Napa-Sonoma small business facilitator reports growth of 10 percent

In the past fiscal year, the Napa-Sonoma Small Business Development Center helped local businesses obtain $4.6 million in loans and investments.|
ROBERT DIGITALE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

In a sign of better times, the Napa-Sonoma Small Business Development Center reported 10 percent growth in sales by its business clients from a year earlier.

Sales for such businesses exceeded $9.48 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, the center reported Tuesday.

Such sales growth shows progress in the region's business climate, said Director Mary Cervantes.

The center, which provides advisors, technical assistance and workshops, is administered by Napa Valley College.

It opened an office in Santa Rosa in April 2013. Sonoma County previously had been served by Santa Rosa Junior College.

In the past fiscal year, the center helped local businesses obtain $4.6 million in loans and investments. The new capital helped create 102 full- and part-time jobs and retain an additional 82 positions, Cervantes said.

The center served 631 clients , including 27 owners of start-ups in the automotive services, specialty foods and hospitality industries.

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