New venture gives nonprofits a head start

The new Topa Business Re- source Center is now in full op- eration at 400 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard, offering a one-stop shop of multiple nonprofit organiza- tions and services to empower small businesses, entrepreneurs, and other professionals with the tools needed for success.

Made possible through col- laboration between the Economic Development Corporation of Ox- nard (EDCO) and Topa Manage- ment Company, the center helps create opportunities that recog- nize business potential and start- ups within the community to keep jobs at home and enhance the quality of life for local residents.

"By opening our doors to like-minded service organiza- tions such as the Women's Eco- nomic Ventures, Service Corps of Retired Executives and the Ventura County Workforce In- vestment Board, we've created an unprecedented environment for responsible small business growth," said Steve Kinney, president of EDCO, whose man- agement expertise spearheads activities in the new 51,700- square-foot headquarters.

The Topa Business Resource Center houses the following.

+Economic Development Corporation of Oxnard: a private, nonprofit corporation that pro- vides support and development services to local and relocating businesses in Oxnard with "hands-on" assistance and exper- tise that encourages responsible economic growth and stimulates new and improved job opportu- nities while enhancing the qual- ity of life within the state and community.

+Women's Economic Ven- tures: a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women be- come economically self-suffi-

cient through entrepreneurship and career development by pro- viding training, access to capital and business services.

+Service Corps of Retired Executives: a nonprofit associa- tion dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business with volunteer counse- lors who provide individual counseling and business work- shops for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners- from generating and assessing ideas to preparing a business plan, raising capital and manag- ing the operations.

+Ventura County Workforce Investment Board: a state-run agency in response to the man- date of the federal Workforce In- vestment Act of 1998, the board assists the governor in setting and guiding policy in the area of workforce development so that a well-prepared workforce can cre- ate and sustain a healthy business climate by adapting as new tech- nologies develop.

For more information call (805) 385-7444.