Rohnert Park City Council OKs new small business development hub

Kevin King, a senior analyst with the city of Rohnert Park says he is in the business of making dreams a reality.

At least that was his pitch Tuesday night to the City Council when he sought its stamp of approval for a two-year contract between the city and the Sonoma County Small Business Development Center.

“When a lot of small businesses start, they have an idea and a dream,” King said. “This will help them connect the dots to set up and start that plan on how to make that dream a reality.”

The council unanimously approved $10,000 in funding for the center, which came out of its economic development budget. It was matched by a federal grant, for a total working budget of $20,000 over two years, expiring at the end of June 2027.

The deal will bring Onna Young, director of Sonoma SBDC, and her expertise in marketing, strategic consulting, practice management, revenue production and lending, to Rohnert Park for four hours a month. Through Young, current and potential small business owners can access free one-on-one financial and business advice.

“There are so many people who have gusto,” Young told council members. “But then they start to make their first worst mistakes. It’s our job to help them overcome them and head in a different direction and different trajectory.”

The timing of such a hub could prove a much needed boon for Rohnert Park. Last year’s closures of retail outlets and restaurants including Burlington Coat Factory, Red Lobster and the Dollar Store in Rohnert Park resulted in a $3 million deficit in sales tax revenue this year. As a result, the city dipped into casino supplemental funds to cover its spending gap. More small businesses, council members said, would help boost the city’s economy.

Council member Samantha Rodriguez applauded the timing of the partnership, saying she receives “plenty of emails (from) people who want to start a business. With the incoming downtown, the timing is incredible.”

By downtown, Rodriguez is referring to the city’s efforts to transform the 28-acre former State Farm Insurance campus at 6400 State Farm Drive into a mix of homes, businesses, restaurants, park space and a hotel.

Under its contract, the SBDC will immediately set up shop at Rohnert Park People Services Center. Young will be available by appointment to Rohnert Park residents, as well as current and potential business owners.

King said the goal is for small business owners in the surrounding south county region, such as Cotati, Penngrove and Petaluma, to also access Young’s service.

“This isn’t just for her, but for the entire southern region of Sonoma County as well,” King said. “There’s a lot of questions and need for resources, and we want those resources to be local. We don’t want people to drive to Santa Rosa.”

Rodriguez agreed, saying, “Something I hear a lot is how much Rohnert Park and south county gets missed. This brings something new, accessible and equitable.”

While Young will only be available for four hours a month, King noted that “it does not mean that these services will leave” the rest of the month. “She will be in constant communication with clients. Really what you’re getting is that in-person handshake. That’s really important when you’re starting a business.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy,” Mayor Gerard Giudice surmised during the meeting.

Giudice owns Sally Tomatoes, a local business in Rohnert Park’s SOMO Village.

“Whatever support you can give them, we would just reap the benefits locally,” he added.

Amie Windsor is the Community Journalism Team Lead with The Press Democrat. She can be reached at [email protected] or 707-521-5218.