SearchDoing Business in Fortuna
Fortuna’s reputation as one of the most forward thinking, business friendly communities in northern California is well deserved. This reputation didn’t develop by accident. It is a combination of a culture that values hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit and a team of organizations constantly working to improve the business climate. The Fortuna Chamber of Commerce, Fortuna Business Improvement District and the City of Fortuna’s Redevelopment Agency all contribute to the health of Fortuna’s businesses.
The Fortuna Business Improvement District (FBID) has a number of programs designed to keep the business community healthy including marketing Fortuna to the region, business seminars, a business-to-business guide, community event support and other business services.
The business improvement district office acts as a first stop for businesses starting-up or looking to relocate in Fortuna. The FBID coordinator helps entrepreneurs find locations, gives referrals to other economic development resources and aids in promoting their new venture. The FBID website, FortunaBusiness.com, actively markets the town to relocating businesses, has a listing of commercial space and data on why Fortuna is a best choice for business location.
Merchants located in the “Core Areas” of Redwood Village Shopping Center and Downtown Fortuna have marketing associations that work with FBID in putting on retail events and advertising for their own shopping and service destinations.
FBID’s office is located at 610 Main Street, and can be reached by calling 725-9261 or through www.FortunaBusiness.com.
The City of Fortuna, through its Redevelopment Agency, offers access to several economic development programs.
The Fortuna Redevelopment Agency can provide certain kinds of incentives for businesses locating or expanding in the redevelopment project area. The Agency and City can also provide certain incentives to job creating businesses through the Community Development Block Grant Project.
For the homeowners in Fortuna, the Redevelopment Agency offers the Housing Improvement Loan Program. This is devoted to preserving the housing stock in the community and upgrading neighborhoods. So far, 71 loans have been made to residents. This program provides financing to lower income residents and seniors for home maintenance and improvements.
The Redevelopment agency offers business loans to help businesses expand and to assist new businesses in starting-up. Projects must meet qualifications and if a project is able to obtain a loan from a bank it cannot qualify. Loans in the past have ranged from $5,000 to $450,000. The borrower must provide security. For information on the City Redevelopment Agency or the business loan program call Fortuna City Hall (707) 725-9261.