The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC), hosted by California State University, Fullerton announces the launch of affiliate training programs focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Partnering with the National Latina Business Women Association — Inland Empire, the Small Business Diversity Network, and the Caravanserai Project, the OCIE SBDC will target underserved and disadvantaged communities throughout Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, increasing its technical assistance services to members of these communities.
FULLERTON, Calif., March 6, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network (OCIE SBDC) will partner with three organizations to assist start-up and existing small businesses through training and consulting programs. The OCIE SBDC aims to increase its technical assistance services to members of underserved and disadvantaged communities throughout the region, providing access to resources and capital to start and grow their business.
"We are excited to bring into our SBDC family new organizations that have the ability to expand our brand and reach new distinct markets," said Mike Daniel, network director of OCIE SBDC. The new diversity, equity, and inclusion affiliate programs will focus on minority and underserved populations throughout Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources they need to be successful.
The three organizations are:
- National Latina Business Women Association — Inland Empire (NLBWA-IE) empowers Latinas by developing their business and professional goals through education and collaboration. With this funding, the NLBWA-IE will run start-up entrepreneurship programs focusing on the Latina community, as well as run cohort-based training programs for existing small business owners throughout Inland Empire.
- Small Business Diversity Network (SBDN) is a non-profit organization that supports small businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ, and disabled individuals throughout Orange County. SBDN will use this new funding to create training programs and conferences that focus on procurement opportunities at the federal, state, local, and corporate levels.
- Caravanserai Project, located in Coachella Valley, supports mission-driven entrepreneurs along their journeys. Serving the Inland Empire, the Caravanserai Project will use its funding to create cohort-based start-up training programs for entrepreneurs who are looking for a mission-driven model to help their business grow and succeed.
The OCIE SBDC Affiliate Program is funded in part by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State of California through CalOSBA (California Office of the Small Business Advocate). Funding was awarded through a competitive bid process and programs began operations March 1, 2023.
The OCIE SBDC is a leading business and economic development organization assisting aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners with consulting and training. Over the past three years, the OCIE SBDC has assisted more than 27,000 small businesses access $1.2 billion of capital, creating 1,289 new businesses, and conducted more than 136,000 hours of one-on-one consulting. Learn more at ociesmallbusiness.org.
Hosted by California State University, Fullerton, the OCIE SBDC is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
The OCIE SBDC is funded, in part, through a grant with the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development.
Media Contact
Suzanne Cichuniec, Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, 1 9495640469, [email protected]
SOURCE Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
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