The World Famous Talking Bear outside of Century 21 Ditton Realty in Oakhurst dons a scarf for the cold weather in this 2019 file photo.

The Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce announced Friday that its Madera County Mountain Community Main Streets program has been chosen by California Main Street to participate in an entrepreneurial training and small business coaching program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Small Business Coaching Program marks an important step forward in strengthening resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Oakhurst area and surrounding mountain communities, according to a news release from the Oakhurst Chamber.

California Main Street is a nonprofit that works with communities across the state to revitalize downtowns and commercial districts through place-based economic development. California Main Street programs have collectively secured over $8.5 billion in public and private reinvestment, added 34,940 jobs, created 7,049 new businesses and rehabilitated 1,845 buildings since 1986, according to the website.

The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Program is designed to build capacity among local business support organizations, fostering collaboration and maximizing available resources for new, aspiring and established business owners. By working together, chambers of commerce, local governments, educational institutions, financial institutions and community organizations will create a stronger support system for small businesses, according to the release.

Participation in the program includes an in-person entrepreneurial ecosystem workshop, a series of virtual strategy sessions and the use of digital assessment tools for both organizations and entrepreneurs. Following this process, Main Street America staff will prepare a customized report with recommendations to guide next steps for building a more connected and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in the mountain region.

The small business coaching support program will provide one-on-one business coaching to four Oakhurst area small business owners with a goal to develop digital skills, strategic planning and personalized growth strategies.

Selected business owners will begin by completing a short online questionnaire outlining their business goals, challenges and vision. Using this information, a professional business coach will create a customized coaching plan to guide the process. Each participant will receive up to four individualized coaching sessions, with flexibility on scheduling and workload, allowing business owners to determine the pace and depth of their engagement.

“Being selected for this program is a tremendous honor and an exciting opportunity for our Chamber and our community,” said Adam Olivares, executive director of the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce. “This opportunity will really highlight how our Mountain Community Main Streets program will help us better connect our local business owners with the tools and resources they need to thrive, while also fostering collaboration among the many organizations that share in supporting economic vitality.”

To obtain the application, or for information on being a part of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Program, please contact the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce at (559) 683-7766, or email Oliveras.