FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Business owners show true entrepreneurial spirit despite bad economy
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network during 2011, counseled over 4,500 small business owners, which shows the strong entrepreneurial spirit even in the current down economy. At the SBDC Network’s 2011 Small Business Successes event held on December 14th in Los Angeles, Jesse Torres, Regional Director of the Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network hosted by Long Beach Community College District, recognized eight of those clients who throughout the year were able to grow their business and accomplish significant milestones such as jobs created, loans awarded and increase in sales – just to name a few.
“These small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and we are honored to support them in any way we can,” said Long Beach City College President Eloy Ortiz Oakley. “Our SBDC Network is doing an incredible job of supporting these innovative business owners.”
One of the businesses honored was start-up company Legends of Hollywood Tours, a multimedia tour guide company based in Los Angeles. Owners, Mark and Natcha Morrow, both sought the help of the SBDC at Santa Monica College after he thought of creating a business that would offer a unique Hollywood sightseeing experience—one incorporating film clips, music, photographs and stories into tours of celebrities’ homes. With the help of the SBDC, the Morrows were able to meet with business advisors and receive free guidance to fine-tune their concept, write a business plan, get startup financing and start their business. Since launching in June 2011, Legends of Hollywood Tours has served nearly 150 clients, conducted at least one tour daily, and developed relationships with hotels including JW Marriott , Omni, Redbury Hotel and Holiday Inn Express.
The SBDC also honored Trupart MFG, Inc., a second generation manufacturer specializing in quality precision abrasive and waterjet cutting services. The SBDC business advisors at Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County helped company owner and President Shane Prukop with everything from payroll and HR to strategic planning, marketing, operations and changing the company’s business struc¬ture. They also introduced Prukop to the Ventura County Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ), which provided a loan for new equipment.
“Congratulations to the small businesses and advisors honored by the SBDC Los Angeles Regional Network. Their collaborative perseverance and entrepreneurial drive have helped to produce small business growth, job creation and economic recovery in our local communities,” said Victor Parker, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration Los Angeles District Office.
Other businesses honored were: Marketing Innovations International, Caban Resources LLC, Shortin’ Bread, Forbidden Art LA, DPTint, GTD Shipping and Distribution. To read in more detail about the clients’ personal success stories, please visit our website at www.smallbizla.org.
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