Coachella expands business, entrepreneur resource center

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and the city of Coachella will expand services at the Coachella Community Business and Resource Center, giving local businesses and entrepreneurs greater access to training, workspace and other resources, it was announced today.   

"This partnership gives us the opportunity to take what we have traditionally done for the Coachella business community and build something much more comprehensive around it,'' Brandon Marley, president and CEO of the chamber, said in a statement.

The Coachella City Council recently approved an annual $50,000 service agreement for the expanded program, officials said.   

Once the program is implemented, the center will operate four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offer free access to shared desks and workspace, basic printing services, conference and meeting space and chamber staff who can provide business assistance and help connect users with resources.

"The goal is to make more of these services available locally, reducing the need for Coachella businesses to travel outside the city for assistance,'' officials said.   

Programming will focus on the needs of local businesses, with topics including marketing, workforce development, access to capital and technology, business growth, employment regulations and government contracting, officials said.

"The city of Coachella is excited to expand our partnership with the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and provide our businesses and entrepreneurs with even greater access to resources in their own community,'' Mayor Frank Figueroa said. "Creating a central location where businesses can
receive assistance, participate in training, connect with partners and have access to professional workspace strengthen(s) the support system available to both existing businesses and those looking to grow in Coachella.''   

Officials said additional information about workspace availability, upcoming workshops and other resources will be announced later.