How to Grow Your Small Business

Owning a small business is difficult and planning for growth can be a daunting task. Do it with the OCIE SBDC on your side.

Grow your business with the support of the OCIE SBDC.

We provide personalized one-on-one support to help you tackle obstacles and succeed. A dedicated team of SBDC consultants, seasoned business owners and experts, will start by thoroughly assessing your business for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Let us help you pinpoint areas for growth and devise strategies to capitalize on them. From finances to operations, workforce  to marketing, we will provide consulting, knowledge, and additional resources for business growth. 

Comprehensive Assessment

Our seasoned consultants will conduct a thorough assessment of your business. From analyzing your financials to assessing your workforce, we’ll identify areas of growth and opportunity.

Tailored Growth Strategies

Armed with insights from the comprehensive assessment, your SBDC team will work closely with you to develop customized strategies to drive your business forward. Whether it is refining your pricing structure or expanding into new markets, your consultants will be by your side every step of the way.

Additional Resources for Growth

As your business continues to grow, the OCIE SBDC has specialized resources that we will bring to you. Connect with an OCIE SBDC consultant to access the resources outlined below. 

Capital for My Business

If you need capital for your business, the SBDC Finance Center can help you prepare and package your loan — all in preparation to match you with the right lender for you. Let us assist you in preparing for capital — we’ll help you to complete your financial projections and gather the necessary documents.

Marketing and Digital Technologies

The SBDC Marketing Center provides the skills and expertise of an agency at no-cost to you. We will conduct a comprehensive marketing analysis, review your website, identify your competition and target audience, and pinpoint social strategy.

Contracting and Procurement 

The SBDC Center for Contracting focuses on assisting your business with securing procurement contracts at the federal, state, local, and corporate levels. Government and corporate procurement provide an opportunity to grow your businesses revenues in a new and diversified manner. Our consultants are here to help you with education, training and contract opportunities.

International Trade

The SBDC Global Trade Center can help you connect with global trade opportunities and learn about securing sales outside of the U.S. With a team of certified global consultants, we can help you develop a trade plan, conduct market research, find buyers, and help you through the transaction process. The SBDC Global Trade Center team also provides guidance on trade shows, state and federal subsidies, and trade mission opportunities.

Market Research

Utilizing the expertise of Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics graduate students, SBDC Intel — our market research team — provides valuable reports and analysis for your business. Leveraging top-tier databases, we craft customized research reports to offer insights tailored to your specific needs. From financial benchmarking to customer insights and potential leads, market research plays a vital role in setting your business up for success.

READY TO TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

No matter where you are on your business journey, the OCIE SBDC
is here to support you.

Ready to Grow

Mike Daniel is the network director of the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network, which assists aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners throughout Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Mike was formerly the director of the SBDC office at Long Beach City College. As business owner and entrepreneur himself, he started his career as the owner of a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory location in Manhattan Beach and went on to open a second location in Long Beach in 2001. In 2007, Mike sold the Manhattan Beach store for an above-market offer then invested in several additional locations as a minority shareholder. Mike further expanded his candy empire with venture located in Shoreline Village in Long Beach called Sugar Daddies Sweet Shoppe, based on fill-it yourself candy options.

Mike has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.