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Chambers and small-business programs report growth: artist incubator, Spanish-language training and micro-enterprise grants
Summary
Partners told the subcommittee about expanded Spanish-language small-business support, a county micro-enterprise grant, and a first artist incubator (56 applicants, 25 accepted, 21 completed); the San Rafael Chamber endorsed five housing projects and plans a strategic refresh in 2026.
Representatives from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Marin, the San Rafael Chamber and the Marin Small Business Development Center updated the subcommittee on outreach and programming.
Cecilia Zamora (Hispanic Chamber) thanked the city for ongoing support of Hispanic Heritage Month programming, described a collaboration with Dominican University to increase board diversity and said the chamber is researching Latino-business economic impacts with a project continuing into 2026. She invited members to a La Posada VIP reception at the Embassy Suites.
Karen Storley (San Rafael Chamber) reviewed a busy 2025—an economic forecast event, a county job fair and more than 100 networking activities—and said the chamber endorsed five housing projects. She said the chamber will develop a strategic plan in 2026 and change its business showcase to a consumer-focused format. Stephanie Plant highlighted East San Rafael work and the mobile-vending discussion that drew business interest.
A separate presentation described an inaugural artist incubator run with city partnership (56 applicants in three weeks; 25 accepted; 21 completed). Staff reported increased Spanish-language programming, a weekly in-person micro-enterprise support meeting at Canal Alliance, and a West Marin 12–15-week program with seed-funding opportunities. The SBDC representative said she had secured some county funding to sustain programming.
Council and staff encouraged partners to continue outreach and advised the public to use city resources and the chamber networks to help downtown firms and others get connected to capital and training.
