Local small business owners point to the funding as an economic lifeline that has kept them and their employees afloat
Santa Ana, CA – Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Orange County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is helping businesses survive the COVID-19 economic fallout by securing nearly $6 million in Economic Impact Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans. These funds are provided through the U.S. Small Business Administration to allow small businesses to continue to pay their rent and workers in spite of the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic.
“The announcement of the SBDC loan dollars could not come at a more significant time for our small business leaders,” said Ruth Cossio-Muniz, Director of the Orange County SDBC. “These funds will allow us to assist many business owners to get back on their feet and continue providing a better quality of life for the communities they serve, not to mention the impact this assistance will provide for their own livelihood. The ripple effects of this program will touch thousands in our region.”
SBDC’s team of eight consultants has assisted 1,294 small business owners in applying for disaster relief loans, which has helped sustain 8,421 local jobs. In addition, the Center provides no-cost, confidential consulting for assistance with business planning, financial analysis, market research, website development and other areas to help small business owners stay afloat during the pandemic. Consultations and trainings are offered virtually to answer questions and provide resources to the small business community. SBDC services are available to all small business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with the goal of conserving as many jobs as possible in Orange County and the Inland Empire.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC’s) can be found in all states and exist as a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and usually a local college or university with the purpose of providing business-related assistance and knowledge to help entrepreneurs start, run and grow their business.
To learn more about SBDC and for resources specific to COVID-19, visit orangecountysbdc.org.
About Rancho Santiago Community College District
Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College are public community colleges of the Rancho Santiago Community College District, which serves the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Santa Ana, Villa Park, and portions of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, and Tustin. Both colleges provide education for academic transfer and careers, courses for personal and professional development, and customized training for business and industry.
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