How often do 10 businesses launch in one day? The American Dream is alive and well thanks to OC MADE – a four-week program culminating on Small Business Saturday at the O.C. Market Place – offered through a partnership between the Orange County Market Place, the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Four weeks ago, these entrepreneurs were selected through an in-depth interview process guaranteeing that talent and perseverance would meet opportunity. Since then, they’ve developed and prepared their idea-driven ventures to impress the flocking O.C. population. These 10 vendors have made it all the way through this transformative program, and they’re ready to start selling for the first time ever. And to top it off, most of them are offering promotional discounts.

Tatiana Colunga, owner of Sol Artesano USA, an OC MADE vendor, talks about what it feels like to participate in such a pivotal event, “This an excellent program supporting startups; I learned valuable information including how to analyze market research, cost and price products, successfully manage booth operations and so much more. I can’t wait to launch!”

For many people in the O.C. area, this is an exciting opportunity to not only support local small businesses, but to gain access to a variety of exciting goods and services that are just now hitting the market. Everything offered has been researched, honed, and most importantly, SBDC approved. The SBA’s Orange County/Inland Empire District Director, J. Adalberto Quijada added that, “The OC MADE program has been an incredible opportunity to support our local small businesses and showcase their tremendous impact on our local economy. We applaud the efforts of these businesses and are honored to continue supporting their success. The launch of OC MADE on Small Business Saturday is significant because of the impact this day brings to communities and small businesses alike by keeping dollars in the community and supporting local jobs. It also signals the start of the holiday shopping season for many small business.”

It’s a great opportunity for O.C. locals and expert shoppers to have fun, peruse, and possibly locate something they love for a great price. These businesses are primed and supported for take-off, and when that happens, you can bet the price tags will take off too – so get out there and see what you can find!

But what about the businesses that are setting up for Small Business Saturday (November 24)? Here’s a list of the booths you’ll run into at Row G of the Market Place:

• Sol Artesano USA – Handcrafted gifts and faux stained glass, all made in the O.C.
• C&B Craft Corp – Handmade leather bags and belts from Columbia.
• Shahbaz Collection – Modern clothing trends inspired from a cultural mix of Western designs and Eastern silhouettes.
• The Green Ferns – 100% organic, locally made skin products.
• Dancynmoon Ranch Designs – Handmade jewelry, pottery, yarnwork, and more.
• Hairy Deck Pro Hawaii – Surf supplies and beachwear with a bit of Hawaiian flavor.
• TP Food Processing – Asian sauces and soup pastes made with fresh ingredients right here in the U.S.A.
• Chic Fashion – Women’s apparel that is most definitely the most chic.
• The Knot Spot – An array of handmade macramé, fiber art, and dreamcatchers.
• VDA Life Changing Services – Transform your mind and body with the best personal life coaching support.