The City of Paso Robles Economic Development newsletter provides you with information and updates related to the City’s various programs and activities for: business retention and expansion, business attraction, workforce development and special topics of relevance to our local business community. 

News & Announcements

Paso Robles and the HBA Pioneer Rural Innovation

The City of Paso Robles, in partnership with the Hispanic Business Association (HBA), was selected to participate in the Center on Rural Innovation's (CORI) program for developing digital economies in rural communities of color. At the conclusion of the in-depth program, the City of Paso and the HBA have been admitted into CORI's Rural Innovation Network, a nationwide community of change agents and local leaders working to advance the economic future of small-town America.   Paso Robles is the first community in California to be accepted into the Rural Innovation Network.

Economic Development Strategic Plan Advances with Focus Groups

The City of Paso Robles has contracted with Willdan Financial Services to create a 5-year Economic Development Strategic Plan and as part of the process focus group sessions are being held with community stakeholders. The most recent series of focus group sessions were conducted with board members of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and Travel Paso and focused on challenges and opportunities related to Workforce Development.  In the coming months, additional focus group sessions will be held on various topics related to the local economy.  The project is expected to continue through June 2023.

North County Broadband Strategic Plan Project Kicks Off

On Oct. 3, the cities of Atascadero and Paso Robles announced a new collaborative project to bring better internet access to North County businesses and residents. The North County Broadband Strategic Plan Project is the result of a partnership between Paso Mayor Steve Martin and Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno. The two cities signed a memorandum of understanding in May, which got the ball rolling to select a contractor.  The strategic plan should be completed by March 2023

October is National Women's Small Business Month

In 1972, there were a little over 400,000 women-owned businesses in the United States. By 2019, women-owned businesses represented 42% of all U.S. businesses and generated $1.9 trillion worth of revenue. Today, there are over 13 million women-owned businesses and counting. Celebrate the milestone achievements and support our local women-owned businesses!

Satellite Communications Meets Modern Agriculture Technology

John Deere announced it has issued a satellite communications (SATCOM)-focused request for proposals (RFP) to secure a cutting-edge solution that will further connect its fleet of intelligent machines.  Connecting Deere machines through satellite service and ruggedized satellite terminals is expected to enable Deere’s customers to be more productive and efficient, and increase food and fuel production for their communities and the world’s growing population.

National Veterans Small Business Week Oct. 31 - Nov. 04

Building a successful small business requires hard work and dedication – traits that are in no short supply among service members, veterans, and military spouses. “Veteran-owned businesses are a critical pillar of the U.S. economy as they contribute more than $1.14 trillion to the nation's annual total sales and receipts,” SBA Administrator Linda McMahon said. “Through entrepreneurship and business ownership, these veterans continue their service by not only contributing to the economy, but also by creating economic opportunities for other Americans"  Thank you for your service!

Union/Golden Hill Detours & FAQs

The intersection at Golden Hill and Union is closed for construction. Please use posted detours to avoid impacting residential neighborhoods. With school now open, please plan your route and departure time to account for traffic impacts. We apologize for the inconvenience, it will be worth it in the end! Read the FAQs about the closure.

The City of Paso is Hiring!

You can now apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link.  After viewing the Job Description, click the 'Apply' tab.  After your account has been established, you can import your resume from LinkedIn, upload it from a saved document on your computer, or manually enter your personal information.  Visit the City Career Pages to learn more!

North County Job Boards

Looking for work or looking to hire staff? 
Here are two North County Job Boards listing a wide range of available positions:

• Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Classifieds
• Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce Job Board

The "Pipeline" Report

Check out the numerous projects in process in our community.  The City of Paso Robles Community Development Department publishes The "Pipeline" Report with the status of Planning Entitlements and Building permits throughout the City. Click here to learn more.

Workforce Development

Career Training Programs

Online courses and career training programs prepare you for a new career, or help you advance within your current occupation. Learn new skills and prepare for industry-recognized certifications.

Choose Your Next Career

New skills bring new opportunities, and SLO Partners offers professional training programs in high demand areas including:

• Digital Marketing
• Web Development
• Precision Manufacturing
• Cyber Security

Cal Poly Extension Tech Bootcamps

Powered by award-winning Fullstack Academy, the Cal Poly Extended Education Tech Bootcamps provide condensed, immersive programs taught by industry experts in convenient 100% live, online formats.
Bootcamp graduates leave ready for lucrative high-tech careers.  There’s no experience required to apply, be accepted, or succeed.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program

The Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program with Local Union #403 is a five (5) year training program. Apprentices earn while they learn, working on the job with Journeymen.  The beginning apprentice wage starts at $21.10 per hour with a package rate (benefits included) of $25.81 per hour. As of September 1, 2018, the Journeyman wage is $46.88 per hour with a package rate (benefits included) of $74.30 per hour.  
For information on additional programs visit https://www.pipecareers.com/

New Tools Added to Library’s Employment Resources

With funding from the California State Library, the Paso Robles City Library is pleased to make available several new tools from some of the top online learning companies to help library users with job training, skill building, test preparations and professional development.

Workforce Development Support

JobNow and VetNow programs offer learning, career, and veteran support tools, such as resume and writing labs and an extensive list of resources, in addition to in-person support, such as live job coaching, live veteran benefits eligibility, and live tutoring.  An Unemployment Benefits Navigator has recently been added to JobNow to assist patrons struggling to file for unemployment benefits. Find out more at the Paso Robles City Library.

Financial Resources

Southland EDC

The Southland Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit Certified Development Company chartered to assist the small business community of California since 1980. Their mission is to be a resource to local small businesses in an effort to foster job creation and retention through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program.

Loan Guarantee Program

The Small Business Loan Guarantee program helps businesses create and retain jobs, and encourages investment in low- to moderate-income communities. The program promotes statewide economic development by increasing opportunities for entrepreneurs, the self-employed, microbusiness and small business owners to have better access to capital and other technical resources.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices.

SBA COVID-19 Relief Options

Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.  COVID-19 portal

Local Business Assistance

How To Apply for a Business License

Find out how to apply for a business license, including fees, taxes, and other required permits and forms.  The Department of Administrative Services is responsible for providing service to the general public, business license applicants and each existing licensee. Our objective is to assist each business in obtaining the proper business license and/or permit and to ensure proper compliance to the business license code for all businesses transacting business within the city.  

City Website Business Tools  

The City has updated the Economic Development section on the City website.  Details on related programs along with specialized business development tools can be found in this section, including tools for Business Data, Smart Mapping, Demographic Data, Talent Pool, Opportunity Zone, Community Profile, and links for researching commercial property listings.

Public Mapping Applications

The City IT department has been hard at work developing and implementing the City’s new ArcGIS Enterprise system. This new platform will replace ArcReader and has allowed for the development of both public and staff GIS desktop and mobile applications. There are a number of applications already being utilized with additional functionality and layer content on the way.  Visit the City website and take the new mapping tools for a spin!

THE SANDBOX Paso Robles

THE SANDBOX Paso Robles is a co-working, shared office & event space offering a variety of dedicated and private desks and offices as well as meeting spaces that are perfect for remote workers, entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, freelancers and more.

This Month's FREE Business Trainings*

Why Veterans Make Great Entrepreneurs

Are you a Veteran considering starting a business? Building a successful small business requires hard work and dedication – traits that are in no short supply among service members, veterans, and military spouses. The SBA celebrates, connects with, and empowers aspiring and current service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouse entrepreneurs.  In this webinar, you will learn why Veterans make great Entrepreneurs.

Starting a Business – Real Stories and Knowledge Exchange from Women Entrepreneurs

Join us for an hour-long panel discussion and Q&A in celebration of National Women’s Small Business Month as we recognize women entrepreneurs across the United States. In this webinar, our panel includes insights from two women business owners who will share their business journeys. We will also be joined by an experienced SCORE mentor to help answer your business questions.

What You Need to Know Before Moving Ahead With A Business Idea

Does the thought of building a business and being your own boss make your heart beat faster? It sounds like you're an entrepreneur, but before starting your business journey, you need to lay the groundwork. In this webinar, our expert presenter will explain what it means to run a business, what you should expect and how to set yourself up for success. 

Modern Day Tech - Using Hardware To Work Smarter, Not Harder!

Every day small businesses are faced with the decision to upgrade their IT to new technology or to stick with the hardware they already have. The key to making a decision about your business's hardware is to understand what new IT is available and how it can help your business. In this webinar, we will discuss new enterprise IT products, how they can influence your business and what is the next steps in your technology journey.

Cybersecurity 101 - How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats

Today, more entrepreneurs are starting, managing, and growing their small businesses online. Even in-store businesses have turned to the internet to help them with e-commerce, customer payment, and marketing. However, with convenience comes risk.  Cyber threats and scams are rising, and you must know how to protect your business. In this webinar, a certified SCORE mentor will teach you the basics of Cybersecurity and what you can do to keep your business and your customers safe from cyber threats.