Panel Approves $300K Contract for South Modesto Business United Training Program

The August 25, 2025, meeting of the Employment Training Panel (ETP) in California focused on the approval of funding proposals aimed at enhancing workforce training in the manufacturing and small business sectors. The meeting began with a discussion on a proposal from the California Manufacturers and Technology Association (CMTA), which sought a contract for $849,779. Panel members expressed their support for the proposal, highlighting its complexity and the positive impact it could have on various businesses, including those involving justice-involved individuals. The proposal was unanimously approved after a brief discussion, with no public comments received.

Following this, the panel turned its attention to the South Modesto Business United Inc., which returned with a revised proposal after feedback from the previous meeting. The organization, focused on improving the small business community in Stanislaus County, presented an updated plan that removed participating employers outside the geographic region, as requested by the panel. The discussion centered on the challenges of training in the food and beverage sector, known for its high turnover rates and part-time staffing.

Panel members raised concerns about the organization’s capacity to manage a significant contract, given its relatively small annual budget. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that participating employers understood the expectations regarding funding and data management. The panel suggested a right-sizing of the funding amount to $300,000, which was seen as a more manageable figure for the organization while still supporting its mission.

After deliberation, a motion was made to approve the revised funding amount for South Modesto Business United Inc. The motion was seconded and subsequently passed unanimously, with panel members expressing optimism about the organization’s potential to succeed in this endeavor.

The meeting concluded with a sense of anticipation for the next session, where further proposals are expected, indicating a busy agenda ahead for the panel. Overall, the discussions underscored the panel's commitment to supporting workforce development initiatives that address the needs of underserved communities in California.