Need Logo Design Services? Alameda High’s Multimedia Students Can Help!

Alameda High School’s Advanced Multimedia teacher Andrea Szeto is inviting community members seeking to have a logo designed for a business, product, or non-profit program to submit an online form to request virtual student design services. The design services are free, however, clients are invited to make a donation to Alameda High's Multimedia Club to cover the cost of color printing.

- Graphic design teams will be assigned to work with selected clients as part of logo design unit during the month of October.
- Selected clients must complete a questionnaire prior to the first design team meeting.
- Clients are required to attend three 15 minute virtual meetings with their student design team. Client meetings will be scheduled during the morning class period.
Clients are able to select the day of the week that they prefer using the online form,
- Clients will retain ownership rights of the final logo.

Prospective clients can submit a request for design services online using this link: https://bit.ly/3f6bsdD

Application deadline is October 1, 2022. Clients will be notified if they have been selected by October 3rd.

Governor Newsom Announces $1.1 Billion in Small Business Support Coming to California

Funded by the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), programs focused on supporting California small business will be administered through the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) and the California Pollution Control Financing Authority. While details on how the funds will be allocated has yet to be released, the Office of the Governor has indicated that the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, first rolled out in 2010, and a new Expanding Venture Capital Access Program will be administered by IBank.

Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

IBank will use a large portion of the SSBCI funds for its Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, working with nonprofits and lenders to offer small business loan guarantees. The guarantees can repay lenders up to 80% of a small business’ outstanding loan if a small business is unable to make its payments.

Venture Capital Program

IBank will use approximately $200 million of its SSBCI funds to launch the new Venture Capital program. The program is designed to create a more-inclusive venture capital ecosystem by investing in underrepresented VC managers, underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs and business owners, and geographic areas that are socio-economically disadvantaged or that receive very limited venture capital funding. The program will also promote climate equity and climate justice.

Stay tuned for more information about these programs and how to apply!

Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Application Deadline 10/19

The application deadline for the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant administered by the Chabot - Las Positas Community College District is October 19, 2022. Grants of $2,500 are available for Alameda County and Contra Costa County businesses that were  impacted by public health restrictions. Visit the site to explore eligibility and apply!

Funding Available to Help Grow Your Export Business!

The California State Trade Expansion Program “STEP” is designed to offer financial assistance for exporting activities to eligible California small businesses in pre-selected International Trade Shows, Trade Missions, or the STEP Export Voucher (previously known as the Individual Company Export Promotion program or ICEP) which reimburses for eligible export-promotion-related expenses.

Eligible California businesses can receive up to $10,000 to offset 75% of approved expenses. More information about eligibility and how to apply for vouchers can be found here.