The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Soledad officially opened its doors last Wednesday with the purpose of helping small businesses in the City of Soledad. SBDC has partnered with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), UC Merced SBDC Regional Network, and the City of Soledad Community Development Block Grant Program. Soledad City Manager Adela Gonzalez opened the ceremony by thanking those who were instrumental with the logistics of the event, and for those who moved the SBDC idea forward.

Gonzalez introduced Soledad Economic Development Director Miriam Solis, City Council members and planning commissioners to those who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“There is a great need for this service in this community,” Mayor Richard Ortiz said in his welcoming talk.

In a room of about 60 people, Congressman Sam Farr (17th District) thanked everyone for support of small business in the community.

“I’ve been working for small business since I have been in Congress,” Farr said. He spoke of the importance of small businesses and their growth, naming the Packard Company that got its initial start in a garage.

“It all begins with someone who has a passion and a business plan,” Farr said. “Take the passion and the entrepreneurial spirit, inventiveness and that is the start of business. This center will take a citizen's dreams and nourish it to make it happen.”

CSUMB President Dianne Harrison said the university would make business students available to assist the SBDC in Soledad. The students will learn through practical applied services.

“We’re the only school that requires applied learning,” Harrison said.

“Monterey County is one of the most interesting and diverse in the United States and there is so much opportunity here,” Farr said, and added that education isn’t just about the building, but more about communication.



For the complete article see the 07-14-2010 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-14-2010 paper.