The latest CSUF Startup Talk featured Cameron Cook, Founder and Managing Director of Coast Forward, sharing how small and medium-sized businesses can access publicly funded workforce programs to hire, train, and retain employees — all while saving money and strengthening their teams.
How Workforce Programs Can Help Your Business Grow
Hiring and retaining good people is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses and startups. But as Cameron explained, there are a number of federal, state, and local programs designed to help businesses overcome those challenges.
Through initiatives such as wage reimbursements, paid internships, on-the-job training programs, and tax credits, businesses can offset their hiring costs and invest more in their growth without taking on debt or giving up equity.
These programs aren’t just for large corporations. Many small and medium-sized businesses in Orange County and across California are eligible for workforce support but simply don’t know where to start.
That’s where Coast Forward comes in.
About Coast Forward
Cameron founded Coast Forwardto connect small businesses with workforce development resources that help them hire and train employees more effectively.
The organization:
- Helps employers access funding and incentives for hiring and training
- Guides businesses through applications and compliance requirements
- Partners with workforce boards, colleges, and public agencies to make hiring simpler and faster
- Builds bridges between businesses and the public workforce system to strengthen local economies
In his talk, Cameron emphasized that these programs represent a powerful, non-dilutive source of capital, meaning they can help fund growth without giving up ownership or equity.