Technical Assistance Initiative

Small businesses are the engines of the U.S. economy.  They are particularly important to low-income communities and communities of color.  All small businesses struggle to meet the multiple aspects of their business needs with only a few people but those located in low-income communities often have fewer resources to do so.  These businesses often turn to nonprofit organizations who will provide them technical assistance at little or no expense.  The technical assistance can be training on human resources, consulting on marketing or assistance with a loan application.

CRC has negotiated foundation grant initiatives from Wells Fargo and Comerica Banks that have thus far funded 42 California nonprofit organizations through their Technical Assistance Initiatives. The Initiative’s grants support the growth of nonprofit organizations and their capacity to assist small businesses in marketing, operations, attaining credit and other areas.  Wells Fargo is beginning its fourth two-year round and Comerica Bank its third two-year round of grants.

The Initiative is designed for TA providers where the funds will be significant to their capacity (e.g., support expansion of services, new programs or equipment) and includes some evaluation components. The grants have made a significant difference in the ability of these 42 nonprofit organizations to serve businesses and have helped them leverage other funds to expand their services. 

The Banks have acted very positively in also bringing grantees together annually to learn from each other’s programs. These Banks have played a very positive role in assisting the expansion of capacity without any strings attached and operating the initiative in a manner that benefits the grantees in an organic fashion.