Economic Development Center (EDC) is designed to strengthen an individual’s ability to secure and keep employment or to start and maintain a small business. Participants with low-moderate income who lack workplace and business skills can access services that include a personal vocational assessment, basic economic literacy, budget planning, resume development, job placement and follow up, small business training and start-up. Participants can start creating assets through an Individual Development Account (IDA) program, which matches savings they establish for business equity, home ownership or education.

With respect for Hawaii’s multicultural population, the mission of the Economic Development Center is to assist low to moderate-income individuals and families to reach their economic goals. The Economic Development Center provides employment preparation, job placement, microenterprise, savings, and consumer education programs throughout the various communities of Oahu.

VISION: Individuals and families have the skills to realize their economic dreams and full potential. Services: Left Imelda Bumanglag graduated from the EDC’s Employment Core Training in November 2003 and secured a job in Housekeeping at Sheraton’s Princess Kapiolani Hotel. Right Doreen Lee started the EDC program in 2001, graduating in EDC’s Business Training Program. Doreen became a successful franchise owner in March 2002. All services provided by PACT’s Economic Development Center begin with individual intake and assessment to determine the goals and preferences of each person. Assessment and continuous casework help determine the type(s) of services needed. Referrals to other community agencies are provided as needed. Economic ONE-ON-ONE Coaching Economic one-on-one coaching is essential for the success of the consumer. The focus of one-on-one coaching is based on a comprehensive assessment and service plan. Employment Development: Employment development focuses on pre and post-employment training and support services. These services are provided through employment preparation, workplace values, time and stress management, financial literacy, self development, and other activities that focus on individual and family employment objectives and goals outlined in the service plan. Business Development: Business development focuses on entrepreneurial education and training, including business planning, product or service development, marketing, tax planning, record keeping, human resource management, and operations management, among others. Job Placement: An innovative approach to job development that assists participants in finding rewarding, gainful employment. Public and private partnerships are developed to facilitate training and placement relevant to current labor market conditions. Asset Development: At the core of asset development is the Individual Development Account (IDA) program. IDAs are special matched savings accounts designed to help low-income families attain productive assets. Participant savings are matched from public and private sources to assist in the purchase of assets such as first-time homeownership, post-secondary education, and business capitalization. The program promotes regular savings and asset accumulation for future benefits. Integral to the IDA is the comprehensive financial education provided to each participant. Topics include financial goal setting, establishing a family budget, understanding credit, asset protection, and savings and investment options. Eligibility: Generally, low to moderate income individuals residing on Oahu. (Other criteria may apply for specific projects). Who is the Economic Development Center for? Individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, whose income is low to moderate, and/or are receiving public assistance. Economic Development Center is free of charge. Hours of Operation: Office Hours: Monday - Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Services can be arranged outside of typical work hours to accommodate family needs. Office Location: 1485 Linapuni Street Suite# 109 Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Mailing Address: 1485 Linapuni Street, Suite #105 Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Phone: (808) 842-7093 Fax: (808) 843-1476 Email: edc@pacthawaii.org Web: www.pacthawaii.org back to top

Economic Development Center is primarily funded by: State of Hawaii Office of Community Services, Empower Oahu, American Savings Bank and Bank of Hawaii.

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