At the Center for Community Transformation, we are committed to empowering local entrepreneurs who contribute to the growth of our communities. One notable example is Miguel Arambula, the founder of Valley Adobe, an earth and construction company based in Fresno, California.
As the only adobe manufacturer in the state, Miguel focuses on creating sustainable, low-carbon building products that offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials like red brick and concrete.
Winning Local Spark Tank Pitch Competition
Miguel’s journey was boosted after he received first place in CCT’s LaunchPad and Spark Tank Pitch competition, part of a CCT’s work to support local entrepreneurs in their business development.
“Participating in Spark Tank provided a great opportunity to connect with other local entrepreneurs and business leaders,” Miguel shared. The program enabled him to develop a pitch deck and present his vision for Valley Adobe to a panel of judges. Through his hard work and dedication, Miguel was awarded first prize in the competition.
Building a New Facility with Spark Tank Award Money
With the prize money, Miguel constructed a dedicated structure to house his brick-making equipment, including the brick mixer and shaping tools. Previously, setting up and packing away the equipment each day consumed an hour, significantly limiting their production capacity. Now, thanks to the new facility, Miguel and his team can focus more on production, expanding their capacity and increasing efficiency without the daily strain of moving heavy equipment.
The Value of an Entrepreneurship Network
Beyond financial assistance, the Spark Tank program facilitated meaningful connections within the CCT Network, allowing Miguel to engage with other entrepreneurs and contractors.
“Starting a business can be challenging, and navigating it alone can be overwhelming,” Miguel noted. “I was impressed by the number of people who genuinely wanted to see me succeed.” The support from a community of peers is invaluable during the early stages of a business. Miguel emphasized the importance of having a network that provides encouragement and resources: “Being part of a nurturing community is essential for any entrepreneur.”
If you’re interested in learning more about our Spark Tank program or how you can support local entrepreneurs, please visit this webpage or reach out to us at for more information!
