Jefferson Economic Developement Institute

Programs: The jefferson economic development institute (jedi) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the economic well-being of people and communities through business development and local wealth creation. Jedi assists low and moderate income families to thrive financially by building sustainable businesses and assets. Over the past 21 years, jedi has served over 6,700 individuals who started over 1,700 businesses and add new jobs in this rural frontier region of far northern california. Jedi has brought close to $7. 6 million into the county in support of small business development and assisted businesses to acquire over $1,800,000 in financing. Jedi became a an sba-designated womens business center in 2014 and serves a 4-county region in northern ca. Jedi serves 1,500 people per year seeking to start or grow a business or family financial security, of which, 82% are women, 18% are minorities, 19% are disabled, 72% are low income and 100% are rural. Jedi is also host to an irs-sponsored volunteer income tax assistance (vita) program, preparing approximately 600 free taxes for seniors and low income wage earners per year. Jeid is also the host of the mt. Shasta farmers market, providing a market outlet for farmers and ranchers for 20 years. Jedis well-seasoned array of micro and small business development servicesinclude entrepreneurial development classes and workshops, financial literacyand money management classes and workshops, business coaching and technicalassistance, asset-building opportunities such as individual developmentaccounts, industry-specific projects, and general community economicdevelopment planning. Jedi has been an irs-sponsored vita (volunteer income taxassistance) site for the past 10 years and provides seniors and people with lowincomes free tax preparation. Jedi also manages the mt. Shasta farmers market. Jedi provided many direct services in support of business and asset development. The womens center at jedi is growing and expanding to serve more women entrepreneurs and is fast becoming a leader in its class serving rural women.