity to serve our community, the Mountain Communities of Kern County.

-Angel J Cottrell, MAOM

Center Director, Mountain Communities SBDC of WEV