Blending Heritage and Style on Balboa Island
September 1, 2025
Caria Atelier’s Grand Opening brings Mediterranean elegance, slow fashion, and sustainable design to Newport Beach.
Caria Atelier’s Grand Opening brings Mediterranean elegance, slow fashion, and sustainable design to Newport Beach.
When Laura Willard launched Kailyn Beauty Luxe Mobile Salon, she wasn’t just starting a business, she was creating a lifestyle that allowed her to balance entrepreneurship with motherhood. With two young daughters at home, Laura wanted a career that offered creative fulfillment while still giving her the flexibility to be present for her family.
SBDC Client Chocolate Bash won the SBA’s Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year award, recognizing their efforts and perseverance.
The OCIE SBDC’s MADE Program graduated 22 entrepreneurs in Tustin after 7 weeks of hands-on training, mentorship, and business development support to become marketplace-ready.
More than daycare, WeKare’s expanded services benefit Riverside families with three thriving centers that offer more services and create meaningful community impact.
Gelatissimo’s expansion of its second location brings jobs, unique flavors of award-winning gelato, and inspiration to Irvine.
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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.
