Bakersfield College has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the City of Bakersfield Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Technical Assistance and Grant Program to support small business development and entrepreneurship initiatives through the Kern Community College District and Bakersfield College LaunchPad. This City of Bakersfield program aims to promote economic vitality by equipping individuals with the skills, resources, and guidance necessary to succeed.



NaTesha “T” Johnson, Program Director of Entrepreneurship and Workforce Development for Bakersfield College says the Launchpad is incredibly grateful to the City of Bakersfield for this generous grant. “In the wake of the pandemic, many small businesses have faced unprecedented and disproportionate challenges, with many struggling to recover. However, thanks to this funding and the innovative programs offered by BC Launchpad, local startups and business owners will have the opportunity to successfully navigate the business landscape, rebuild, and thrive,” she says.



Local small businesses in Bakersfield may also be eligible for grant funding up to $40,000 from the City of Bakersfield.

To learn more, contact BC’s Launchpad, located at the Weill Institute, 2100 Chester Ave., 661-395-4104.