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Central
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 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.
Los Angeles
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Orange County / Inland Empire
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.
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.
San Diego & Imperial
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!
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!