The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that its Madera County Mountain Community Main Streets program will participate in a significant statewide initiative aimed at supporting small businesses. This selection by California Main Street allows the program to join the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Small Business Coaching Program, which seeks to enhance resources for entrepreneurs in Oakhurst and surrounding mountain communities.
California Main Street is committed to revitalizing downtown areas across the state through focused economic development. Since its inception in 1986, the organization has facilitated over $8.5 billion in public and private investments, led to the creation of 34,940 jobs, established 7,049 new businesses, and rehabilitated 1,845 buildings. This initiative underscores the growing need for effective support systems for small business owners in the region.
In this program, local business support organizations will collaborate to enhance their capacity and maximize available resources for new and existing entrepreneurs. The initiative will foster partnerships among chambers of commerce, local governments, educational institutions, financial organizations, and community groups.
The program includes multiple components aimed at empowering business owners. Participants will engage in an in-person entrepreneurial ecosystem workshop, a series of virtual strategy sessions, and utilize digital assessment tools tailored to their specific needs. Following this collaborative process, staff from Main Street America will compile a customized report with actionable recommendations to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the mountain region.
Additionally, the initiative will provide one-on-one coaching to four selected small business owners in the Oakhurst area. The goal is to develop their digital skills, strategic planning capabilities, and personalized growth strategies. Interested business owners will first complete a brief online questionnaire detailing their goals and challenges. Based on this information, a professional business coach will devise a customized coaching plan, which includes up to four individualized sessions. Participants will have the flexibility to set their own schedules and decide the depth of their engagement.
Adam Olivares, executive director of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s selection. “Being selected for this program is a tremendous honor and an exciting opportunity for our Chamber and our community,” he stated. Olivares emphasized that this initiative will significantly enhance connections between local business owners and essential tools and resources, ultimately supporting economic vitality in the region.
For those interested in applying or seeking more information about the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Program, the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce can be reached at (559) 683-7766 or via email.
