IMPACT BY NETWORK

California

Central

California Hmong Chamber of Commerce

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"I had my grand opening in December of 2019. I was a little nervous, but being able to count on the support of the SBDC and my advisor gave me the courage to continue on. I am comforted knowing that they are always there for me when I need them."

Valley Community SBDC  (VCSBDC) is a proud supporter and partner of the recently formed California Hmong Chamber of Commerce (CHCC). The CHCC office also serves as an SBDC outreach office and houses two Southeast Asian SBDC consultants. VCSBDC Director also serves as on the Board of Directors to help insure that the Southeast Asian population gets the best, culturally appropriate business consulting and technical assistance.

California Hmong Chamber of Commerce

Valley Community SBDC  (VCSBDC) is a proud supporter and partner of the recently formed California Hmong Chamber of Commerce (CHCC). The CHCC office also serves as an SBDC outreach office and houses two Southeast Asian SBDC consultants. VCSBDC Director also serves as on the Board of Directors to help insure that the Southeast Asian population gets the best, culturally appropriate business consulting and technical assistance.

California Hmong Chamber of Commerce

Valley Community SBDC  (VCSBDC) is a proud supporter and partner of the recently formed California Hmong Chamber of Commerce (CHCC). The CHCC office also serves as an SBDC outreach office and houses two Southeast Asian SBDC consultants. VCSBDC Director also serves as on the Board of Directors to help insure that the Southeast Asian population gets the best, culturally appropriate business consulting and technical assistance.

California Hmong Chamber of Commerce

Valley Community SBDC  (VCSBDC) is a proud supporter and partner of the recently formed California Hmong Chamber of Commerce (CHCC). The CHCC office also serves as an SBDC outreach office and houses two Southeast Asian SBDC consultants. VCSBDC Director also serves as on the Board of Directors to help insure that the Southeast Asian population gets the best, culturally appropriate business consulting and technical assistance.

California

Los Angeles

From Idea to Oprah to 3800+ Walmart Stores in Two Years

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"I had my grand opening in December of 2019. I was a little nervous, but being able to count on the support of the SBDC and my advisor gave me the courage to continue on. I am comforted knowing that they are always there for me when I need them."

SBDC client April Showers had a vision to launch an apparel business that would "remind women of color how unique, divine and magical we truly are." Using an image of a unicorn she had designed in multiple shades to match the many complexions of women of color, April launched Afro Unicorn and sold her design on t-shirts, mugs, and other products. She worked with LA SBDC business advisors on business planning, marketing, cash flow and funding. Through social media, Afro Unicorn caught the attention of celebrities including Oprah and, after just 2 years in business, April became the first Black woman retailer to sign a licensing deal with 3800+ Walmart stores.

From Idea to Oprah to 3800+ Walmart Stores in Two Years

SBDC client April Showers had a vision to launch an apparel business that would "remind women of color how unique, divine and magical we truly are." Using an image of a unicorn she had designed in multiple shades to match the many complexions of women of color, April launched Afro Unicorn and sold her design on t-shirts, mugs, and other products. She worked with LA SBDC business advisors on business planning, marketing, cash flow and funding. Through social media, Afro Unicorn caught the attention of celebrities including Oprah and, after just 2 years in business, April became the first Black woman retailer to sign a licensing deal with 3800+ Walmart stores.

From Idea to Oprah to 3800+ Walmart Stores in Two Years

SBDC client April Showers had a vision to launch an apparel business that would "remind women of color how unique, divine and magical we truly are." Using an image of a unicorn she had designed in multiple shades to match the many complexions of women of color, April launched Afro Unicorn and sold her design on t-shirts, mugs, and other products. She worked with LA SBDC business advisors on business planning, marketing, cash flow and funding. Through social media, Afro Unicorn caught the attention of celebrities including Oprah and, after just 2 years in business, April became the first Black woman retailer to sign a licensing deal with 3800+ Walmart stores.

From Idea to Oprah to 3800+ Walmart Stores in Two Years

SBDC client April Showers had a vision to launch an apparel business that would "remind women of color how unique, divine and magical we truly are." Using an image of a unicorn she had designed in multiple shades to match the many complexions of women of color, April launched Afro Unicorn and sold her design on t-shirts, mugs, and other products. She worked with LA SBDC business advisors on business planning, marketing, cash flow and funding. Through social media, Afro Unicorn caught the attention of celebrities including Oprah and, after just 2 years in business, April became the first Black woman retailer to sign a licensing deal with 3800+ Walmart stores.

California

Northern

Our success would not be possible without the guidance and support of the Napa-Sonoma SBDC.  Now I can see my business dreams coming to life and I embrace my future as the premier charcuterie in Northern California.

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"I had my grand opening in December of 2019. I was a little nervous, but being able to count on the support of the SBDC and my advisor gave me the courage to continue on. I am comforted knowing that they are always there for me when I need them."

Owner Maison Porcella

Our success would not be possible without the guidance and support of the Napa-Sonoma SBDC.  Now I can see my business dreams coming to life and I embrace my future as the premier charcuterie in Northern California.

Owner Maison Porcella

Our success would not be possible without the guidance and support of the Napa-Sonoma SBDC.  Now I can see my business dreams coming to life and I embrace my future as the premier charcuterie in Northern California.

Owner Maison Porcella

Our success would not be possible without the guidance and support of the Napa-Sonoma SBDC.  Now I can see my business dreams coming to life and I embrace my future as the premier charcuterie in Northern California.

Owner Maison Porcella

California

Orange County / Inland Empire

25 new businesses launched on Small Business Saturday through OC MADE Program

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"I had my grand opening in December of 2019. I was a little nervous, but being able to count on the support of the SBDC and my advisor gave me the courage to continue on. I am comforted knowing that they are always there for me when I need them."

Participants joined our SBDC OC MADE four week program, where they learned how to source, cost, and price products for the local market. They also have obtained necessary permits and licenses to launch their business. The OC MADE participants identified options to accept payment and developed an understanding of designing an appealing booth to sell at a local market, where they fine-tuned their skills to become a vendor at The Original O.C. Swap Meet.

25 new businesses launched on Small Business Saturday through OC MADE Program

Participants joined our SBDC OC MADE four week program, where they learned how to source, cost, and price products for the local market. They also have obtained necessary permits and licenses to launch their business. The OC MADE participants identified options to accept payment and developed an understanding of designing an appealing booth to sell at a local market, where they fine-tuned their skills to become a vendor at The Original O.C. Swap Meet.

25 new businesses launched on Small Business Saturday through OC MADE Program

Participants joined our SBDC OC MADE four week program, where they learned how to source, cost, and price products for the local market. They also have obtained necessary permits and licenses to launch their business. The OC MADE participants identified options to accept payment and developed an understanding of designing an appealing booth to sell at a local market, where they fine-tuned their skills to become a vendor at The Original O.C. Swap Meet.

25 new businesses launched on Small Business Saturday through OC MADE Program

Participants joined our SBDC OC MADE four week program, where they learned how to source, cost, and price products for the local market. They also have obtained necessary permits and licenses to launch their business. The OC MADE participants identified options to accept payment and developed an understanding of designing an appealing booth to sell at a local market, where they fine-tuned their skills to become a vendor at The Original O.C. Swap Meet.

California

San Diego & Imperial

Refugee James Santino Gets a Second Chance

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"I had my grand opening in December of 2019. I was a little nervous, but being able to count on the support of the SBDC and my advisor gave me the courage to continue on. I am comforted knowing that they are always there for me when I need them."

James Santino came to San Diego as a refugee from South Sudan. He worked to support his family but always wanted to have his own business. He saved $30,000 but realized it wasn't enough to start his non-emergency medical transport business. James went to different lenders and learned of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) SBDC. Through them and their Center for Economic Opportunity, he received a $15,000 loan in the midst of COVID-19. While he planned to cover the remaining expenses with his other employment, he lost his job due to the pandemic and couldn't pay for the insurance to start getting contracts. He returned to the IRC SBDC and got a second chance with a $2,000 Pivot Business Grant. He could begin transporting clients!

Refugee James Santino Gets a Second Chance

James Santino came to San Diego as a refugee from South Sudan. He worked to support his family but always wanted to have his own business. He saved $30,000 but realized it wasn't enough to start his non-emergency medical transport business. James went to different lenders and learned of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) SBDC. Through them and their Center for Economic Opportunity, he received a $15,000 loan in the midst of COVID-19. While he planned to cover the remaining expenses with his other employment, he lost his job due to the pandemic and couldn't pay for the insurance to start getting contracts. He returned to the IRC SBDC and got a second chance with a $2,000 Pivot Business Grant. He could begin transporting clients!

Refugee James Santino Gets a Second Chance

James Santino came to San Diego as a refugee from South Sudan. He worked to support his family but always wanted to have his own business. He saved $30,000 but realized it wasn't enough to start his non-emergency medical transport business. James went to different lenders and learned of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) SBDC. Through them and their Center for Economic Opportunity, he received a $15,000 loan in the midst of COVID-19. While he planned to cover the remaining expenses with his other employment, he lost his job due to the pandemic and couldn't pay for the insurance to start getting contracts. He returned to the IRC SBDC and got a second chance with a $2,000 Pivot Business Grant. He could begin transporting clients!

Refugee James Santino Gets a Second Chance

James Santino came to San Diego as a refugee from South Sudan. He worked to support his family but always wanted to have his own business. He saved $30,000 but realized it wasn't enough to start his non-emergency medical transport business. James went to different lenders and learned of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) SBDC. Through them and their Center for Economic Opportunity, he received a $15,000 loan in the midst of COVID-19. While he planned to cover the remaining expenses with his other employment, he lost his job due to the pandemic and couldn't pay for the insurance to start getting contracts. He returned to the IRC SBDC and got a second chance with a $2,000 Pivot Business Grant. He could begin transporting clients!