Welcome to the September edition of the City of Montclair's Economic Development E-Newsletter!

As the summer winds down, we’re gearing up for a season of community events, networking initiatives, and economic development programs designed to support local entrepreneurs.

Join us in celebrating our vibrant business community and discover how Montclair can help your business flourish.

Montclair Economic Development Team

Calling all Montclair Businesses!

Looking for ways to promote your business? Montclair's Economic Development Team wants to hear from you!

Be featured in an upcoming edition of our Montclair Economic Development E-Newsletter and on our social media platforms. It is your opportunity to share more about your business story, achievements, and new products and services.

To get on our business spotlight interest list, contact us at: econdev@cityofmontclair.org

Click here for more information

Montclair Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast:

September 12, 2024

Network with local entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community stakeholders from various industries representing the Montclair community.

Showcase your business
Meet new prospects
Build relationships
Connect with the community & City representatives

To receive information about the next Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast, contact the Montclair Chamber of Commerce at (909) 985-5104 or through email at

info@montclairchamber.com.

Join Today

A Powerful Partnership

The City of Montclair’s Economic Development Agency is thrilled to announce the development and creation of the Montclair Small Business Center (MSBC).

The MSBC houses both the Montclair Chamber of Commerce (MCC) and the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC). This exciting collaboration brings valuable resources and support directly to Montclair's business community.

The Montclair Chamber of Commerce serves as a central hub for businesses in the community. The Montclair Chamber of Commerce’s focus is on creating a thriving commercial environment that benefits both businesses and residents alike.

The Inland Empire SBDC offers a comprehensive suite of no-cost services to help entrepreneurs and existing businesses thrive.

The City of Montclair’s Economic Development Agency recognizes the importance of small businesses to our local economy. By partnering with the Montclair Chamber of Commerce and the Inland Empire SBDC, we are committed to fostering a supportive environment where small businesses can grow and flourish.

Montclair Chamber

The Montclair Chamber of Commerce (MCC) is an active partner, advocating for its members through effective programming, events, activities, and advocacy.

The mission of the MCC is to provide leadership, organization, and resources to support the Montclair business community. The MCC offers members a wide range of services, including networking opportunities, training, free marketing, promotion, and exclusive advertising perks.

(909) 985-5104

exec@MontclairChamber.com

Visit our Website

SBDC

The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps small business owners succeed with business advice from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, coaching, and one-on-one consulting and advising at no cost (and no catch). In-person, zoom, or phone call appointments are available, including on weekends. Book your free one-on-one today!

(800) 616-7232

ociesmallbusiness.org

Visit our Website

National Preparedness Month

As businesses navigate an increasingly uncertain world, it's imperative to be prepared for unexpected challenges. September is National Preparedness Month, a time to focus on creating and implementing emergency plans that can help mitigate risks and ensure business continuity.

Why Preparedness Matters

Protect Your Assets: Emergency preparedness helps safeguard your physical assets, including inventory, equipment, and facilities.
Safeguard Employees: A well-prepared business can protect the health and safety of your employees during emergencies.
Maintain Operations: Emergency plans can help minimize disruptions and ensure that essential business functions continue.

Key Areas to Focus on

Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards that could impact your business, such as natural disasters, cyber threats, or supply chain disruptions.
Emergency Plan Development: Create a comprehensive emergency plan that outlines procedures for responding to various emergencies.
Communication Strategies: Establish effective communication channels to keep employees, customers, and stakeholders informed during crises.
Training and Drills: Regularly conduct training sessions and drills to ensure that your employees are prepared to execute the emergency plan.
Supply Chain Resilience: Evaluate your supply chain for vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate risks.

Helpful Resources

Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)
Small Business Administration (SBA)
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
American Red Cross (ARC)
Department of Homeland Security (Ready)

By investing in preparedness, businesses can enhance their resilience and protect their bottom line. Let's work together to build a more resilient business community

Indoor Heat Protections

CAL/OSHA is reminding all employers to protect workers from heat illness as high temperatures are forecast across California.

When working in hotter conditions, workers must be closely observed for any signs of heat illness.

Employers in California must take steps to protect outdoor workers from heat illness by providing water, rest, shade and training.

Cal/OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention in Indoor Places of Employment regulation applies to most indoor workplaces, such as restaurants, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities where temperatures can get high.

For indoor workplaces where the temperature reaches 82 degrees Fahrenheit, employers must take steps to protect workers from heat illness. Some of the requirements include providing water, rest, cool-down areas, methods for cooling down the work areas under certain conditions, and training.

Employers may be covered under both the indoor and outdoor regulations if they have both indoor and outdoor workplaces. See the Comparison Chart of Indoor and Outdoor Heat Illness Prevention Standards .

In certain industries, when the temperature at outdoor worksites reaches or exceeds 95 degrees, Cal/OSHA’s standard requires additional protections. The industries with additional high-heat requirements are agriculture, construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction, and transportation of agricultural products, construction materials or other heavy materials. High-heat procedures include ensuring employees are observed regularly for signs of heat illness and establishing effective communication methods so workers can contact a supervisor when needed.

Cal/OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention special emphasis program includes enforcement of the heat regulation as well as multilingual outreach and training programs for California’s employers and workers.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.

Click here for more information

Monte Vista Water District Shares Essential Tips for National Preparedness Month

As National Disaster Preparedness Month unfolds this September, businesses are urged to assess and boost their readiness for emergencies. It’s important to ensure employee and customer safety as well as maintain business continuity during unforeseen events.

Monte Vista Water District (MVWD) is committed to providing timely updates through its social media and website.

Businesses should consider how they would manage sudden disruptions to electricity or water services and potentially prolonged utility outages. While MVWD has emergency preparedness and response plans, it’s crucial for businesses to plan individually. Throughout September, MVWD will share practical emergency preparedness tips on social media to support businesses in enhancing their readiness.

MVWD provides specific tips for emergency water storage and use at www.mvwd.org/disasterprep.

In addition, MVWD, in partnership with San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, will be hosting an Earthquake Preparedness Training Seismic Simulator on September 19, 2024 at the district office at 10575 Central Avenue, Montclair, California, 91763.

SBA Online Learning Center

U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) online learning programs are designed to empower and educate small business owners.

Whether you're looking to start a small business or expand your current one, SBA's digital learning platform has everything you need to educate yourself on entrepreneurial best practices and available financing options.

SBA Learning Platform Courses:

Plan: Research, plan, and document your ideas.
Launch: Turn your business plan into a reality.
Manage: Master day-to-day operations to run your business.
Market: Understand your competition and strategies to win customers.
Grow: Expand by finding new funding, customers, and locations.

Visit SBA's Learning Center

In cooperation with area brokers, Montclair's Economic Development Team can assist businesses interested in locating commercial, industrial, office, and vacant sites with online custom site searches within the City. Additionally, the City provides monthly reports, generated by CoStar Group, containing contact information for properties currently available for lease and purchase.

Customized property reports are available to businesses interested in relocating or expanding within the City.

Request a Customized Property Report