Grow West Program Business Expansion Program

The "Grow West" Business Expansion Program was established by the WDC in the fall of 2008 to provide services to businesses based in the Westside or planning to expand to the Westside. Through the "Grow West" program, the WDC offers the following services:

Business consulting (e.g. assistance in the navigation of City processes, research of property for site selection or acquisition, and referral of businesses to community resources)

Assistance for businesses with financing opportunities for growth and expansion, including low-interest loans

Marketing help to businesses via community profiles and education on contract procurement

The WDC seeks to help businesses see long-term sustainability through assistance in growth and expansion plans. Businesses assisted through the program are strongly encouraged to hire residents of the Westside and pay a living wage (currently $10.60/hour).

"Grow West" Accomplishments (as of April 2009):

Consulted with over 215 businesses regarding needs and challenges for viability, growth, and expansion

Assisted over $23.1 million in growth, representing more than 270 new jobs

Helped 40 businesses with property acquisition and marketing property for sale/lease

Realized over $533,000 for Westside businesses from the WDC's work (including marketing, recouping federal wage credits, and creating business-specific job training program)