Business

The coronavirus crisis has made both businesses and individuals rethink the way they do things, and also what they do. While many businesses and employees are struggling to survive COVID-19 and may just be looking to adapt, for others the crisis is an opportunity to reinvent themselves. Join host Fred Munroe as he speaks with Central Coast organizations that are working to meet these needs. In our first half-hour, Fred speaks with mentors from SCORE of San Luis Obispo—Horace Morana and Carol Kerwin. SCORE of San Luis Obispo has been helping small businesses start and grow for over 30 years and are working to address concerns during this difficult time. In the second half -hour, Fred speaks with SLO Partners' Paula Mathias-Fryer and Luke Wallace. SLO Partners is taking the lead in creating upskilling opportunities for our local workforce by supporting those looking for new career opportunities by training them with skills in demand by local businesses. 

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Central Coast businesses has been immense. Results from a survey issued to local business owners by the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce suggest severe impacts on the business community due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Join host Kris Kington-Barker as she speaks with Jim Dantona, president and CEO of the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and Jocelyn Brennan, president and CEO of the South County Chambers of Commerce, about the business and economic implications of the coronavirus pandemic for the Central Coast. They will discuss their efforts to assist businesses and organizations weather the closure, navigating confusing HR issues, and help businesses prepare for a safe, successful, and sustainable reopening of the economy.

The United States has lost 10% of its workforce as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Newest reports show that almost 17 million Americans filed jobless claims in the last three weeks. With the economy in a coma, small business owners and workers are struggling to find ways to survive. Are there ways for businesses to get help during the crisis? What are some innovative approaches that companies can use to stay afloat?

In 2014 the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education formed SLO Partners to address college and career readiness among the county’s student population. Since then, SLO Partners has produced five apprenticeship programs over the last three years, and together these have produced over 300 graduates and employees for around 25 local companies. Today, San Luis Obispo County is among  the top places in California for apprenticeship programs.

Mission Community Services Corporation(MCSC) is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for potential entrepreneurs and small business owners to become self-sustaining, successful contributors to their communities, with special assistance for women, low-income, minority, veterans, and non-profit businesses in San Luis Obispo, Kern, and Monterey Counties.

Lack of access to affordable, quality child care in San Luis Obispo County has reached a crisis point locally and across the state. This crisis has serious implications, not just for families and children, but also for local employers, the local economy and overall health of the community.

Broadcast date: 6/14/2018

Poly Canyon Ventures  (PCV) is a San Luis Obispo-based non-profit that provides funding to Cal Poly student-run startups. It is composed of Cal Poly students and alumni who are passionate about helping startups grow and thrive on the California Central Coast. PCV is a strong proponent of socially and environmentally responsible business and investing practices, and its team works to expose these practices to Cal Poly students and the communities it interacts with.

Travel correspondent Tom Wilmer visits Healdsburg California and talks with local business owners about the economic recovery of their community following the devastating fires earlier this year.

Broadcast date: 7/6/17

The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Cal Poly transforms motivated students into resourceful, entrepreneurial and innovative leaders. Programs like the SLO HotHouse Summer Accelerator program stimulate the entrepreneurial “learn by doing” spirit at Cal Poly, and assists entrepreneurs in following their dreams. In this entrepreneurial environment, students learn to generate innovative solutions to real-world problems, research promising technologies, and develop viable business plans with the support of experienced entrepreneurs and faculty mentors. 

Broadcast date: 2/23/17

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) was founded in 1975 to open doors for women entrepreneurs by transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers. In the beginning, there were twelve women business owners who met informally in the D.C. area to share information about federal contracts, access to capital and other issues related to their businesses. Since then it has become a unified voice of over 10.1 million women-owned businesses in the United States representing the fastest growing segment of the economy. Find out how NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.

Broadcast date: 11/5/15

The mission of Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) is to transform motivated students into resourceful, entrepreneurial and innovative leaders. 

The topic of workforce housing in San Luis Obispo is a hot one currently, really picking up steam during recent debate at the City Council meetings in regards to the newly approved update to the city’s general plan.

Brad Brechwald is the Principal and CEO of the Wallace Group, a Central Coast engineering and design firm. He’s also a cochair for a group working on economic solutions for the county’s housing needs, among other issues. It's one of six "cluster" groups working on various aspects of the local economy.