OCIE SBDC Blog

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More from the OCIE SBDC Network

Allison’s Goods Expands to Brick-and-Mortar Storefront

Allison’s Goods has specialized in quality hand-crafted vegan home products and goods for more than four years. Founder Allison Ritto Almstedt is passionate about the products she creates and the ingredients she uses, securing ethically sourced materials for all her offerings.

Clickstart Dog Training Academy opens Lake Forest Campus

Clickstart Dog Training Academy has been serving furry friends and families since 2019. Longtime friends Liv Healy and Cassie Pestana have been passionate about animal behavior, training techniques, and education since 2015. The duo turned these passions into a career and founded their dream company.

J3 Beauty Opens in Style

J3 Beauty Styles LLC opened its doors in the fall of 2023 and hit the ground running. Through passion and commitment, the small business was welcomed into the community with a grand opening celebration on January 12, 2024.

Cookies N Pints ‘N’ Success

More than two years ago, Andra and Kyle Corral first connected with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC), seeking help opening their dream business.

21st World Korean Business Convention

The World Korean Business Convention, the world’s largest gathering of Korean business leaders, was held at the Anaheim Convention Center  — marking the first time the global event was hosted outside of Korea.

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.