Small Business Resilience and Success

Navigating the challenging business environment, PCR SBDC works diligently to help small business owners meet their financial goals while increasing business capacity. Over the past year, PCR SBDC helped clients access over $12 million throughout Los Angeles. Several businesses were expanding, looking to add staff, purchase equipment, or relocate to larger space. Even in a tight economy, these funds were made possible by working closely with business advisors who understand the bottom line requirements to help business owners with funding. “Our goal is to help businesses with structuring their financial picture, both today and tomorrow,” quotes Constance Anderson, Director, PCR Small Business Development Center.

Getting businesses to grow often means hiring the right people. Upcoming class will help small business understand the best way to hire. New classes include "How to Hire Your First Employee" and "How to Hire the Best Person."

During 2011, PCR SBDC created 320 jobs for existing and startup businesses with capital funding, one-on-one counseling, and business fundamentals training courses. The track record has kept pace with PCR SBDC’s goals to continuously help more businesses each year. The program saw a sharp rise in startups, an increase of 95% from the previous year. PCR SBDC also helped 60 businesses complete their business plans over the past 12 months. Having a road map can make the difference between a focused business and an unstructured company. Many entrepreneurs who started without guidance have experienced the need to have a sound business plan with sales, marketing and financial strategies. Hundreds recognized these critical keys to business success. Over the past year, 1,270 business owners came to PCR SBDC seeking advice, new ideas and strategies for an improved future.

PCR is Part of an Elite Group

After a rigorous application process, PCR has been approved as the nation’s 34th SBA Community Advantage lender. Under this program PCR has received the SBA’s coveted designation of Small Business Loan Company which gives PCR the authority to make loans that are backed by a SBA guaranty of up to 85%. The maximum Community Advantage loan is $250,000, and PCR will be focusing its efforts primarily on businesses located in South Los Angeles County. PCR’s president, Mark Robertson, expressed that "We are grateful for the confidence the SBA has placed in us and excited to have the Community Advantage program as another financing tool to support our small business clients." PCR’s loan team expects to make its first Community Advantage loan in the coming weeks.

Business Courses in January - February 2012

Start off the New Year with sound business guidance from business advisors. Sign up for Entrepreneurial Training Institute Winter session and learn from professional trainers while sharing experiences with other business owners. All courses are held at Pacific Coast Regional/SBDC 3255 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1501 Los Angeles, CA 90010. Visit www.pcrsbdc.org for course schedule and fees.

Online Training is Now Available!

As small business owners understand, time management is one of the hardest areas to manage when starting or running a business. Equally critical is gaining knowledge of business efficiencies to sustain and grow to the next level. PCR SBDC now offers online business courses which can be accessed with flexible hours to meet entrepreneurs demanding schedules.

Flexible schedule courses are available online with 24 hour access on business management, sales and marketing and numerous topics to start a business or improve the bottom line. If assistance is needed, consultation with a PCR SBDC business advisor is available to complete the course.

To learn more about course offerings, visit www.pcrsbdc.org.

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