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June 12, 2025

MADE Program Graduates Launch Marketplace-Ready Businesses in Tustin

The OCIE SBDC’s MADE Program graduated 22 entrepreneurs in Tustin on June 12, 2025, after 7 weeks of hands-on training, mentorship, and business development support.

The OCIE SBDC proudly wrapped up its 7-week MADE program on June 12, 2025, with a vibrant showcase and graduation event featuring 22 determined entrepreneurs. The cohort, which kicked off on May 1st, was designed to guide early-stage business owners through the essential steps to launch and become marketplace-ready. 
 
Offered in collaboration with the City of Tustin and Dreamers Market, the program combined hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world exposure to help entrepreneurs bring their visions to life. Over the course of the program, participants developed and refined their products, pricing, branding, and go-to-market strategies. 
 

Celebrating Success and Expanding Opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs

Graduates were celebrated for their hard work and commitment with certificates presented by the OCIE SBDC, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ Office, and the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Each graduate also received a complimentary one-year membership to the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, opening doors to further networking and business growth opportunities. 
 
As an added incentive, those who applied and were accepted to participate in the Sunset Market, a City of Tustin marketplace operated by the Dreamers Market, are eligible for a reimbursement (up to two markets) sponsored by the City of Tustin, covering the cost of participation. 

 

Empowering the Next Wave of Local Business Owners

The MADE program continues to be a powerful launchpad for local entrepreneurs, proving that with the right support, hustle, and community, big dreams can turn into thriving businesses.
 

Interested in launching your own business?

Our next MADE cohort kicks off on September 4, 2025 — reserve your spot today!

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert, business consulting, training, and resources — all at no cost to you. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed. 

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today

 

ORANGE COUNTY INLAND EMPIRE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER NETWORK

Your community of business experts.

(800) 616-7232

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Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Funded in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. 

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MADE Program Graduates Launch Marketplace-Ready Businesses in Tustin 

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.