Economic Development News |
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From Our Executive Director |
Happy New Year from the team over here at AEDC. We are so excited to see all of what’s to come in 2021. As we head into the new year, we are looking forward to continuing to work with our partners in helping support our community’s entrepreneurs and local business owners during these challenging times.
We want to make sure you have the support and services you need to continue to run your businesses which is why we are actively working to provide technical assistance when applying for the CA Relief Grant. If you or anyone you know could use some help with the application process, check out the webinar we’ll be hosting next week. Details are listed below.
-- Ross
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“I’m Christo Ball, and I see groceries in your future”.
We’ve all been there, sitting at home in quarantine, down to your last egg, and cereal is the only thing that occupies the space in your cupboards. Yet, being in the middle of a pandemic can make it feel a little scary to go to places like the grocery store. With the support and services offered by Eureka Grocery Delivery, our community members can now get groceries delivered straight to their door without ever having to leave the safety of their own homes.
As the pandemic began to sweep across the nation in March, our community began to face many challenges. Getting food to our fridges was suddenly a whole lot harder. We all became aware of the risks for seniors and those who are immunocompromised when it comes to public outings.
Fortunately, we have a locally owned business to solve that problem. Christopher “Christo” Ball has been the owner of Eureka Grocery Delivery services since 2016, offering personalized shopping services throughout Humboldt County. Ball partnered with AEDC to get a microloan to acquire the business and better serve his customers.
Needing only one day in advance, Eureka Grocery Delivery charges a $25 flat fee for shopping and delivery, or 20% of the total cost if your bill exceeds $125. While it may just be a tad more expensive than Instacart, an app-based delivery service, YOU as the customer, have the ability to call him and talk to him about your needs. Talking to a computer over the internet can be frustrating especially if you catch a mistake in your order, how do you tell them it’s chicken breast you need, not tofu?
Whether you’re tech-averse and want to talk to a real human, or just want to support a local business, Eureka Grocery Delivery makes things as simple as possible. Simply text or email your grocery list, or perhaps call if that’s easiest for you. Your groceries will appear right at your doorstep the very next day.
Email your grocery list using this contact form or text (707) 672-3812 for any additional information.
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AEDC Receives $1.1 Million Grant to serve
Del Norte
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We are kicking off the New Year with some exciting news! AEDC has been awarded a $1.1 million CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant from the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). This loan will help capitalize and administer a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs that have been negatively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in Del Norte County, California.
“Families and businesses throughout my district are teetering on the brink and are in dire need of federal assistance. Congress approved this CARES funding long ago, and it’s great to see it finally disbursed,” said Congressman Jared Huffman. “The Arcata Economic Development Corporation in Eureka has been exemplary in their response to small businesses that might otherwise have fallen through the cracks. It has successfully reached out into the most rural areas, to non-traditional businesses and organizations, and to those who did not have the resources to navigate this emergency alone. The economic fallout from this crisis will continue to be far-reaching, and support like these grants will be needed well into the future. Many CARES Act programs are running out at the end of the month, and it is critical we pass additional legislation to get relief into the hands of my constituents and the millions of people in need of help during this crisis.”
To date, the CARES Act has provided the EDA with $1.5 billion to be used for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic. The EDA makes investments in economically disadvantaged communities to help expand the workforce, promote American innovation, and establish long-term sustainable economic growth.
If you or someone you know is a Del Norte business owner or entrepreneur in need of assistance, please contact us.
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When Life Hands You Pineapple Guava… |
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Amid hard times, it’s nice to notice the little things in life. Between our busier than ever projects here at the office, and all the realities of our pandemic life, it’s easy to feel like the days start blurring together.
But this season has also helped us stop and appreciate the little things in life. Like the landscaping in front of our office, for example. A few weeks back, we noticed that one of the trees in the front had strange, little green fruits growing on it. We reached out to the landscape architect to ask about this curious little tree. Much to our delight, the surprise fruits turned out to be pineapple guavas!
And, when life hands you pineapple guavas, your coworker will take them home and make pineapple guava jelly!
P.S. Thanks for the delicious jelly Brandi!
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CA Relief Grant Support and Webinars |
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AEDC is working in partnership with the California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO) to make sure businesses are prepared to be successful in applying for the CA Relief Grant (CRG).
If you need technical support, join AEDC for a webinar that will assist California business owners in applying for the CA Relief Grant (CRG) application round 2 of 2 on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m. Round 2 applications for first-time applicants can be submitted from February 2, 2021, through February 8, 2021. If you applied during round one, you do not need to reapply. Our host for both events is Brandi Easter, who went through the process with her business during the first round. She will not only be able to answer questions about the process, but she also has the perspective of somebody with experience!
Registration is required, but the webinar is free. It will be recorded if you are unable to attend.
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Arcata Economic Development Corporation
Fax: (707) 798-6130
Tel: (707) 798-6132
707 K Street, Eureka, CA 95501
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