Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County

Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County, Public & Government Service, 271 N. Sycamore Street, Santa Ana, CA.

Established as a non-profit corporation in 2001, Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County focuses on the economic development of underserved communities in California.

What a great event and opportunity to gain knowledge about so many topics related to business ownership. entrepreneurshi...
06/03/2026

What a great event and opportunity to gain knowledge about so many topics related to business ownership. entrepreneurship, and economic development––the 23rd Annual Economic Development Conference hosted by the National Diversity Coalition on May 22 provided a critical forum for learning about what makes small businesses tick and what helps them move forward. Our CEO Michael Ocasio shared his knowledge and insights as part of a panel that addressed the stages of entrepreneurship, from the first lightbulb idea through to building a business model and creating sustainable income. The panel was facilitated by Advancing The Seed, Inc. (ATS) Founder and CEO Regeanie Corona. The panel’s discussions included passing along actionable next steps that entrepreneurs could apply to their business planning. These are the types of events that help facilitate economic growth in our state and SBDC-OC was privileged to be a part of it.

This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who have made the highest sacrifice for our country. “Our debt to th...
05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who have made the highest sacrifice for our country. “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.” -- Harry S. Truman

Did you know that approximately nine out of every 10 net new jobs in the United States were created by small businesses ...
05/15/2026

Did you know that approximately nine out of every 10 net new jobs in the United States were created by small businesses between March 2023 and March 2024? (U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy) The large conglomerates capture the headlines, but it is small businesses that truly drive the nation’s economic engine. There are approximately 36.2 million small businesses in the U.S., according to the Office of Advocacy, and of those, around 4.3 million are in California (source: CalOSBA), the highest count in the nation.

So it is with pride that we give a huge shoutout to the tired-to-the bone small business owners during National Small Business Month, those individuals pushing to make their dreams come true and supporting the bulk of our state and nation’s economies in the process.

We are grateful to serve so many small businesses and nonprofits, and to help facilitate funding vehicles that truly move their ventures forward in operating activities, expansions and job creation, with a particular focus on businesses owned people of color, women, the disabled, and veterans.

Support small businesses. You are supporting your nation and state’s economies.

SBDC-OC recently provided a charitable donation to Long Beach–based nonprofit, Whole Systems Learning. This contribution...
05/09/2026

SBDC-OC recently provided a charitable donation to Long Beach–based nonprofit, Whole Systems Learning. This contribution follows the recent funding of a line of credit for Whole Systems Learning from Enterprise Bank & Trust made possible through our guaranty support.

Whole Systems Learning, established in 1996, creates safe, innovative spaces for youth and adults who often have nowhere else to go. The organization becomes the place to be and become the best versions of oneself. Services include wrap-around case management, mental health coaching, and hands-on career training in fields such as audio/video production, trucking, and entrepreneurial development.

Pictured from left to right in check photo: Jason Edmonds, Whole Systems Learning director of business development and communications; Armando Romero of Equipoint Capital Advisors and SBDC-OC loan committee member; Reinaldo Henry-Ala, Whole Systems Learning executive director, Shayna Hollinquest, Whole Systems Learning adult program manager; Jim Ely president, SBDC-OC; Eddie Nevarez loan officer, SBDC-OC; and Daniel Lee of Enterprise Bank & Trust.

ICYMI: Recently one of SBDC-OC’s longtime board directors received a significant recognition for his contributions to hi...
04/23/2026

ICYMI: Recently one of SBDC-OC’s longtime board directors received a significant recognition for his contributions to higher education—Dr. John Thomas, dean of the Zapara School of Business at La Sierra University was honored with a Charles Elliott Weniger Society medallion for his commitment to education, service and the pursuit of excellence. He received this award during a ceremony in Loma Linda. Well done, Dr. Thomas! Read more here: https://bit.ly/4e4F3AF
(Photo: Dr. Larry Geraty, left, President Emeritus of La Sierra University, presents the Weniger medallion to Dr. Thomas)

Wishing all a joyous and peaceful Easter!
04/05/2026

Wishing all a joyous and peaceful Easter!

Networking and staying informed is essential in the world of finance, economic and community development, and in helping...
03/27/2026

Networking and staying informed is essential in the world of finance, economic and community development, and in helping our lenders and small business clients in the best ways possible. To that end, SBDC-OC leadership this week attended the 2026 National Community Investment Conference in Phoenix, which is concluding today, March 26. This informative event offered insights into emerging opportunities for public-private partnerships, best ways to advance credit access through effective partnerships, perspectives from community development leaders and other information. Chief Executive Officer Michael Ocasio with board members Pablo Ocasio, vice chair, and Larry Trujillo as well as colleague Chrissy Soret, employer engagement specialist at the Network Kinection attended this instructive conference. We look forward to implementing new ideas that assist us in serving our communities and building our economy.

In honor of Presidents’ Day, recognized federally and in some states as Washington’s Birthday, Small Business Developmen...
02/16/2026

In honor of Presidents’ Day, recognized federally and in some states as Washington’s Birthday, Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County will be closed on Monday, February 16. The third Monday in February is celebrated in most states as Presidents’ Day. However, the holiday was first created by Congress in 1879 in honor of George Washington, the nation’s first president, whose birthday is on February 22. In the late 20th century, the holiday became unofficially known as Presidents’ Day in recognition of Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who was born on February 12. The use of the third Monday in February is tied to a law passed in 1968 called the ‘Uniform Monday Holiday Act’ designed to provide more three-day weekends. So Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday holiday moved to the third Monday of February, although the name of the holiday was never officially changed. To learn more, visit https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/facts/the-truth-about-presidents-day

It's here! Our 2024 Annual Report tells the stories of opportunity and impact coming out of the small business and nonpr...
02/06/2026

It's here! Our 2024 Annual Report tells the stories of opportunity and impact coming out of the small business and nonprofit communities we are honored to serve. Read about another year of record results and the inspiring work of two nonprofits we supported with state loan guarantees. And don't miss the fun photo gallery of special events, fun places, and the good times shared by our dedicated team and board directors. Enjoy! https://sbfdoc.org/report

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  --- Martin Lu...
01/18/2026

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. --- Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired the world with his unwavering leadership in the nonviolent fight against injustice, in the struggle for the equity and equality of the most vulnerable. His life is a masterpiece in committed, courageous leadership, of calm and eloquent inspiration in peaceful advocacy for change. His example lives on as a beacon for all leaders who desire to lead their organizations with transformative vision and authenticity, to become not only financially successful, but agents of positive change. In honor of the federal Martin Luther King holiday, SBDC-OC will be closed on Monday, January 19.

Address

271 N. Sycamore Street
Santa Ana, CA
92701

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+17145711900

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County:

Share