LAKE COUNTY – Mt. Konocti Facilitation, a local nonprofit public benefit corporation, serving Lake County aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses with free technical business assistance, was recently notified by Wells Fargo-California Community Development Group that they were not chosen to receive a $100,000 grant award for 2008-2009 Technical Assistance Initiative.

Chevo Ramirez, Wells Fargo Foundation, community development officer and a member of the selection committee said, "MKF was a top finalist, but unfortunately was not selected. It was a tough decision and we do want MKF to re-apply in two years."

Asked by Treasurer Sandra West if he could share why MKF was not selected, Ramirez stated, "It was your bottom line, we want to see more growth with additional revenue and support from other funding sources."

West said MKF did receive a $25,000 grant from Wells Fargo Foundation for 2008, support she said was much appreciated.

According to Sarah Bennett, vice president of Wells Fargo Community Development Group, 69 nonprofit organizations throughout California submitted grant proposals. The decision making process was difficult due to the quality of the applicants and their proposals.

Facilitators Susan Harmon and Sandra West have facilitated 99 participants over the last 19 months and are currently working with 51 active participants.

In just the last two months, from Feb. 8 through April 8, Harmon and West have facilitated opening seven new businesses which created 10 new jobs and facilitated four existing businesses which created eight new jobs. That brings MKF’s grand total, in the last 19 months, to 36 business creations and 93 job creations.

Although disappointed that MKF was not awarded this grant, West and Harmon continue to source and solicit economic development funds from other organizations and are committed to fulfilling MKF’s vision of developing a strong and sustainable local economy in Lake County.

For more information about the free business services that Mt. Konocti Facilitation offers see their web site at www.mtkonocti.com or call 995-8133.

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