Santa Barbara, CA – The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a transformative $100,000 AHEAD Grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB), facilitated by American Riviera Bank, a proud FHLB member. This funding will directly support initiatives to strengthen the local economy, expand workforce development programs, and address critical housing challenges in Santa Barbara County’s South Coast region.
The Access to Housing and Economic Assistance for Development (AHEAD) Program, administered by FHLB, supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to economic and community development. As a member of the FHLB, American Riviera Bank partners with local organizations to distribute grant funds and this year identified the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce as a qualified funding candidate. AHEAD grants, awarded annually by FHLB, are designed to create a more equitable future for underserved people, neighborhoods, and communities.
The 2024 grant cycle distributed $7.3 million in economic development grants to 84 nonprofit organizations across Arizona, California, and Nevada. These grants address diverse needs, including entrepreneurial development, job training, and social services, while supporting projects that strengthen local economies and foster innovation.
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce will use the awarded AHEAD Grant to further its programs dedicated to strengthening the local economy, developing the workforce, and supporting businesses of all sizes. More specifically, funds will enable the Chamber to expand its work in three critical areas:
We are honored to receive this grant with the help of American Riviera Bank, our long-standing community banking partner. This funding will directly support our mission to help businesses, residents, and visitors thrive. Through this partnership, we can further strengthen the foundation of our local economy and enhance the exceptional quality of life that defines the South Coast.
Kristen Miller, President & CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce
In 2024, the Chamber’s workforce development program partnered with 10 high-tech manufacturers and 20 educational institutions, providing training and career mobility for underserved populations. Through the Employer-Sponsored Housing Consortium, the Chamber is addressing one of the most pressing barriers to workforce retention: affordable housing. Together, these efforts represent a comprehensive approach to tackling systemic challenges and supporting sustainable growth.
“We are proud to support initiatives that strengthen our local economy and empower businesses to thrive,” said Laurel Sykes, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of American Riviera Bank. “The AHEAD Grant reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable growth in our community, and we’re excited to see the opportunities it will create for economic development.”
The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, from Goleta to Carpinteria, is a regional business organization with the mission to help South Coast businesses, residents, and visitors thrive. Through leadership and collaboration, the Chamber is the principal economic development entity advocating for the business community. We engage with businesses, elected officials, and regional partners in proactive business initiatives that foster the South Coast’s unique business environment and create opportunities for our communities. The Chamber is proud to represent local business members who create 75,000 jobs on the South Coast! To learn more, visit sbscchamber.com.
