S'Links Gourmet Hot Dogs opening soon in Old Town Monrovia

That's right! Monrovia will be welcoming its very own gourmet hot dog restaurant in the upcoming weeks. S'Links will be located at 630 S. Myrtle Ave and boasts a family friendly environment, great food, eating competitions, and much more. We hope to see you there.

Panelists Share Insights on Running Successful Businesses

Passion. Conviction. Hardwork. Research.

These are just a few of the traits needed to run a successful business, according to a panel of experts that spoke to Mt. Sierra College's Career Club on Wednesday. City of Monrovia's Neighborhood and Business Services Supervisor, Sheila Spicer Batice, sat on the panel with business owners Anthony Nagatsuka of Yogurtland and Tracy Ramirez of the Market Grill.

City of Monrovia's Sheila Spicer Batice, left, Anthony Nagatsuka 

of Yogurtland, and Tracy Ramirez of Market Grill sat on a panel at 

Mt. Sierra College where they advised students on the process

of opening - and running - a successful business.

"The first lesson in business - and life - is to be humble," said Ramirez, who opened the Market Grill with her husband in 2009. Today, the Market Grill is a popular lunch destination and consistently receives 4 1/2 stars on Yelp. "But also be grateful, thankful for the opportunities you are given. And don't give up."

Ramirez and her husband were living in  Monrovia when they came across a less than 1,000 sf restaurant in need of an owner. A few months later, they opened their business at 525 S. Shamrock Avenue.

Understanding the demographics of their community is part of what contributed to their success - a sentiment that was echoed by the other panelists as well.

Before Nagatsuka and frachisee Marcus Chan opened Yogurtland at 104 S. Myrtle Avenue, he said they thoroughly researched the community and those who made up Monrovia. And once they were open, he said that it took significant marketing effort on all fronts, ranging from utilizing social media to joining the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce to visiting schools to simply getting out and introducing themselves to people.

Another key to their success is conviction. "I choose the best brand," he said, adding that the concept of wholeheartedly believing in the brand also contributed to his success when he owned a Subway.

Spicer, who has worked in Monrovia for nearly 30 years, told the group of nearly 15 students that she has seen her share of businesses come and go. But often what makes the difference between those that succeed is research - including having a solid business plan - and a dedication to hard work.

The panel was part of an ongoing series offered to students of Mt. Sierra College, a graphic design, media and business administration college.

Monrovia Adult School: Resource for teens, adults

Computer classes. Ceramics instruction. Medical school preparation.

These are just some of the programs offered at the Monrovia Community Adult School, which serves nearly 1,500 students each year.

Located at 920 S. Mountain Avenue, the Adult School offers low-cost continued education classes, career development courses and free job seeking support.

TIP: From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday, job seekers can stop by the school to work on computers to search current job listings, receive effective resume-writing and interviewing techniques, and get other services such as typing tutorials.

To learn more about the school's programs, visit http://www.mcasweb.com/.

Looking for a Job? Monrovia Can Help...

Resume tips, interview pointers, and recommendations on how to get a job are among some of the topics at the Job Seekers All-Day Event from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5. You can reserve a spot for this free event by signing up online at www.monroviapubliclibrary.org, or by calling (626) 256-8274.

Gold Line Invites Small Businesses to Come On Board

Public rail is coming through northern San Gabriel Valley, and that doesn't just mean traffic relief: it also means jobs.

Small business owners who want to learn more about the Gold Line Extension project - and how to bid on the associated subcontracting opportunities - are invited to attend a networking event at 8:30 a.m. on March 9 at Monrovia's Doubletree Hotel.

The event is hosted by the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority. Deadline to RSVP for this event is this Friday. Just email publicaffairs@foothillextension.org or call (626)305-7026.

Here's more info...

Click photo to enlarge.

Business Tip: Assistance Programs Available to Businesses

Do you have questions about how to expand your business? Do you want to take advantage of free marketing opportunities? Do you want to learn more about City-sponsored team building events, job fairs or free programs available to help save you money? 

Then the City’s Economic Development Team is here to help. Among the things that you have access to are:

• Free Marketing Opportunities on the My Monrovia Business Blog
• A Project Coordinator, who will hand hold you through the process of opening or expanding your Monrovia business.
• A Job Fair, where local businesses can participate for free on June 19 at the Community Center, 119 W. Palm Avenue.
• Free Programs, such as the Monrovia Fire Department’s Business Emergency Response Training for your employees, potential cost savings opportunities through Southern California Edison or the Business Visitation Program, which is your chance to chat with City representatives and discuss how the City may be able to help your business succeed.

So how do you learn more? All you need to do is contact Jennifer McLain, (626) 303-6601 or by email at jmclain@ci.monrovia.ca.us. You can also learn more by visiting our website at www.cityofmonrovia.org/red-home.  

Business Tip: Tap into $1 Billion in Government Contracts

Two of our local water agencies - one of which is headquartered in Monrovia - is hosting an event that teaches businesses how to be awarded governmental contracts.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District are reaching out to the public with a presentation on how you can use social media to better promote your business, in addition to tips on how to obtain these governmental contracts.

This free event will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on February 24 at the Double Tree in Monrovia. Check out the flyer below for more information...

Business Tip: Free Advertising Through Online Media

Looking for free ways to get the word out about your business?

Facebook works. So does Yelp. And don't forget about the My Monrovia Business Blog.

But one hyper-local site prides itself being so comprehensive that it has a "page for every business located in Monrovia." 

Monrovia Patch provides readers - and business owners - with Patch Places , which is a place where they can review a business, list its contact information, and provide detailed information about its hours, its specialties, and even a map.

According to Patch:

"Yep, if you go to our Patch Places you can find all sorts of shops by category, or by typing topics into our search box—yeah, you can find "sushi" or "tattoo" or anything else that local businesses provide. On each page is a photo of the business, the hours of operation, the phone number, accepted payment methods, handicapped access, address and even a handy map showing where it is."

Business owners can also "claim their business," and take charge of the listing online.

Pretty cool for a free service, huh?

Job Seekers Event on Jan. 7

Is finding a job on your New Year's Resolution List? If so, the Friends of the Monrovia Public Library is sponsoring an all-day "Job Seekers" event from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7. Learn tips on job searching, dressing for success, and resume building.

Business Tip: Business Loans Available to Pay for Windstorm Damage

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $2 million for businesses that lost revenue, suffered damaged buildings, or where equipment was destroyed as a result of  the recent windstorm.

According to a press release issued by the S.B.A.:

Businesses of any size and private, nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

Interest rates can be as low as 2.063 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for private, nonprofit organizations and 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based upon each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply by clicking here.

Business Tip: Get into the Zone

So, you're looking to open your business in Monrovia? Wonderful. Step 2 is to determine where to open your business.

TIP: As you look for potential sites, familiarize yourself with the City's zoning map. Zones are broken down into categories such as neighborhood commercial, retail and manufacturing. These zones provide a framework for what is an acceptable use for a designated area. Be sure to contact the Building and Planning Department before you sign a lease to be sure that the building is compatible with your future plans. Plus, that will give  you a chance to learn about other requirements, such as parking and fire cods.

To learn more, click here or contact the Building and Planning Department at (626) 932-5565.

This is an example of the City's Zoning

Map.

(Small) Business Tip of the Week: Small Business Saturday

While the holidays are still more than two months away, American Express has already begun promoting its Small Business Saturday campaign, intended to promote holiday shopping at local businesses on Nov. 26.

In short, American Express card holders will receive a $25 statement credit for purchasing at least $25 worth of merchandise at participating businesses as part of a national initiative to boost sales.

Although this is just the second year of the campaign, one article reports that there was a 29 percent rise in sales volumes for American Express' small business merchants versus the same day in 2009.

Facebook has also teamed up with American Express, and is offering free advertising of up to $100 to the first 10,000 businesses that sign up.

Merchants interested in participating can find mind information here.

Business Tip of the Week: Visit Vacant Sites Online

Are you looking to move your business to Monrovia but are in need of a site? If so, the Online Business Resource Center has a link to LoopNet, a free commercial listing service available online.

All you need to do is click on the link and navigate through the available properties that are for lease or for sale. Often times, the broker's information is located right there on the website. Happy hunting!

Business Tip of the Week: Get a Permit

Eager to do that expansion on your business, but don't know where to start?

Well, first things first: Before you knock out a wall or add a bathroom, know that a building permit is required when you physically change your property, including adding square footage or a mechanical system. According tothe Building and Planning Division, a permit is required when, for example:

You add bathrooms, modify the electrical, construct load bearing walls, add additional floor area, add a mezzanine or alter your building exiting.

In legal terms, no building or structure shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a permit has first been obtained from the Building Division.

The best thing to do before starting any project is to call the Building Division.

In summary: Don't build without a permit. Not sure if what you are doing requires one? Then visit this website, or give Building Division staff a call at 626-932-5565.

Business Tip of the Week: Befriend Your Planner

This tip comes from the Community Development Department: "Planners are your friends."

Whether you have your sites set on a potential location and want to determine if it is zoned for your future business, or you want to upgrade the building, planners can talk you through the process. To learn more about the Planning Department, visit them on their website.

Business Tip of the Week: Business Licenses

All Monrovia businesses are required to get a business license through the City, and it is often the last step before you finally open your doors. There is a base fee of $145, an application fee of $25, and a fee of $11 per employee. Here's the application, and here's the web site that describes the entitlement process.

TIP: Most business licenses can be obtained the same day or within 24 hours.