October 2023

Good to Know!

Thank you to our Nevada County Manufacturers


October is National Manufacturing Month! Manufacturers play a critical role in our local economy. The Economic Development Office applauds our local companies for contributing to the Nevada County's economy. 



Manufacturing remains a significant driver and the backbone of economic growth in the United States, generating wealth, jobs, and innovation. Beyond significant goods exports, the manufacturing sector also supports a diverse and robust services sector, including digital, accounting, financial, legal, logistics, transportation, design, and engineering services.


To that end, the National Export Strategy (NES) Manufacturing sector continues to focus on:


  • Developing supply chain resiliency
  • Strengthening support for manufacturers through trade finance programs
  • Promoting acceptance of international standards
  • Increasing outreach and counseling to manufacturers through programs and partnerships


According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), manufacturers in California account for 12.32% of the total output in the state, employing 7.55% of the workforce. Total output from manufacturing was $394.83 billion in 2021. In addition, there were an average of 1,275,000 manufacturing employees in California in December 2021, with an average annual compensation of $134,355.88 in 2021.


Nevada County is stronger because of you! Thank you.

Is Your Business Ready if You Need to Evacuate?


Today, more than ever, our local businesses need to educate employees so they can make recovery as smooth as possible if they need to evacuate. To help with this SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer business expert mentors, has created a checklist of suggested items. Determine what is

necessary for your individual business circumstances.


Remember the following:

  • The items you include in your "go bag" should be close by at all times. Time wasted collecting items before evacuating could be a serious mistake.
  • The items need to be easy to carry and everything should be contained in one area.
  • This should be the bare minimum you would need in the event of a crisis taking place in your business or office.


Click here for a downloadable checklist.

Trades Day Introduces Teens to Career Opportunities

The recently held Trades Day was a tremendous success. Congratulations to the Nevada County Contractor's Association, Bobby Zucca, Jeff Hansen, the Nevada Joint Union High School District (NJUHSD) and the many sponsors and volunteers who supported the day.


Over 200 students attended and had an opportunity to explore many of the trades that provide great opportunities for careers and employment.

Left photo: Nevada County Economic Development Program Manager Kimberly Parker and Nevada County Economic Resource Council Executive Director Gil Mathew volunteered to check in schools.


Right photo: A team from the Nevada County Community Development Agency Building and Public Works Departments were on hand to answer questions and share great career opportunities working at the county.

Your help is needed!

Nevada County Residents and Business Owners

Asked to Take Survey to Help Set Community Priorities



The Board of Supervisors is asking residents and business owners to complete an online survey to give their assessment of Nevada County on a wide range of topics from economic opportunity to cannabis to wildfire prevention and more.


The 2023 Nevada County Community Survey asks 44 questions and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. As part of the survey, residents and business owners should select priorities the County should focus on in the next two years.


The National Research Center, which has since merged with Polco (an online community engagement platform), uses scientific survey methods and best practices, which allows the local results to be compared with other communities across the country.


This year’s survey asks you to rate the County on several factors, including quality of life, overall economic health, infrastructure, natural environment, arts and culture, parks and recreation, crime, shopping options, diversity and more. Other survey questions focus on the cannabis industry, wildfire preparation, Internet accessibility, and economic opportunity in the County.


The survey will be open through October 24. Thank you for helping us to assess Nevada County's priority needs.


click here to take the survey.

Become a Business Provider for

Military Appreciation Week!


The 3rd annual Military Appreciation Week will be held Saturday, November 4 through the Sunday November 12.


The Military Appreciation Program is an ongoing program with the goal to encourage local businesses to sign-up and honor our military by providing discounts or special offers. It is managed by the Nevada County Veterans Service Organization.


Become a Provider


Businesses may register their discounts and special offers to active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and Gold Star parents by completing the Military Appreciation Business Sign Up.


Click here for Military Appreciation Business Sign-Up.


For more information please email: NCMilitary.Appreciation@nevadacountyca.gov or visit the website at:

Click here for more information.


What's Happening

2023 NC Economic Summit/Nevada County Economic Resource Council (ncerc.org)


Don't miss this year's Halloween Spooktacular. Lots of fun starting at the Rood Center (950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City). Then take the free shuttle to downtown Nevada City where the fun continues.

Financing and Funding Opportunities

Infill Infrastructure Grant Program


California's Department of Housing and Community Development has announced its next round of Infill Infrastructure Grants (IIG). The objective of the IIG program is to promote infill housing development by providing financial assistance for Capital Improvement Projects that are an integral part of, or necessary to facilitate the development of affordable and mixed income housing.


Under the Program, grants are available as gap funding for infrastructure improvements necessary for specific residential or mixed-use infill development projects or areas. Application materials must be submitted electronically via the Department IIG2019 Application Portal no later than 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on November 16, 2023.


click here to connect to grant information and guidelines.


FY2024 Farm to School Grants

Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service


The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is designed to increase the availability of local foods in schools and help connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. Grants can launch new farm-to-school programs or expand existing efforts.


Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Farm to School Grant awards projects 24 months in length for funding up to $500,000. Applicants are required to provide matching support of at least 25 percent of the total project budget in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. The RFA offers three tracks - Implementation, State Agency, and Turnkey - to support a variety of projects and implementation stages. Eligible applicants may include schools and other institutions that operate Child Nutrition Programs, Indian Tribal Organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, nonprofit entities, and State and local agencies.


Click here for more information.

Available Properties

Nevada County's Economic Development Office is here to assist businesses interested in locating to commercial, industrial, office, and vacant sites by connecting you with area brokers and landlords.

10715 Brunswick Rd

Prime Residential Development Opportunity


9.7 Acres of Residential Land

in Grass Valley, CA


Check out this residential development opportunity -- 9.70 acres in Brunswick Basin adjacent to the highly successful TimberWood subdivision with similar topography.

There is a gentle upslope. This is a prime parcel in a highly desirable location, close to shipping, highway, and all services. This is a great opportunity for any developer to enter this hot market. The property is zoned R3-RH.

Contact: Jon Blinder

Coldwell Banker

855 Sutton Way

Grass Valley, CA 95945

(530) 272-7222

110 Springhill Dr

Springhill Industrial Building


3,900 - 5,500 SF Industrial Condo Units Offered with

3,900 - 5,500 SF Industrial Condo Units Offered


Check out this industrial condo project built 1989, originally for Mountain People's Warehouse (UNFI). It is one of the only industrial condominium projects in Grass Valley that is on all city utilities. The property features various size units with both grade level and dock loading (one unit only). The property is fully sprinklered and has a professionally managed owners association, current OA dues are approximately $.26/SF/quarter and cover hazard insurance, parking lot, roof (which was replaced two years ago), landscaping, etc.


Contact: Jon Blinder

Coldwell Bank

855 Sutton Way

Grass Valley, CA 95945

(530) 272-7222

New Business Introduction

Store owner Anne Han (right) and Rochelle Reynosa invite you to visit them for a variety of Asian market delights.

Welcome Winnie Superette


Winnie Superette is now open at 315 Commercial Street in Nevada City. The idea to open an Asian Market came to owner Anne Han because she desperately wanted a place to buy specialized Asian groceries without having to drive almost an hour out of town!


Anne started looking at locations and is excited with her space in downtown Nevada City. There's been a huge learning curve because she is a first-time business owner, but she felt very supported by the city, county and other small businesses. 

 

Winnie Superette is a small, modern Asian market for food lovers, offering curated beverages, snacks, groceries, and housewares. They also feature local produce by Xiong Family Farm, ready-to-eat food by Delish Bish and baked goods by Beehive Bakehouse.


Their mission is to introduce Asian culture to the local community in the form of nostalgic food and new products with a modern twist by mostly AAPI brands (those founded by Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs).


Open Tuesday - Sunday (closed Mondays).


Click here for Winnie Superette website.

Training Opportunities

Economic Incentives & Tax Credits for CA Manufacturers webinar


California manufacturers can benefit from various economic incentives and tax credits to save money and grow your business. During the webinar the California Manufacturing Network (CMTC) and GO-Biz will share how you can take advantage of available programs.


This one-hour webinar will be Thursday, October 19 2023 from 10:00 - 11:00 am Pacific Time.


click here for more information.

Questions? Contact the Small Business Development Center at:

(530) 582-5022 regarding the trainings below.

Accessing Capital for

Early-Stage Businesses


Accessing Capital for Early-Stage Companies and Start-ups is designed for new companies looking to raise their first outside money. The webinar will cover equity and debt and feature a panel of experts.


October 24, 10:30 a.m. - noon


Click here to register.

Owning and Investing in Real Estate for

Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs


This session includes critical information for anyone interested in buying real estate, especially for small business owners looking to secure their long-term future by owning their property, plant and equipment.


October 31, 10:30 a.m. - noon.


For more information or to register.

Training option from SCORE

Small Business Crisis Management

A Course for Navigating Potential

Small Business Crisis


This online course will teach you how to navigate common small business crises that your business might face over time. The Small Business Crisis Management Course is Your Guide to Understanding How to Adapt to Adversity.


From natural disasters to managing your business' reputation online, these self-paced courses will share plans and actions to take when protecting your business from risks that exist. 


This diverse set of information will provide you with the knowledge and skillset to better prepare both yourself and your business from being taken by surprise. Navigating the unknown can be tricky.


click here to view various course options.

Tourism

Rural Tourism Partnerships Play a Big Role

in Economic Development


Tourism is part of the economic development strategy for Nevada County. Today, more than ever tourism is widely recognized as a tool for boosting local economies. It brings in visitors, creates a dynamic community to live in, increases tax and transient occupancy tax revenues and provides jobs. But since the pandemic, some of our tourism businesses and hospitality industries have struggled to bring back their former clientele.


Rural tourism destinations contribute to community empowerment as well as long-term local economic development, and sustainable rural tourism is seen as a critical component of rural development. This is especially true in rural areas, where the introduction of new sectors has not been sufficient to compensate for the decline in economic prospects for rural residents.


Tourism is one of the most popular non-traditional rural development techniques, and it supports enterprises such as recreation, arts, entertainment, lodging, restaurants, and more. Tourism entrepreneurs, play an important role in this process since, in addition to their own individual contributions, they create jobs, stimulate other sectors of the local economy, and enhance the appeal of their destination.


As we work together to enhance rural tourism in Nevada County, we hope to see more tourist-related businesses. In early, 2024, the Recreation Resiliency Master Plan and the Nevada County two-year Economic Development Action Plan will be released. Both of these plans will include recommendations for tourism and recreation projects that we hope will guide Nevada County and our partners going forward.

Click here to subscribe to the economic development e-news



Contact the Economic Development office at (530) 470-2795 for business assistance, and a friendly connection to available resources.