LAKEPORT, Calif. — The city of Lakeport reported that its annual Business Walk Program is now underway.

The program is designed to familiarize the business community with resources available to them.  

City staff, the Lakeport Economic Development Advisory Committee, or LEDAC, and volunteers form teams that will contact local business owners and managers during October and November.

The program’s purpose is to demonstrate the city’s commitment to supporting businesses while gaining information about challenges and barriers to their success. 

Findings from the visits are compiled and presented to the City Council for information and any required action.

“The City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan identified annual in-person visits as an important element in the support and retention of existing local businesses,” said Lakeport City Manager Kevin Ingram. 

An updated Guide to Doing Business in Lakeport will be distributed during the visits. The publication includes information and contacts for programs aimed at assisting new businesses.  

Additional materials include information about business loan programs, workshops and trainings, plus services offered by employment and workforce agencies.

The teams are composed of staff from the city and Lakeport Police Department, members of LEDAC, and volunteers representing the Lake County Economic Development Corp., Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development & Financing Corp., California Employment Development Department, the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center and Community Development Services.

The LEDAC meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. in Lakeport City Hall at 225 Park Street. All meetings are open to the public.

LEDAC is an advocate for a strong and positive business community and serves as a conduit for communicating the goals, activities and progress of Lakeport’s economic and business programs.