Strengthening the local economy, one business at a time.

For over twenty years, West Center has provided business support that Mendocino and Lake County entrepreneurs can count on: advising, training, and access to capital, at no cost.

Mission / Vision / Values

What we stand for, and why it matters.

We believe that every entrepreneur in Mendocino and Lake Counties deserves the same access to expertise that better-resourced markets take for granted.

Mission

We advance rural economic prosperity by partnering with entrepreneurs and communities to drive business growth.

Vision

We envision a thriving, sustainable rural economy and a high quality of life for all residents.

Values

We believe in inclusiveness, optimism, respect, collaboration, and integrity.

Our Impact

What twenty years of showing up looks like.

Across Mendocino and Lake Counties, we’ve been in the room for the hardest conversations — and the biggest breakthroughs. Every number here is a business that didn’t go it alone.

1,200+Businesses served
$14MCapital accessed
Aspen Logan
500+Grants generated
20+ Years in the region
Programs & Initiatives

Specialized programs for this region.

Beyond advising and training, West Center runs a set of specialized initiatives designed around the specific challenges facing Mendocino and Lake County businesses — from the coastal economy to rural resilience and disaster recovery.

Explore All Programs
People

The team behind West Center.

Our dedicated team of advisors and staff are here for one purpose: your success. From your first conversation to your biggest milestone, there’s always a real person from this community in your corner.

Sarah Bodnar
Sarah BodnarCEO
Paloma Patterson
Paloma PattersonDeputy Director
Aspen Logan
Aspen LoganSr Program Manager for Economic Programs and Marketing Operations
Elisa Campbell
Elisa CampbellTraining Coordinator
Valentina Reyes-Petersen
Valentina Reyes-PetersenInterim Women's Business Center Director
Sasha Acevedo
Sasha AcevedoOperations Coordinator
Governance

Community leaders guiding West Center through growth and change.

Our Board members are local business owners, community advocates, and civic leaders who hold West Center to a high standard.

Dr. Timothy KarasChair
Todd AndrusVice Chair
David B. ThurberTreasurer
Gerry GonzalezSecretary
Paul GarzaRetired Consultant
Partners & Sponsors

We’re proud to be supported by these partners.

Funding and partnership from public agencies, foundations, and regional organizations make our no-cost services possible across Mendocino and Lake Counties.

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you.

Whether you have a question or are ready to get started — reach out and we'll get back to you.

Illustration of woman holding a clipboard standing in front of a store.