Showcasing the launch of 13 new businesses in Orange County

With the goal to assist entrepreneurs in accelerating the introduction of their products into the marketplace and making sales, the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, hosted by California State University, Fullerton, is excited to announce the OC MADE Ribbon Cutting Celebration on September 4, 2021, at 10 am in partnership with The Original O.C. Swap Meet. The event will showcase the launch of 13 new businesses into the local market.

“The ribbon-cutting event is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work completed by our OC MADE entrepreneurs as they learned the core concepts of creating and starting a successful business,” said Mike Daniel, Regional Director of the OCIE SBDC. “Come join us at the OC MADE Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and shop local on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 9 am to 3 pm at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.”

Beginning August 7, entrepreneurs who joined the OC MADE program, have learned how to source, cost, and price products for the local market. They have obtained the necessary permits to launch their business. The OC MADE participants got set up to accept payment and developed an understanding of setting up a booth to sell at a local market, as they developed their marketing skills and got approval to become a vendor at a local market. “The OC MADE participants are now equipped with the knowledge to not only know the steps to start a business, but also to be prepared to close sales and engage with customers,” said Manal Richa, Director of the CSUF SBDC. Participants who successfully completed the program are given access at no cost to a vendor’s space at The Original O.C. Swap Meet. Every participant was aligned with an SBDC consultant to assist them at no cost with all steps needed to complete the program.

In 2018, the OCIE SBDC launched the OC MADE program and graduated over 150 participants through four cohorts successfully. For many, this was the beginning of a successful business endeavor that has allowed them to expand into additional markets, a brick-and-mortar store, or an e-commerce presence. “Through this partnership and the OC MADE program, we are able to bring entrepreneurs and communities together in support of the local businesses,” shared David “DL” Sesena, Owner and Operator of The Original O.C. Swap Meet.

For more information on how your business can access OC MADE, or other programs to help your business, please visit: http://www.ociesmallbusiness.org or call 800-616-7232.