Arcata Economic Development Corporation’s (AEDC) has selected 13 participants for the Prosperity Individual Development Account (IDA) Scholarship program. The 10-month program combines business and finance education with the opportunity to save money for their business and have it matched two dollars for every dollar saved.

Participants this year include: Phyllis Barba, Accident Gallery in Eureka; Marilyn Brende, Curves in Eureka; Kentra Cross, Humboldt Tea Company; Shannon Dawson, Little Learners Pre-School; Matt DeShazo, Far North Climbing Gym; Desiree Meinardi, Muddy Boots (landscaping); Michael Myrick, Mad River Farm Jams; Elizabeth Schmidt, Reannag Teine (pottery); Brian Smeets, photography and web design; Dan Southard, Potato Rock Nursery; Christina Swingdler, C.S. Designs (jewelry); Nicole Vincent, Certified Massage Therapist; and Christina Wright, Cassaro’s Catering.

Workshops and individual counseling will be provided by the North Coast Small Business Development Center on a variety of small business topics including marketing, Web site development and finance.

Additional education will come from personal budgeting and money management counseling from Consumer Credit Counseling.

AEDC’s IDA program is made possible by grants from the Mel and Grace McLean Foundation, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo Bank and Umpqua Bank.