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