First District Report December 2019

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

General Updates

 EDA partnered with UCR to host an Opportunity Zone event on campus. EDA presented along with Accelerator for America and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. An investor was present and EDA team is continuing discussions with him regarding best ways to engage the investor community and create a deal structure.  EDA supported the following events: o Inland Empire Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards Event – November 13, 2019 o Raincross Trophy Dinner at Riverside Convention Center – November 19, 2019 o Coachella Valley Economic Partnership Greater Palm Springs Economic Summit – November 19, 2019

o Riverside County Ag Summit – November 20, 2019 o Inland Empire Latino Summit – November 22, 2019

o Moreno Valley Workforce and Economic Development Summit – November 22 o Corona Chamber of Commerce Legislative Dinner – November 23, 2019

Riverside Business Center

 Nongshim Noodle has submitted a Pre-Application Review submission to the Planning Department and the meeting was held on December 5, 2019. Company will then make a determination on direction after that meeting.  EDA hosted the launch of the Emprendedores Association at the CAC on November 13, 2019. The Association is made up of entrepreneurs that have graduated from the program and desire to develop and receive continuing business support.  The U.S. Veteran’s Business Alliance continues to hold their monthly meetings at the Center on the first Wednesday at 11:00am.  The Inland Empire SBDC concluded a several week CFO Series on how to start a food business. Approximately 25 entrepreneurs participated in the course.  EDA participated in a business retention visit with Skydive Perris to assist with challenges they are having due to utility costs and competition from other facilities nationally. EDA has sent information about workforce development and the small business loan program.  EDA hosted a delegation of Chilean entrepreneurs at both the ExCITE building and in the lobby of the Business Center on November 4, 2019. The delegation is interested in patterning their ecosystem start up in the same manner as Riverside County.  EDA helped ExCITE startup company Foodnome host a home cooked luncheon in the Business Center courtyard. Home chefs sold out of all their meals and another luncheon is planned in January.  EDA hosted a Coffee with the State event on November 18, 2019. A representative from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development spoke to a group of County and City officials about the State’s initiatives.  Met with Katayama, a food manufacturing company about the possibilities of expanding their company which is based in China, into Riverside County.

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