What is SCED and what do you do? We get this question on a daily basis and I hope that this page will provide you an overview of what we do.

Superior California Economic Development (SCED) has been working behind-the-scenes in economic development for 20 years. SCED has five areas where we focus our economic development efforts. 

Ryan Richardson is responsible for the Business Development and SBA 504 Loan Programs and we make economic development loans to small businesses in northern California.

Loree Byzick runs the Microenterprise Development Program at SCED.

Bob Nash, CEO, oversees all of the departments and does coordinated Economic Planning and Assistance. A lot of our work goes by unnoticed, but we're responsible for numerous business ventures and community development in the area.


Microenterprise Development

The Microenterprise Development Program (MDP) is designed to help individuals explore the opportunities and commitments of self-employment.

An extended workshop series provides the important tools necessary to plan, start and operate a small or home based business including completing a feasibility study, writing a business plan, marketing, financing options and more.

Workshop graduates may apply for a business start-up loan with the SCEDD Microloan Program.

For more information contact Loree Byzick at 530-225-2760.


Business Development Loan Program

The SCEDD Business Development Loan Program offers loans with competitive, fixed interest rates to both existing and start-up businesses.

Loans can be used for working capital, equipment purchase, real estate and business purchase.

The main goal of the SCEDD Loan Program is to create jobs. Loans are generally made for businesses that cannot obtain traditional forms of financing, although SCEDD will work with a bank to provide “companion financing.”

For more information contact Ryan Richardson at 530-225-2764 or rrichardson@scedd.org.


Demographic and Economic Information

SCEDD can provide businesses, community groups, and others information regarding the economic climate for the four counties. County Economic Profiles are developed by California State University-Chico, Center for Economic Development and are available at SCEDD.

Additional specialized or custom profile information can be prepared with prior arrangements.

For more information contact SCEDD offices at 530-225-2760.


SBA 504 Loan Program

SCED packages and administers the SBA 504 Loan Program on behalf of the Small Business Administration. The SBA 504 Loan Program helps small businesses purchase commercial real estate with fixed-below-market interest rates with a 20-year term.

For more information contact Ryan Richardson at 530-225-2764 or rrichardson@scedd.org.


Economic Planning and Assistance

Local SCEDD representatives work with community action groups to plan and strategize for the future. SCEDD assists in developing Community Action Plans.

These plans often lead to specific projects in which SCEDD can further assist. SCEDD staff provides technical assistance in planning a project and developing grant proposals for funding.

Other assistance includes acting as an intermediary or liaison between businesses, community groups and state and federal agencies.

For more information contact Bob Nash at 530-225-2760.