The Turlock City Council was given an update on the Turlock Business Partnership program that offers a $1,000 incentive fund for a business to locate in a vacant space anywhere within the city limits. As part of that update, Dr. Prashant S. Parmar was presented an honorary $1,000 check to recognize his business as the 5th to complete the requirements to receive the incentive. Dr. Parmar opened Accurate Family Dental in a vacant space in the Raley’s Shopping Center on Geer Road.
Eligibility requirements are minimal, with a simple four step process all that it takes to qualify. The goal of the requirements is to ensure and help businesses succeed. To qualify requires participation via the following:
1. Development of a business plan with free assistance available at the Entrepreneur Center located at 300 E. Main Street
2. Identification of an appropriately zoned location
3. Participation at a pre-development meeting with city staff
4. Provision of general information regarding the business on a quarterly basis.
Turlock City Manager Roy Wasden pointed out that this is another great business that has opened up in our community bringing jobs and filling vacant space.
“Dr. Parmar has made a great investment in our community having done major tenant improvements to open his dental office,” said Wasden. “So we wanted to take this chance to chighlight his business and the progress of the Business Incentive Program.”
Wasden then invited Dr. Parmar to say a few things about his dental practice which he did followed by a thank you to City staff.
“I wanted to thank the people I have met that helped me through the process; Katie Melton, Jennifer Land, Vice Mayor Bublak, and Heidi McNally-Dial who was always there to listen when I had problems, and last but not least, Al Seaton for his help in getting through the process,” said Dr. Parmar.
Heidi McNally-Dial followed the presentation with an update on the program which has gained attention from neighboring communities looking to do similar programs.
Thus far, 5 businesses have completed the process with a 6th business in the works. A total of 24 jobs have been added with these six businesses. One of the businesses has already doubled their business and has hired an additional employee after just 4 months.
The $1,000 incentive can be used in any way the business owner sees fit. Marketing, inventory purchases, business start-up costs such as websites and business cards (like those from https://www.printivity.com/business-cards) are examples of ways that businesses may use the funds. McNally-Dial pointed out that most of the businesses have used their incentive funds for inventory, start-up costs such as business cards, advertising, etc.
“It’s been a successful program and we get weekly inquiries from businesses interested,” said McNally-Dial.
The city expects to have another three businesses complete the process in the near future.
For additional information, call the City of Turlock Economic Development/Redevelopment Manager Heidi McNally-Dial at (209) 668-5542 ext.1108 or call Al Seaton at the Entrepreneur Center at (209) 585-9508.
