Free business help at Altadena’s Eaton Fire Collaborative

Local business owners looking for help growing their companies and navigating the region’s post-fire recovery will have a new resource next week. America’s Job Center of California (AJCC), in partnership with the Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, is hosting a free event, “Business Services that Work for You,” on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. at the Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Collaboratory, 540 W. Woodbury Rd. in Altadena.

The event is designed to connect Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley employers with the wide range of no-cost business services AJCC offers, from staffing help to workforce training programs. Organizers say the gathering comes at a critical time for area businesses still working to stabilize and grow after the Eaton Fire, which devastated much of Altadena earlier this year.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect with these valuable resources and learn how we can assist them with their workforce and hiring needs,” AJCC representative Karla Aceves said in announcing the event.

Among the services AJCC provides at no cost to employers are recruitment assistance and hiring events, which help businesses fill open positions by connecting them directly with job seekers in the region. The agency also offers On-the-Job Training (OJT), a program that reimburses employers for a portion of wages while new hires build skills on the job, and broader workforce development programming to strengthen a company’s existing team.

A newer offering, the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) Program, is available through the Pomona Valley America’s Job Center and provides subsidized wages for employers who take on workers facing barriers to employment, easing the cost of bringing on new staff. AJCC also provides layoff-aversion resources intended to help struggling businesses avoid workforce reductions, along with a broader menu of employer support services.

The September 16 organizers promise further details on the agenda and featured speakers in the coming weeks. The event is presented in partnership with the LA County Workforce Development Board, MCS, and the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity.

The location itself carries symbolic weight for the community. The Eaton Fire Collaborative’s Collaboratory has emerged as a resource hub for Altadena fire survivors, making it a fitting site for a program aimed at helping local businesses rebuild and thrive. For many small business owners in the area, access to hiring support and subsidized training programs could prove pivotal as they work to restore operations and retain staff during an uncertain recovery period.

Business owners interested in attending are encouraged to register. Additional information about the AJCC network and its full range of employer services is expected as the event date approaches.

Community members and business associations are encouraged to help spread the word ahead of the September 16 event, as organizers say strong turnout will help ensure more local employers can take advantage of the free resources available through America’s Job Center of California.