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Economic Development: Through the City's Micro Enterprise Program the City initiated 20 <br />grants of up to $5,000 with various start -up businesses within the City. In addition to financial <br />subsidies, these businesses also received technical assistance. Accomplishments for this <br />program will be reported in the next report cycle as these activities conclude. <br />The City utilized other resources to expand economic opportunities for residents. Non -HUD <br />economic development activities undertaken during 2013 -2014 include the following: <br />• State Enterprise Zone: The Enterprise Zone was designed to promote business growth and <br />job generation by offering tax credits. Qualified businesses reduce State income taxes by an <br />amount equal to the amount of wages paid to qualified employees. These "hiring credits" <br />are provided to employers who hire low -wage earners, target area residents, laid -off, or <br />long -term unemployed persons. A business may earn up to $37,000 in tax credits per <br />qualified employee. A total of 6,051 individuals / 530 businesses were assisted through <br />these efforts during the 2013 -2014 report period. Due to state legislation, all Enterprise <br />Zone designations ended December 30, 2013. Business may continue to claim tax credits for <br />the five year eligibility period of employees hired by program the end date. <br />• Santa Ana WORK Center: The City of Santa Ana, Santa Ana WORK Center and Workforce <br />Investment Board in partnership with, the State Employment Development Department, <br />Santa Ana College, and the Orange County Social Services Agency connect the community's <br />job seekers with services to obtain employment. Services include job search assistance, <br />resume writing, Interviewing` skills, labor market information, vocational training, On -the- <br />Job Training, and a resource center providing access to computers for job search and job <br />fairs. During program year 2013 2014, approximately 5,147 job seekers received <br />employment services, three large -scale job fairs were hosted, and 56 hiring events were <br />conducted at the Santa Ana WORK Center. <br />•' Business Liaison /Partner Support: Staff continues to meet monthly with the Chambers of <br />Commerce and provide presentations on the various job- training opportunities, economic <br />development incentives and programs the City has to offer. These meetings provide a <br />forum to discuss various business related issues and updates on the potential business <br />legislation /new regulations that could affect its members. Having an open dialogue with <br />the Chambers is a successful ingredient to promoting a strong, diversified and revitalized <br />economy. With the loss of redevelopment tax increment support of Economic Development <br />activities, partnerships with the local chambers will be critical to the success and <br />implementation of essential pro- business programs and services for the City <br />The Economic Development Division also works closely with the City Manager and other City <br />departments in an effort to present a unified, streamlined approach concerning development <br />and business issues. The Division coordinates many of its programs with various organizations <br />38 DRAFT 2013 -2014 CAPER <br />