Award Date - Round Two: July 24, 2025

Awarded Amount - $99,500

The Tahoe Prosperity Center seeks to create high-quality jobs and strengthen California Jobs First priorities by expanding their region's entrepreneurial ecosystem through the establishment of consistent, accessible advanced business advisory services. This pre-development project aims to test the feasibility and impact of establishing dedicated bilingual business advisory services in the Tahoe Basin through a one-year pilot study. Research shows that one in four small businesses fail within their first year, and by the five-year mark, nearly half of all businesses have failed. The best way to combat this is with planning and resources. The Tahoe Business Catalyst Pilot project will evaluate leveraging the Sierra SBDC structure to secure a local, bilingual expert business advisor, working in partnership with the Sierra Community House and El Dorado Community Foundation to ensure professional business support reaches historically excluded and disadvantaged communities.

This initiative addresses two critical needs: expanding access to professional business development services and fostering inclusive economic growth that creates good jobs. Through innovative use of digital translation tools and lived experiences, we're building bridges across language barriers while strengthening regional economic resilience. By coordinating Sierra SBDC services through trusted community locations, they are removing barriers to access while building capacity for business success.