Opportunity knocks, get an art box

There seems to be a lot going on, business-wise, in the North State these days. Indeed, it’s an exciting time, when people are feeling (finally) confident enough in their finances following the Great Recession that things are really booming. While lenders appear to be more prudent, there certainly still are opportunities for those who need a little start-up capital or need a cash infusion to propel their business forward.

Just last week (July 23), I got word of just such an opportunity, this one available specifically to women entrepreneurs in Northern California. It’s a pilot program called Opportunity Fund Empowering Women, a subsidiary of Opportunity Fund, in partnership with the Women’s Business Center at the Jefferson Economic Development Institute (JEDI) in Mount Shasta.

The premise is simple: Women run fewer businesses than men and are approved for fewer loans than men. But data show that when they do borrow money, they’re typically good at paying it back while putting it to good use. So, women throughout the North State who want to borrow anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000 now can apply for an OFEW loan, and if they also sign up for mentoring through JEDI, they can receive a 2 percent lower interest rate.

“This is the secret sauce to sustainability and prosperity,” JEDI Executive Director Nancy Swift said in a press release. “We know more women in the … North State need capital for their businesses and we are pleased to be partners with the Opportunity Fund in providing that capital and assistance to truly thrive.”

I spoke with Jenny Payton over at JEDI and she confirmed the program is open to women in Butte County. “We’d love to work with them,” Payton said. One of JEDI’s areas of expertise, she added, is assisting businesses in rural communities. As such, it is equipped to offer mentoring either in person or remotely.

For more information, contact the Women’s Business Center at JEDI (info@e-jedi.org), call 926-6670, or go online to e-jedi.org.

Show us your art! I can remember back to when the CN&R first launched its art box project, in 2010. Our offices were abuzz with artists picking up blank newspaper boxes and returning with all manner of colorful creations. They’ve been displayed across town ever since. Well, we’ve got more blank canvases ready for your artistic ideas. And, as we receive finished works, the old art boxes will be replaced with new ones. If you’re interested in submitting an application to decorate a box, check out page 27 for details.

Get your tickets Almendra Winery & Distillery is hosting a fundraiser “happy hour for a cause” on Aug. 25 to benefit Valley Oak Children’s Services, which provides services and resources for local families. Tickets are $50 ($40 for designated drivers) and include wine, beer, cocktails and appetizers. For more info, including how to buy tickets, go to valleyoakchildren.org.