Reimagining Main Street

Black business owners face disparities in access to capital and other basic resources. The Los Angeles SBDC created the Black Business Strategies (BBS) series to address these needs. The program includes a series of workshops and one-on-one advising, and opportunities to access funding. Training includes topics ranging from cash-flow analysis and understanding business financials to sales for the non-salesperson and social media strategies.

English-learner businesses served

Jessica Iida, OD, began her optometry career in 2016 at Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services to give back after graduating from Southern California College of Optometry with a Native Hawaiian Health scholarship. During the COVID shutdown she expanded her knowledge and experience of optometry clinic management. Thus Jessica was ready to purchase a practice when the opportunity came. She contacted the Hawaiʻi SBDC for advice on human resources and marketing, and received financing from a local lender. In the Hawaiian language, "makana" means "gift". "Big mahalo to Cynthia Yamasaki at the Hawaiʻi SBDC. Cynthia helped me talk through my hiring and payroll strategies and provided guidance for my next steps in business ownership!"

Four women, all born over 8.000 miles away in the Philippines, found each other on a local social media page and recognized a need for a Filipino grocery store. In their search for information, the quartet found the Illinois SBDC at the Starved Rock Country Alliance and took part in a 4-week GrowthWheel Masterclass, Powered for Growth. The 20-topic tactical plan developed from the course set the foundation that led to additional resources, opportunities, connections, and a successful opening.

Agribusiness Initiative advisors brought on to provide counseling in key ag niches including, honey, AgTech, livestock, dairy, and aquaculture