ShastaBIZ, a coalition of area economic development agencies recently held the first of six area business seminars in Anderson to assist local companies with enterprise zone tax credits, economic development loans, and employee training programs.

Twenty or more businesses took advantage of direct access to experts such as Ryan Richardson of the Superior California Economic Development District to receive help on SBA loans and special economic development revolving loan fund programs.

Bonnie Westlake of the Smart Business Resource Center provided information to businesses regarding special tax credits only available in the Shasta Metro Enterprise Zone while Susan Wright of the Shasta College Small Business Development Center provided hands-on assistance with business planning.

More than twenty businesses attended the day-long event held Tuesday, July 22, at the Gaia Anderson Hotel, Restaurant & Spa. Companies large and small, established and start-up, came to meet one-on-one with business development experts, bankers, and representatives from the City of Anderson.

Mayor Butch Shaefer opened the event telling attendees that city officials recognize the role that small businesses play in Anderson’s economic future. Businesses attending the event represented more than 70 jobs for the Anderson area. Since 2006, more than $29,000,000 in state tax credits have been issued to area businesses.