Oakhurst, California – The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its Madera County Mountain Community Main Streets program has been chosen by California Main Street to participate in the USDA CA: Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Small Business Coaching Program. This partnership marks a significant step forward in strengthening resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Oakhurst area and surrounding mountain communities.
The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Program is designed to build capacity among local business support organizations, fostering collaboration and maximizing available resources for new, aspiring, and established business owners. By working together, chambers of commerce, local governments, educational institutions, financial institutions, and community organizations will create a stronger support system for small businesses—the backbone of the local economy.
Participation in the program includes an in-person Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Workshop, a series of virtual strategy sessions, and the use of digital assessment tools for both organizations and entrepreneurs. Following this process, Main Street America staff will prepare a customized report with recommendations to guide next steps for building a more connected and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in the mountain region.
The Small Business Coaching Support Program will provide one-on-one business coaching to four Oakhurst area small business owners. This unique opportunity is designed to strengthen local businesses by focusing on the development of digital skills, strategic planning, and personalized growth strategies tailored to each participant’s needs.
Selected business owners will begin by completing a short online questionnaire outlining their business goals, challenges, and vision. Using this information, a professional business coach will create a customized coaching plan to guide the process. Each participant will receive up to four individualized coaching sessions, with flexibility on scheduling and workload, allowing business owners to determine the pace and depth of their engagement. This program represents a significant investment in Oakhurst’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting long-term vitality and success for small businesses in the community.
“Being selected for this program is a tremendous honor and an exciting opportunity for our Chamber and our community,” said Adam Olivares, Executive Director of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce. “This opportunity will really highlight how our Mountain Community Main Streets program will help us better connect our local business owners with the tools and resources they need to thrive, while also fostering collaboration among the many organizations that share in supporting economic vitality.”
