INLAND EMPIRE – Small businesses in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties will soon have greater access to critical resources to help them start or grow their businesses and create jobs, thanks to a $957,229 grant to SBA’s Orange County/Inland Empire Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, hosted by California State University, Fullerton – Auxiliary Services Corporation.

The funding was provided under a key provision of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 signed by the President last September, which provided $50 million in grants to SBA’s SBDCs across the country to support job creation and retention within the small business community by providing in-depth business consulting and advice to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Jobs Act grants are a one-time funding intended to meet the critical need for business expansion and job creation, and are not intended to replace the core funding or the matching funds that the SBDCs require to sustain the program annually.  This one-time only grant is awarded to the Lead Center who will then sub-award the grant to its service centers to carry out proposed Jobs Act-related activities, including partnering with a technology incubator to increase the commercialization of technology; hiring a consultant to work on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposals with new clients; collaborating more closely with California’s Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) and U.S. Export Assistance Centers; and opening a new satellite location in North Orange County.

“This is yet another example of the Small Business Jobs Act putting proven tools in the hands of America’s entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said SBA Regional Administrator Elizabeth Echols.  “SBA’s network of 900 SBDCs continues to play a critical role in helping them grow businesses and create jobs.  I’m pleased these resources will foster innovation and increase the exporting activity of companies in Southern California.”

“Our resource partners like the SBDCs are an integral part of the SBA family,” added SBA District Director Adalberto Quijada.  “By bringing on consultants with expertise in targeted areas like exporting and technology commercialization who can provide hands-on technical assistance to small businesses, they will continue to be a true resource for small businesses looking to grow their customer base, increase profits, and create jobs.”