The OCIE SBDC Announces Celebrating Small Business Saturday At The OC Made Ribbon Cutting Event

The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, hosted by California State University, Fullerton is excited to announce the launch of 25 new businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 10 am, in partnership with The Original O.C. Swap Meet and the OC Fair & Event Center. “The Orange County Marketplace/Original O.C. Swap Meet offers such a wonderful opportunity for our SBDC clients to start their business in front of 4,000+ potential customers, all on Small Business Saturday,” said Mike Daniel, Regional Director of the OCIE SBDC Network. Register at ociesbdc.org/OCMADE-GO and join us at the OC MADE Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and shop local on Small Business Saturday, November 27, 2021 from 9 am to 3 pm at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Starting October 30, 2021, entrepreneurs, who joined the SBDC OC MADE four-week program, have learned how to source, cost, and price products for the local market. They also have obtained necessary permits and licenses to launch their business. The OC MADE participants identified options to accept payment and developed an understanding of designing an appealing booth to sell at a local market. Furthermore, the OC MADE participants fine-tuned their marketing skills and got approval to become a vendor at The Original O.C. Swap Meet. “The SBDC OC MADE trainees have acquired the knowledge to not only follow the steps to start a business, but also to be prepared to make sales, engage with customers and pivot on the spot if needed,” stated Manal Richa, Director of the CSUF SBDC. Participants who successfully completed the program are given access at no cost to a vendor’s space at The Original O.C. Swap Meet. Every participant was aligned with an SBDC consultant to assist them at no cost with all steps needed to complete the program.

In 2018, the OCIE SBDC launched the OC MADE program and graduated over 100 participants through five cohorts successfully. For many, this was the beginning of a successful business endeavor that has allowed them to expand into additional markets, a brick-and-mortar store, or an e-commerce presence. “On November 27, the event will be showcasing the OC MADE vendors along with over 100 vendors to bring entrepreneurs and communities together in support of the local businesses,” shared David “DL” Sesena, Owner and Operator of The Original O.C. Swap Meet.

For more information on how your business can access OC MADE, or other programs to help your business, please visit: ociesmallbusiness.org or call 800-616-7232.