OCIE SBDC Blog

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More from the OCIE SBDC Network

OCIE SBDC Delivers Exceptional Results in 2024

As 2024 concludes, the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC) Network proudly reflects on a year of impactful service and significant achievements. Serving the counties of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino, the OCIE SBDC provided essential no-cost consulting and training to 14,919 local entrepreneurs.

Fired Up Pottery: Crafting a New Path

Blanca’s journey into small business ownership is one of resilience and determination. After being impacted by layoffs, Blanca turned to pottery as both a creative outlet and a source of income. She launched her initial venture, Bunnytopia, during the pandemic, creating custom pieces and attending local street fairs and pop-up events across Palm Springs.

Tutoring Service Expands

After successfully launching a mobile tutoring service in 2021, Anwar Abdul-Rahman, leveraging years of teaching experience, wanted to take the next step to expand his educational offerings.

From Brush to Business Owner

The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC) is proud to announce the successful completion of the “De pintor a empresario: pinta tu futuro” program!

OCIE SBDC Stories

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.