BRC SET TO OPEN
The Eastern Sierra Small Business Resource Center is finally a reality.
Its sparkling new space (269 No. Main St. next to Good Earth Yogurt in downtown Bishop) is built out and ready for move-in. An opening reception is scheduled for next Tuesday.
The Sheet met with current Sierra Business Council Chairman Allan Pietrasanta and recently hired Resource Center Director Meryl Picard on Wednesday to discuss how the Center can help promote aspiring small business owners on the Eastside.
Pietrasanta, whose business background includes two decades owning a local sewing manufacturing business followed by 17 years as the national sales manager for the local Rousek Toy Co., broke down the Center’s offerings as follows:
First, as a resource for technical assistance, from helping to write business plans, to navigating insurance and paperwork and state requirements, and even getting into skills development (i.e. how to read a financial statement).
Second, as a hub for small business people looking to connect – a promoter of “networking opportunities.”
Third, as a potential source of capital – by creating an investor network and connecting investors to entrepreneurs.
“There are people with good energy here, and we want to match this energy with investors,” said Pietrasanta.
“Anybody can start a business,” he added. “We want to help them do that successfully.”
Sometimes, acknowledged Pietrasanta, the service is in helping people get realistic about where they’re at. You’ll lay things out for people, he said, and they’ll realize they’re not ready. “We don’t want people sinking their life savings into something that’s not well-thought out.”
Picard was hired at the end of October. She currently sits on the Bishop Paiute Tribal Council, and has sat on the Tribe’s Economic Development Board. She also has five years of HR experience and a leadership background as Tribal Chair.
Picard expects the bulk of the queries she’ll field are for those interested in retail, lodging, trades and guide services.
Post-Covid, observes Pietrasanta, there’s been an influx of folks who moved here permanently and are interested in more goods and services.
