Small Business Fair Supports Success

No matter what stage of business ownership you may be, the process can often feel overwhelming. Inevitably, a point will be reached where questions require immediate answers. In an effort to support small business owners and entrepreneurs, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva hosted a Small Business ResourceFair at The Source OC in Buena Park.

Quirk-Silva introduced the inaugural program stating, “We are celebrating small businesses and the importance of entrepreneurship in developing strong, and economically resilient communities. Our hope in putting this event together is to provide Orange County businesses with a time efficient opportunity to learn about federal, state, and local resources that are available, to support their success.”

Valuable information was provided by over 35 organizations offering tools and programs specifically designed to benefit small businesses.

BUSINESS RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU: California Competes Tax Credit

This income tax credit is available to businesses that want to come to California or stay and grow in California. Approximately $200 million is allocated for the program each year.

Contact: Scott Dosick, scott.dosick@gov.ca.gov Web: www.business.ca.gov/CalCompetes

California Office of Small Business Advocate

Serves as the state’s primary advocate for issues relating to small businesses. Small businesses can access a range of information that they can use to remain competitive in the marketplace. Programs: Small business support, SBDC Capital Infusion Grant, Made in CA, Workshops/Webinars, and partnerships.

Contacts: Jesse Torres, jesse.torres@gov.ca.gov, Megan Hodapp, megan.hodapp@gov.ca.gov Web: business.ca.gov/Program/SmallBusiness.aspx

Employment Development Department

The Employment Development Department (EDD) is one of the largest state departments with employees at hundreds of service locations throughout the state.

Contact: Julio Martin at julio.martin@edd.ca.gov Web: www.edd.ca.gov

North Orange Continuing Education

Their mission is to serve the needs of individuals, business, and the community, by educating a diverse student population in successive essential skills that support learning goals across their lifespan.

Contact: Chelsea Salisbury, csalisbury@sce.edu Web: www.sce.edu

Orange County Small Business Development Center

SCORE Orange County

The Orange County SBDC stimulates economic growth in Orange County by providing small businesses and entrepreneurs with expert consulting, effective training, and access to resources. Services include: Technical and business assistance, international trade advice, and help with start-ups and microenterprises.

Contact: Israel Serna, serna_israel@rsccd.edu Web: www.ocsbdc.org

Orange County SCORE offers free business mentoring, low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools to help you start or grow a business.

Contact: David Harris, david.harris@score114.org Web: www.score114.org

Pictured from left to right: Lillian Conroe, Emily Burgos, Scott Dosick, Jeff Malin, and Jesse Torres from California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).