On August 25, 2021, the California State University Fullerton Small Business Development Center (CSUF SBDC) hosted a small business clinic program offered in collaboration with the City of Tustin and the County of Orange at Clifton C. Miller Community Center, 300 Centennial Way, Tustin, CA 92780. “The goal of the SBDC Small Business Clinic is to bring assistance and support to the doorsteps of small business owners, in an effort to help them find solutions to issues that are prohibiting their growth, access to new clients, or increase in sales,” said Mike Daniel, Regional Director, Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network.
Almost 40 business owners attended the four-hour event. Participants were matched with a CSUF SBDC consultant for a 30-minute speed coaching session to answer their urgent and immediate needs pertaining to marketing, operations, or financial assessment. “During the clinic, our participants were able to find answers to questions that could have been holding up their progress, allowing them to resume business immediately and start implementing based on the guidance provided,” stated Manal Richa, Director, CSUF SBDC.
The event also featured multiple business resources from the City of Tustin Economic Development Department, including information about the City of Tustin Small Business Recovery Grant program.
Other resources included information from the Orange County Community Resources, Workforce & Economic Development Division, regarding the On the Job Training program, which allows business owners to hire and train skilled workers and get reimbursed for their efforts.
As the event concluded, all participants were scheduled for a follow-up meeting with their consultant, which will give them the opportunity to resume the conversation, gauge progress, and pivot, if deemed necessary, with the goal to help them grow and expand their business. The CSUF SBDC will be holding upcoming Small Business Clinics within the region to help business owners survive and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
For additional information on the SBDC Small Business Clinic and other CSUF SBDC programs, please visit www.orangecountysbdc.com or call 800-616-7232
