[SANTA MARIA, CA. September 11, 2024] – The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to announce the launch of the “Build Your Workforce” program in collaboration with the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board. The program helps connect businesses with resources to funding and other resources available for hiring, upskilling and providing work experience for employees.

Interested businesses may fill out the Business Service Interest Form. A member from the Workforce Development Board will then connect applicants with the program that best fits their workforce needs.

“The Workforce Development Board has a lot of great resources and funding available for our local businesses that often goes underutilized,” explained Molly Schiff, Director of Advocacy and Initiatives for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber.

“We hope that through the Build Your Workforce program, more businesses will take advantage of these resources, which can help address the workforce challenges many are facing,” Schiff said.

"Our partnership with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and other local chambers is crucial for aligning workforce development initiatives with the needs of our business community,” said Luis Servin, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board.

“By working together, we can ensure that our programs are responsive to the evolving demands of the local economy, providing businesses with a skilled workforce and job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities,” Servin said.

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber aims to ensure businesses in the Santa Maria Valley can count on a pipeline of workers trained for local jobs and careers, and is working with community partners to develop a strong regional talent pipeline to meet business and community needs. The Build Your Workforce program is one of the ways the Chamber is helping address local workforce development challenges.

For more information, visit the Build Your Workforce program page or contact Molly Schiff, Director of Advocacy & Initiatives for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, at molly@santamaria.com or (805) 925-2403 x 816.