The San Diego district office of the Small Business Administration provides news and information on working with the SBA for small business needs. This section also profiles business owners that have successfully worked with SBA lending partners to attain SBA loans.
The U.S. Small Business Administration is pleased to announce the 2011 award winners.
On Sept. 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act, the most significant piece of small business legislation in over a decade. The new law is providing critical resources to help small businesses continue to drive economic recovery and create jobs. The new law extended the successful SBA enhanced loan provisions while offering billions more in lending support, tax cuts, and other opportunitie. for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
WASHINGTON -- Small business owners have an opportunity to get tips on business continuity planning in 2011 through a series of free webinars hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions.
Many small businesses think they aren’t large enough to compete in the world marketplace. In fact, 97 percent of all exporters are small businesses. To grow your business, you need to think outside the box and outside the borders.
The city of San Diego is having a bidders conference for those companies that want to do business with the city.
There will be a small contractors event for business opportunities at the San Diego Airport. Here are the details which are also listed on the brochure (pdf).
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to California residents and business owners affected by the April 4 Sierra El Mayor earthquake.
Small business owners, community leaders and representatives of trade associations in San Diego and Imperial Counties who are concerned about excessive enforcement of federal rules can voice their complaints at a U.S. Small Business Administration Regulatory Fairness Board Forum in San Diego California on Monday, April 26, from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Small business leaders are invited to participate with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke in an interactive discussion on international trade and how small businesses compete in the world marketplace.
The U.S. Small Business Administration will host a Webinar series in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month.
Beginning this month, SCORE San Diego will invite local military personnel who are retiring or separating from active duty to attend its small business workshops for free.
Darlene Goodbody has taken advantage of several federally funded programs.
Small business owners, including those in stable industries, are feeling the heat of the broad economic slowdowns.
City of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and the Equal Opportunity Contracting Program invites you to attend the "Bonding Assistance Workshop" on Friday, Jan. 29, 1-4 p.m., at the Balboa Park Club (Santa Fe Room) located at 2150 Pan American Road West (Balboa Park).
The longer you’re in business, the more you realize that the only constant is change. You may be enjoying strong sales across a broad customer base, but those conditions could be far different in just a matter of months. A competitor’s offer may tempt your customers to try something different. Organizational and operational changes may require you to build relationships with new people from scratch.
The Small Business Administration has begun posting informational videos on YouTube as it joins an increasing trend within the federal government to use the popular video-sharing web platform to reach a larger audience.
Somebody forgot to tell Steico Industries the economy is in the throes of a recession.
It’s been a little more than 100 days since the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act). In that time the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has implemented new programs to get credit flowing again and has several more on the way that will help small businesses weather this economic storm, and ultimately continue to grow and create jobs.
In a world of short attention spans, a great product or first-class service is rarely enough to sustain a lasting impression among your customers. A sound branding strategy will help ensure that customers remember your business as the “go-to” source for their needs, especially in today’s competitive marketplace.
Ed Fitch began Cactus Recycling, a one-stop, full -ervice industrial and commercial recycling business, 17 years ago in San Diego. The original location was on Cactus Road, which is how the name was derived.
Broad economic slowdowns can often trickle down to small businesses, including those in relatively stable industries or geographic locations. Individuals tend to cut back on discretionary spending while corporations curb routine activities, delay major purchases, and shelve new initiatives.
After returning home from serving in Vietnam in 1970, Mike Mendeola was invited by his cousin to go to the desert to test out his new dune buggy. Mendeola was less than thrilled with the idea. Towing the vehicle all the way out to Ocotillo Wells just to get hot, dusty and dirty sounded crazy to him. But once he got a taste of riding in the dunes, he was hooked.
In 1994, Congress set a government-wide target that 5 percent of all federal contracts should go to women-owned small businesses (WOSBs). More recently, legislation was signed into law creating a set-aside for such businesses but requiring that the Small Business Administration study the issue to determine in which — if any — of the government’s 313 contracting categories, many of which are defense-related, WOSBs were underrepresented.
In 1994, Congress set a government-wide target that 5 percent of all federal contracts should go to women-owned small businesses (WOSBs).
Earlier this year, Jim Tankersley, owner of Laser-Tronics, a machining and laser-engraving business based in San Marcos, got a call from his landlord. She was selling the property, she told him, and was giving him the first chance to make an offer on it before she put it on the market.
U.S. businesses are finding themselves increasingly thrust into a global economy. The advent of the internet and advancements in transportation technologies have helped to effectively eliminate national borders and shrink the world down to a smaller size. Small businesses are no exception to this rule.
Without media coverage, a great promotion or milestone in your business may go largely unnoticed. Those of us who understand the importance of media shake our heads and smirks slightly at a photo opportunity or promotion gone not exactly bad, just gone. The guidelines for good media relationships are tried, true, and easy.
Crown moulding can transform even ordinary rooms into something special. But for many people, the cost of wood crown moulding -- as well as the time and challenges associated with installing it -- deters them from adding the attractive design element to their homes.
As a graduate student earning his MBA at New York’s Columbia University in the late 1990s, Croutons Restaurant co-founder James Watts was unimpressed with the lunch choices on campus. His quest for a fresh, quick and tasty meal led him to a bakery on Broadway that offered a unique and satisfying alternative to standard fast-food fare.
Whatever the war or conflict Americans have always believed that America’s military veterans should be returning home to jobs and opportunity. We can never fully repay these patriots for their sacrifice and the sacrifices of their families, but we can provide an environment in which they can strive to reach their full economic potential and fulfill their small business dreams.
The American Dream of building ownership can be a viable strategy for your business.
Starting and managing a business takes motivation, desire and talent. It also takes research and planning. Like a chess game, success in small business starts with decisive and correct opening moves. And, although initial mistakes are not fatal, it takes skill, discipline and hard work to regain the advantage.
San Diego-based research firm Strategic Vision helps clients understand what drives human behavior and decisions in a variety of situations — from buying new cars to serving on juries. Formed in 1972 by Dr. Darrel Edwards, a psychologist who developed a comprehensive theory that describes, explains, and predicts choices that an individual or group of individuals might make, the company was incorporated as Strategic Vision in 1989.
The SBA recently announced the new Patriot Express Pilot Loan as the latest extension to the financial, procurement, and technical assistance programs the agency provides to the military community. Patriot Express is a streamlined loan product based on SBA’s highly successful SBA Express Program, but with enhanced guarantee and interest rate characteristics.
Wanting to provide an unprecedented array of services not being offered by other consulting firms, Allen Barron Inc. co-founders Janathan L. Allen, Esq. and tech-savvy executive Richard C. Barron decided their resources were stronger together rather than apart.
Could yours be the perfect invention to aid U.S. combat soldiers in Iraq? Have you created a vaccine that could possibly rid the world of one of its deadly diseases? Do you think that you could possibly be the next Bill Gates? Perhaps your ideas or inventions are not as grand as these, but you need a little assistance with funding your idea and making your dream a reality. If the answer is yes, then the federal government may be able to help you.
Gas stations and convenience stores have almost disappeared on University Avenue in the Rolando area, but businessman Harry Kattoula wants to bring convenience back to his neighborhood.
The HUBZone program, established in 1997, provides contracting assistance to small businesses located in economically distressed communities, referred to as historically underutilized business zones or HUBZones, to promote job growth, capital investment and economic development in these areas, including Indian reservations.
Small business contractors and service companies that want to become more competitive and bid on projects requiring surety bonds, can look to the U.S. Small Business Administration for the help they need to step up to that next level of business success.
Promoting health in corporate America makes good business sense, a fact that Jessica McClure and Toni Kraft have successfully convinced many forward-thinking employers.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand and manage small business.
Seeking to provide cutting-edge services in the cosmetology industry, Richard and Connie Ouelette moved from Newport Beach in 1987 to open a hair salon in what was known then as North County Fair. While Richard had already created a name for himself as a hair stylist in Orange County, he wasn’t sure how he would be perceived in Escondido. It turns out he didn’t have to worry.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand and manage small business.
Benjamin Breskman’s nightmare began in September 1999, in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Floyd. His Sentry Paint Technologies manufacturing plant in Darby, Penn., was nearly destroyed by the 17 feet of floodwater that swept through the building. The plant sustained more than $2.7 million in damages.
More than ever before, the academic world relies on technology to help give students easier access to the kinds of information, coursework and instruction that are often out of the reach for ordinary Americans, either because of geography, costs or time constraints. Now, thanks to the Internet, business training is no exception.
Most modern homes have appliances that allow some degree of remote control. If it were up to Ken Kerr, president and CEO of Home Controls Inc., no one would ever walk into a dark home again.
America’s 9.1 million women-owned businesses employ 27.5 million people and contribute $3.6 trillion to the economy — yet women continue to face unique obstacles in the world of business. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is working to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs, and the SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership is a prime resource to help lead the way.
When Michael Salas purchased Poway Chevrolet last year, he and his staff decided to turn the 15-acre car dealership — which sold about 40 cars a month — back into a family business.
As a health care provider, Jurgens’ Chiropractic recognizes that choosing a health care facility is not a decision that is made lightly. Nor is choosing a bank. A successful banking relationship is built on trust and, for small businesses in particular, a good banking relationship is vital to success.
Aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs often wonder where they can turn for help with their small business idea. What are the first steps to take, how should a product be sold and what is the best way to grow a business. If you’re not afraid to ask for advice, the SBA can help you navigate through the seemingly uncharted waters of business startup.
Of all the businesses in San Diego, 90 percent are classified as small businesses, making it crucial for small companies to place themselves on the map and in the public eye. Advecor Inc., a direct marketing company that has achieved phenomenal growth since it started three years ago, has recently earned recognition from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce by winning the 2006 Emerging Business of the Year award. Part of the key to Advecor’s success lies in the formation of a rewarding relationship with Torrey Pines Bank.
Besides inadequate access to capital, perhaps the single most important obstacle to small business success is the lack of technical and management assistance, and access to timely and accurate information, training, counseling and business education.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow, and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand, and manage small business.
If you measure a company's success by its ability to steadily increase revenues and expand, then clearly El Cajon-based Can Do Electric was aptly named by owner Bob Cantrell 17 years ago.
With 63,500 square feet of high quality office condo space available for purchase, RiverView at Santee will have much to offer small business owners, including an easily accessible reverse-commute location off of SR-52 and SR-125. Due to begin construction this summer, the 108-acre office project is part of Santee Town Center, a 700-acre master planned development from Ryan Cos.
By the mid-80s, architect James Robbins had reached a pivotal point in his career. He could choose to either pursue a partnership at the prestigious San Diego architecture firm where he was an associate at the time, or he could strike out on his own. Robbins chose the latter option, and by 1992 had formed Robbins Jorgensen Christopher Inc., now RJC Architects Inc.
Whether your business is in the early stages of development or already thriving and seeking growth capital, you will need to determine whether venture capital financing is right for your company — and if so, how do you get it.
Tom Brown said he likes his job because he has the ability to move mountains.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow, and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand, and manage small business.
For more than 20 years, Philip Thearle’s Autowerks has been the only auto body shop many discriminating drivers of BMWs, Jaguars, Porsches and other high-end foreign roadsters trust to keep their babies in mint condition.
Everyday, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and our network of partners help millions of potential and current small business owners start, grow and succeed. We can help entrepreneurs, at any stage, with access to capital through our guaranteed loan programs, counseling services and business training programs delivered through a network of resource partners, as well as assistance with exploring government contracting programs.
Having started their leather jacket business in Portland, Ore., 36 years ago, San Diego natives Nancy and Mario Estolano relocated their business to Chula Vista in 1974. The original 7,500-square-foot leased facility featured a factory outlet and manufacturing center for aviation, motorcycle, fashion and police jackets, leather riding pants and children’s clothes. Needless to say, space was at a premium, forcing the couple to sacrifice product display space to accommodate the company’s manufacturing needs.
Only six months ago Lil’ Arts, a cultural arts center in Rancho Bernardo, was but a dream for Terrilynette Minor and Aurora Crane. Now it is a reality.
“Gifts are good business” for Michelle Bergquist, president of The Corporate Basket. In fact gifts are such good business that expansion for the company was inevitable.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow, and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand, and manage small business.
Paul Potter knows about trust. As a chiropractor, he knows that trust is crucial between a patient and a caregiver. Without it, healing can't occur.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow, and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand, and manage small business.
Twenty-two years ago, two women launched Chachies — an authentic Mexican food product company — in Oceanside. Their products were such a hit that they sold the company in 1988 to someone who could take it to the next level, hence garnering a national presence.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand and manage small business.
Since 1994, ResCom Services has provided homeowners’ associations and commercial property owners with convenient, one-stop shopping for a full range of services. The company is organized into five divisions licensed in specific trades: general contracting and repair; landscape; pool and spa; lighting; and janitorial.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow, and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand, and manage small business.
When Monika Baker joined Printing Solutions in Escondido as a production manager eight years ago, she wanted to do more than be part of a successful company.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small businesses start, grow and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand, and manage small business.
In 1995, Ernesto Starri launched Delta-Sigma Inc. (DSI) in the garage of his Corona home. The native of Trieste, Italy, started his business — which specializes in the design and manufacture of high-power radio frequency (RF) amplifiers that serve a range of needs for private companies and government agencies — with $45,000.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small businesses start, grow and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand, and manage small business.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand, and manage small business.
When a business owner wants to leave a lasting impression with a potential client or customer, they often offer a gift — such as a pen or a mug — with the company information inscribed. Similarly, when a little league team wants to acknowledge its players and coaches, a large banner is posted in the team stands.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow, and succeed. They help with SBA loans, counseling, training and contracts. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans, and is a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact. Each month, this section provides information to start, expand and manage small business.
Eddie Moreno of Able Heating & Air Conditioning, 1020 Colorado Blvd. in Chula Vista, is not new to San Diego, having opened his shop in 1978. Over the years, he and his company have made a name for themselves by specializing in public works projects.
Ben Elguezabal first became interested in the medical equipment industry in the 1980s while working for a company with a San Diego branch office.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow and succeed. SBA and its partners can help entrepreneurs with SBA guaranteed loans, counseling and training and contracting opportunities. SBA also helps businesses and families recover from disasters with loans and serves as a voice for small business, helping reduce regulatory impact on small firms.
When the Veterinary Specialty Hospital of San Diego was started by Dr. Keith Richter, DVM, in 1990, it was one of the few specialty hospitals in Southern California.
When Dr. Kierian Kuklok made the decision to branch out and begin his own practice, Carmel Mountain Oral & Facial Surgery, he was faced with the decision of what bank to choose for his Small Business Administration loan.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and its partners help millions of existing and prospective small business owners start, grow and succeed. SBA and its partners can help entrepreneurs with SBA guaranteed loans, counseling, training and contracting opportunities.
When superstar singer Celine Dion performs at Caesar’s Palace, her audiences hear her at her best because of good acoustics, courtesy of an Oceanside-based company called Lamvin Inc.
Jerry Sebby likes being between a rock and a hard place. That’s because he depends on boulders, stones and even pebbles to make a very good living.
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