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.

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.

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 30^th 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