The Yuba-Sutter Enterprise Zone received state recognition at the annual California Association of Enterprise Zones (CAEZ) conference held recently in Eureka, California. Under the Innovative Financing/Incentive Program category, Yuba-Sutter was awarded a Zone Excellence Award for the newly established Yuba-Sutter Microenterprise Training & Loan Program.

Seven California Enterprise Zones, one Manufacturing Enhancement Area, one Targeted Tax Area, and the Antelope Valley College, were cited for their creative marketing campaigns and innovative partnership approaches as recipients of the third annual California Enterprise Zone Excellence Awards, state Enterprise Zone Program Director Keith Coppage announced.

"The two goals of the Enterprise Zone program are to revitalize economically distressed areas and provide employment opportunities for people. These communities did an outstanding job in developing effective partnerships and campaigns to promote the fulfillment of these goals," said Coppage.

The Yuba-Sutter Microenterprise Training & Loan Program was developed by Enterprise Zone Manager Mary Hansen through partnerships with the Small Business Development Center, the Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation, and Yuba College. Funded by the County of Yuba, the comprehensive 14-week training program covers topics such as the Business Image, Business Planning, Product and Service Pricing, Accounting Concepts, and Revenue Forecasting, designed to give a new or existing business a stronger financial foundation. The program also targets new entrepreneurs making the transition from welfare to business ownership. Upon graduation from the training class, individuals are eligible to access the Micro Loan Fund, providing loans from as low as $250 to a maximum of $25,000. Once good credit ethics have been established, individuals can access the Yuba-Sutter Revolving Loan Fund Program that begins with funding at $25,000 to a maximum of $150,000.

The first training class began in April, with 6 individuals graduating. The second class began earlier this month and will run through December, with additional classes offered after the new year. Information on future classes can be obtained from the Small Business Development Center at 749-0153.