Program offers incentive to local businesses

Debbie Weist, owner of Dance with Debbie, demonstrates the foxtrot at her studio for her dance performance team, Smooth Movers.

Selected participants include AmyLynn Harp, Hands on Doula Services; Anne and Mike McAleenan, Annie Mack’s Family Produce; Jessica Mercado, Sustain Appeal; Dale Morgan, Morgan’s Guitar Lessons and Get Real on Guitar; Dolly Noon, Educational Child Care Services; Samantha Puperi, Sami’s Family Child Care; Doug Ronjoin, Elk Valley Farms; Charlie and Mary Ross, Charlie Ross Installations; David Smith, Green Clean; Debbie Weist, Dance with Debbie; and Cody Yeates, NorCal Glassworks.

“We have a fantastic group of entrepreneurs who have already begun working to start or improve their businesses in Del Norte County,” said Janna Clemons, NCSBDC-DN administrative assistant.

While the training is moving forward, participants will be saving monthly for a business asset with special savings accounts provided by Chetco Credit Union. Participants can save $1,200 during the program with a $2,400 match, allowing them to purchase a business asset for $3,600 upon completion of all components of the program.

Participant Samantha Puperi, owner of Sami’s Family Child Care, has been caring for children in Del Norte County for the last year. She said her business has been successful in the first year and she plans to continue sharing projects and playtime with the children to foster learning and fun. The scholarship program will help her acquire a larger vehicle for transportation to field trips.

Debbie Weist, owner of Dance with Debbie, has been in business for four years. She has received services from the SBDC before and hopes the program will deepen that relationship and spark new connections for her business.

The Prosperity Scholarship program is made possible by Arcata Economic Development Corporation, grants from Wells Fargo, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assets for Independence, US Small Business Administration, Humboldt State University Foundation and Crescent City Community Development Block Grant.

For information call 464-2168.