Yavapai College, through its Regional Economic Development Center, has introduced a website to create awareness of job and business resource opportunities.
“This effort followed recognition of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic upon employment, business and hiring practices,” said Katherine Anderson, development center program specialist.
The ongoing effort began at the end of March, and it has now expanded to provide the best current information possible to Yavapai County businesses and displaced employees.
The www.ycazbusinesses.org website represents an initial effort by 18 entities that has grown to more than 42 participants countywide. It includes chambers of commerce, towns and community partners, Anderson said.
She added, “We will streamline the data flow as our community tries to navigate the ever-changing resources available to those impacted by the pandemic. Through the website, we are providing community contacts to directly assist community members. In addition, we’ll have links to webinars, grants and employment opportunities.”
Anderson said the website is updated with relevant information as soon as it becomes available. It also connects users to the YC Small Business Development Center — that center provides its clients with application assistance and business counseling.
Other information provided on www.ycazbusinesses.org includes:
- Links for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration.
- Access to COVID-19 related business resources available from the Arizona Commerce Authority.
- Access to business advice from the Northern Arizona chapter of SCORE.
- Data from Community Health Services AZ about the impact of the coronavirus on Yavapai County and its economy.
- Information about Regional Economic Development Center online job fairs and links to job training and workshops.
Anderson said various community partners and media are asked to share as much specific information as much as they possibly can. Several local and regional businesses such as Costco, Fry’s, CVS and others have posted job opportunities on the website.
“We partner with as many as we can to provide maximum awareness and be available for our community. We see that as a major role of the REDC and the college,” she said.
Anderson said community partners are making every effort to make personalized contacts with those who do not have access to computer technology or who live in rural areas where access to the website might not be possible.
The number of visitors to the website grows daily, Anderson said.
