Ready to Start

Starting a business can seem overwhelming at times. The OCIE SBDC is here to help.

What the OCIE SBDC Network can do for you.

From idea to your first sale, the OCIE SBDC Network is here to help you put all the pieces together to get your business off the ground. The SBDC startup pathway offers one-on-one consulting and training that is focused on planning for the start of your business, all at no cost to you.

You will be guided by a team of experienced small business owners and industry experts who understand the intricacies of planning, operations, finance, and strategy. With our wealth of practical experience, we will help you navigate the maze of launching your business.

Our Services

At the OCIE SBDC, we offer personalized consulting to help you confidently start your small business journey. Here’s how we support you:

One-on-One Consulting
Work with one of our business consultants to turn your business idea into a viable plan. Our consultants will assist you with crafting your business strategy, completing your financial projections, creating a marketing and operating plan, and anything else you may need to get your business started. All one-on-one consultations are personalized, confidential, and targeted to your business.

Access to Capital
If you need capital to get your business up and running, the OCIE SBDC offers one-on-one consulting to help you prepare, package, and matchmake with a lender. Our team of expert consultants will assist you with creating your plan, putting together all necessary documents, and preparing you for capital. Once this has been completed, the OCIE SBDC will matchmake your business with qualified lenders throughout the country. Learn more about our Finance Center.

Market Research
The OCIE SBDC employs a team of Cal State Fullerton graduate students to conduct market research and analysis to assist your business with vital insights. The SBDC uses several top-tier databases to create a customized market research report that will help you with your business.

Training & Events
We offer an array of learning opportunities designed to help you grow your business and achieve success. Our training programs are taught by both our team of experts and partners, all of whom are industry professionals positioned to answer your questions.

How It Works

Step 1: Intake & Matching

Give us a call or schedule your intake appointment with our call center team. They will ask you some questions about your business ideas and goals. From there, they will match you with an expert consultant whose expertise best matches your needs.

Step 2: Initial Consultation

Meet with your consultant either in-person or online. They will take the time to fully understand your business ambitions and create a customized business plan.

Step 3: Continued Support

Your consultant will continue to check in with you regularly, refer you to other specialists as necessary, and help you take your business from ideation to first sales and beyond.

Training Programs

The OCIE SBDC offers in-depth cohort-style training programs that provide industry-specific guidance designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to kickstart your business journey. Plus, you will work closely with an OCIE SBDC consultant to turn your plans into tangible results, culminating in real sales opportunities.

SBDC START

Looking to start your own business but don’t know where to begin? SBDC Start is a no-cost startup series designed to teach you how! In just four weeks, you will gain the information and skills to start your very own business!

MADE

Learn how to plan, market, and finance your business to make your dreams a reality. This fast-paced four-week program walks you through everything it takes to run a business. The MADE program was created with the intention of helping new businesses enter the marketplace.

EATS

Are you interested in the food industry? Want to start a food truck, use a commercial kitchen, or open a restaurant? The SBDC EATS program can take you closer to that goal! The program, which is offered at no cost to you, starts you off with developing your concept for the business all the way through establishing it.

BRICK BY BRICK

Our Brick by Brick program provides assistance in transforming a retail idea into a tangible storefront. During this six-week program, we assist you in determining your customer market and building a well-grounded basis for your startup. We can help you negotiate your lease, start your shop and be a resource for you every step of the way.

BEAUTY BOSS

Start and own your own cosmetology business through Beauty Boss. Hear from beauty experts to understand what it takes to start your business, how to secure a location, and how to market online.

SBDC START

MADE

EATS

BRICK BY BRICK

BEAUTY BOSS

Start and own your own cosmetology business through Beauty Boss. Hear from beauty experts to understand what it takes to start your business, how to secure a location, and how to market online.

Explore our range of training programs designed specifically for entrepreneurs looking to start a small business.

Success Stories

Every thriving business begins with a vision, and behind each one is a story of perseverance, growth, and partnership. At the heart of these stories are entrepreneurs who took bold steps toward their goals, and we’re honored to have walked alongside them. Whether launching a new venture, navigating challenges, or scaling to new heights, our clients have leveraged financial insights, guidance, and strategic support from our team to turn their ideas into lasting success.

Check out some stories from OCIE SBDC clients:

Biryani Boys

Irfan Ahmed’s journey from home-cooked meals to a full-scale restaurant was fueled by a love for his mother’s cooking and a desire to introduce more people to the richness of South Asian cuisine. As exciting as it was to bring his vision to life, Irfan quickly realized that passion alone wouldn’t be enough to navigate the complexities of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant. That’s when he turned to the OCIE SBDC for support.

Imperial Fight Academy

Riley found support through the OCIE SBDC, where he received invaluable assistance in navigating the complexities of business setup. His consultants started the process by helping Riley work through the lease terms and negotiations. From there, he received assistance in everything from permits and business licensing to business structure and insurance needs. With their guidance, Riley was able to stay on track despite the challenges.

Success Stories

Check out some stories from OCIE SBDC clients.

Let's Get Started

In order to match you with the best consultant, we will conduct a 15-minute intake phone call where we will discuss your existing business or startup so that we can evaluate and determine which consultant is the best fit to assist you with your business goals.