Advisory Board: Economic Development Committee
Subject: RECEIVE presentation from Contra Costa County Economic Development on BESTeam (Business Enhancement Support Team)
Presenters: George Carter, Economic Development Project Manager, Contra Costa County, and Bret Sweet, Economic Development Manager, City of Antioch, and Gaby Seltzer, Economic Development Recovery Fellow, City of Antioch
Contact: 925-655-2782
Information:
Contra Costa County Economic Development's presentation on BESTeam (Business Enhancement Support Team) is attached.
Referral History and Update:
At its February 2, 2025, meeting, the Economic Development Committee received a presentation from the City of Antioch on its Antioch Business Collaborative, when the committee requested an update on efforts to explore such a model countywide. The Contra Costa County Business Enhancement Support Team (BESTeam) offers another such model for connecting small businesses with resources.
The Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County formed the Business Enhancement Support Team (BESTeam), to develop and implement strategies that support economic vitality and business growth. The BESTeam consists of a group of handpicked service providers that are prepared to deliver quality services to meet the needs of the small business community. Through coordinated efforts, the team delivers regional solutions to local challenges. The model was a data-driven, demand-driven approach to serving small business needs that addressed the needs of business with resources delivered on-site. The BESTeam won the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) Award.
Since the February 2nd meeting of the Economic Development Committee, County staff have met with the City of Antioch Economic Development Manager and Economic Recovery Fellow twice to discuss potential Contra Costa County program models. Staff will continue to meet to explore options for a Contra Costa Business Collaborative and are also purs...
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