A new funding and mentoring source for “early stage” tech firms

After more than a year of planning, a San Luis Obispo-based business angel capital organization that mentors and funds early-stage technology companies has launched. SLO Seed Ventures is partnering with Innovation Quest to host its first invitational boot camp starting on June 25. Up to nine early-stage companies will be selected to participate based on applications submitted on the SLO Seed Ventures website by June 10. Upon completion of the boot camp, SLO Seed Ventures will evaluate the companies for first-year funding in the $5,000-15,000 range and continue mentoring the selected companies.

Council suspends trolley service

With ridership steadily dropping and funding drying up, the city council last night decided to temporarily suspend the four-day-a-week trolley service that connects downtown with the Monterey Street motels. It costs the city about $30,000 annually to run the service and there are now only about 20,000 riders per year who use it. After fare-box income, it loses about $23,000 per year. The council asked staff to see if alternative sources of funding could be found. Until then, beginning Sept. 1 of this year, the trolley will stop running Fridays through Sundays, but will continue to run on Thursdays from 3:30 - 9 p.m.

A new “after-Taste”

The key space in the Court Street Center formerly occupied by the Taste wine tasting facility will soon become a jewelry store and small-item art gallery. Local resident Ian Saude, an artist himself, will own the gallery and be its creative director. Expect the opening in a few weeks.

Local catering company expands with custom kitchen

Insiders report that Two Cooks Catering, after having their best year ever despite a soft economy, will soon be building a large custom kitchen at 3563 Sueldo St. in San Luis Obispo. This small, local catering company recently leased the commercial space and expects to open the kitchen in July.

Important Upcoming Events   Membership Mixer - June 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Avila Lighthouse Suites, 550 Front St. in Avila Beach Good Morning SLO - June 24. The doors open at 7 a.m., and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. at Grace Church on the corner of Osos and Pismo streets in San Luis Obispo. Register online now

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Quick Links:

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