California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) recently celebrated an amazing milestone – more than 10,000 jobs created or retained by California small businesses since April 2020 through IBank’s Covid-19 Micro Loan Guarantee Program. This initiative, which resulted in $92 million in approved loans, represents a state investment of $50 million in the wellbeing of its most vulnerable businesses during a critical time. Small and micro businesses are our state’s economic lifeblood. As such, Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County is profoundly grateful for the important work of IBank in supporting these business communities, for the lenders who collaborate with SBDC-OC in providing crucial funding, and for our community leaders for building awareness and continuing their commitment to assist local business owners. Improving and maintaining the health of our economy is truly a team effort.
National Small Business Week
It’s National #SmallBusinessWeek! For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Show your support and learn how to help spread the word: www.sba.gov/nsbw
SBDC-OC meets with community lender ALTCap
Staff members Michael A. Ocasio, Nestor Correa, Eduardo Brugman and loan committee chair Jim Elyspent time in Los Angeles meeting with David R. Desai - Ramirez of AltCap, along with attorney Cecily Jackson-Zapata to discuss capital access opportunities for small business owners in Los Angeles.
SBDC-OC sponsors Coachella Valley Business Conference
Today Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County, along with guest organization Enterprise Funding Corporation and Jim Ely of SBA Pro, are attending the 2022 Coachella Valley Business Conference and Economic Forecast. All three organizations are working together to bring capital access to Coachella Valley small business owners.
SBDC-OC attends California Small Business Day
August 18th is California Small Business Day. To celebrate, our staff and invited guests joined with our state legislators in Sacramento to recognize and salute small businesses throughout the state.
California Small Business Day is the result of Assembly Resolution HR-57 that passed unanimously in 2000. This event brings together small business leaders, California state senators, assembly members and other state agency leaders in celebrating outstanding accomplishments and recognize the contribution of small business to the state of California.
California Small Business Day is an opportunity to connect with small business leaders, legislators, and other state agencies.
SBDC-OC employees donate to Grandma's House of Hope
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a celebration of giving, and during these very difficult times, giving to those in need is particularly important. This year, Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County and its employees were privileged to contribute $2,740 in personal and corporate funds to Grandma’s House of Hope, a nonprofit in Santa Ana that is doing extraordinary work making sure families have food, at-risk youth have educational support, and men and women who face obstacles are provided the best opportunities. We encourage all who are able to financially support organizations that are striving to meet basic needs that have dramatically increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What better season to come together and lift each other up.
SBDC-OC celebrates Black Chamber of Commerce of OC's 35th Anniversary
We want to congratulate our friends at the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County for celebrating 35 years of serving Southern California with a myriad of events and programs. Please watch their Year In Review video, showcasing business and community endeavors, helping increase, enhance and grow local businesses.
SBDC-OC presented with $10K Grant from Cathay Bank
SBDC-OC presented with $25K Grant from City National Bank
SBDC-OC was presented with a $25,000 Community Reinvestment Grant from City National Bank, presented by Ray Mendoza. City National Bank provides financial support to charitable and civic organizations that are dedicated to resolving social problems and creating positive change.
SBDC-OC attends RMA OC Real Estate Panel
SBDC-OC staff members Michael Ocasio, Ken Freedman, Richard Lee, Eduardo Brugman and Nestor Correa, along with Resource Partners Jim Ely and Thanh Pham attended the RMA OC Real Estate Panel, sponsored by First Bank and Integrity Joint Control.
RMA OC helps members use sound risk management principles to improve institutional performance and financial stability, and enhances the risk management competency of individuals through information, education, peer sharing, and networking.
SBDC-OC President featured on Wait...What? Financial Matters that Matter
SBDC-OC CEO Michael Ocasio was the featured guest on the podcast show “Wait...What? Financial Matters that Matter,” a weekly show hosted by Board Member Eric Bell, who discusses topics across multiple topics in the world of Business Planning, Tax Mitigation, Risk Management, and Capital." Mr. Ocasio gives details on funding small businesses with the help of the state of CA through Small Business Development Corporation to create jobs and grow CA economy.
Link to Podcast: https://sitchradio.com/avenue-to-capital/
Affordable Housing Clearinghouse Receives Grant from SBDC-OC
Ken Freedman, CAO presenting a grant for $5,000 to Brenda Rodriguez, Executive Director of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse; a non-profit organization that provides financing for affordable housing and homeownership. #sbdoc #payitfoward #community
SBDC-OC attends LPN event
On September 12th SBDC-OC attended the Latino Professional Networking mixer at the Harbor House DTLA. Pictured are Nestor Correa, SVP, Eduardo Brugman, CIO, Michael Ocasio, CEO and Board Member Pablo Ocasio. The Latino Professional Network, founded in Los Angeles in September of 1999, stands as one of the largest and preeminent associations of Latino professionals, community leaders, and students in the country.
Department of Marketing at California State University, San Bernardino Receives Grant from SBDC-OC
SBDC-OC is esteemed to present a grant for $2,500 to Jack H. Brown College, Department of Marketing at California State University, San Bernardino. The Mktg-department Csusb will be using the funds for ongoing student programs and alumni events. #sbdoc #payitforward #community #mktgcsusb
Crafton Hills College Receives Grant From SBDC-OC
SBDC-OC is excited to present the Leadership team of Crafton Hills College with a grant for $2,500. Crafton Hills College is proud to be the pathway to social and economic advancement for many who would otherwise not have the opportunity to pursue a college education. #sbfdoc #payitforward #community #craftonhillscollege
The Unforgettables Foundation receives grant from SBDC-OC
SBDC-OC is honored to present Tim Evans, President of The Unforgettables Foundation with a grant for $5,000. The Foundation’s mission is to assist low income families provide a dignified, appropriate burial for their children who have passed away. #sbdoc #payitforward #community #theunforgettablesfoundation
Mary Erickson Community Housing receives grant from SBDC-OC
SBDC-OC is proud to present a grant for $5,000 to Mary Erickson Community Housing to aid in their dedication to improve quality of life and provide affordable housing to working families throughout Southern California.
SBDC-OC CEO and Board Members take photo together
Michael A. Ocasio, President of SBDC-OC along with Nancy Trujillo, CPA & SVP at Sares-Regis Group and Bill Wilson, SBDC-OC Boar Director & EVP/Chief Risk Officer at Nano Banc take time for a quick photo.
IBank hosts SBDC's for an Annual Workshop
IBank hosted all our incredible Financial Development Corporations for an annual workshop. The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Director Lenny Mendonca and IBank’s Acting Executive Director were here to share and learn!