RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - A group of small business owners in the City of Rancho Cordova recently graduated from the Minority Business Assistance and Recovery Kickstart (MBARK).

The Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Rancho Cordova and Sacramento Asian-Pacific Chamber of Commerce launched MBARK in January to provide expert guidance and other resources to minority-owned and small businesses in the city. The program is supported by the city’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund.

The three-month program helps provide capacity and expertise for minority-owned and small businesses that have historically had limited resources to pursue the expert guidance they need to stabilize, expand, or pivot their operations. The program also offers professional coaching to businesses impacted by COVID-19, offering guidance on surviving and staying competitive in a post-pandemic economy.

Ten inaugural graduates of the program were honored at a March 17 ceremony at Rancho Cordova City Hall. One of the graduates is Chris Tabieros, a mobile auto detailer who opened CTUBBZ Detail two years ago.

“I have 15 years’ experience in auto body and painting, but it’s a lot different being in business for yourself,” Chris said. “This program gives you a good foundation for running your business and helps you avoid pitfalls along the way.”

The training’s ten modules include business planning, brand and marketing strategies, best practices for e-commerce, web and social media, and financial elements from bookkeeping to cash flow. Participants were also made aware of available resources in the community, including grants and other assistance.

The collaborative nature of MBARK also provides an opportunity for business owners to share ideas and experiences with each other and get feedback from the instructors.

Diann Rogers, CEO of the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce, said this group of graduates set the bar high, and she looks forward to seeing the program continue.

“It’s very challenging to operate a small business, and understanding the basics really goes a long way in staying competitive,” she said. “These graduates now have what it takes to grow their businesses, which will in turn help advance our local economy.”

The next MBARK program will be offered starting in late April. Applications are now being accepted through April 14. Apply now and learn more at https://mbark-ca.org/small-business-cohort or by e-mailing [email protected].