Second Annual OC MADE Program will Launch 40+ Businesses on Small Business Saturday

New business owners find success with the OC MADE Program and prepare to sell for the first time at the Orange County Market Place

Over several weeks, more than 65 participants of the OC MADE program will be put through an intensive business startup program, which will culminate with participants launching their businesses at the historical O.C. Market Place in Costa Mesa, California on Small Business Saturday. The curriculum focuses on helping participants develop idea-driven concepts, source and price products, and leverage the Market Place as a testing ground through a provided booth space. The program also assists entrepreneurs with their business permits, licenses and vendor registration process for the Market Place.

Small Business Saturday Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, 2018

Last year, 10 businesses were launched through the first OC MADE Program during Small Business Saturday. This year, through the same program, more than 40 new businesses will be ready to sell for the first time at the O.C. Market Place.   All of this is made possible by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Orange County Inland Empire (OCIE) District, the OCIE Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC), and the Orange County Market Place.

Small Business Saturday, 2018

This year, participants of the SBDC’s other startup programs like CEO Moms OC, EATS and OC MADE in partnership with the Urban Workshop were also provided the opportunity to sell during Small Business Saturday. “I’m proud of the strong partnerships that exist in the OC MADE Small Business Saturday Program,” said SBA Director J. Adalberto Quijada.  “Instead of merely visiting small businesses on Small Business Saturday, the SBA and SBDC are helping to build businesses that will launch on that special day at the Orange County Market Place, which has been a tremendous platform for small business owners for a long time.” 

Among these incredible businesses, vendors will be selling sweets and treats, sandwiches, food, clothing, handbags, and art. To see these newly launched businesses in action, join us on November 30th on Small Business Saturday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local elected officials and area partners. Join us at this shop local event!

Where: 88 Fair Dr., Lot A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
When: Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 12:00 PM
RSVP: https://ocmadesmallbusinesssaturday.eventbrite.com

Looking to start or grow your business?

We at the Orange County Inland Empire SBDC, are here to help you with every aspect of your business to help it grow and become successful.
Give us a call at 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a quick, 15-minute intake appointment at ociesbdc.org/consultation to see how we can help you start, grow, and succeed.

Second Annual OC MADE Program will Launch 40+ Businesses on Small Business Saturday

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.