Cal State Fullerton to Oversee
Regional Small-Business Development Centers
July 25, 2003 :: No 11
Cal State Fullerton has been awarded a contract
to oversee the U.S. Small Business Administration’s regional
small-business development centers for Orange, Riverside and San
Bernardino counties.
The university’s College of Business and Economics
is now responsible for the overall administration of centers located
in Fullerton, Santa Ana and Riverside, including promotion of the
training, consulting and technical assistance the centers provide
to businesses with less than 100 employees. The effort is led by
Michael Ames, director of the college’s Center for Entrepreneurship
and Small Business Institute and professor of management.
Cal State Fullerton was awarded $800,000 for July-December
and will seek an extension of the contract through 2004. The university’s
proposal was supported by Congressman Ed Royce (R-Fullerton); Curt
Pringle, mayor of Anaheim; Don Bankhead, mayor of Fullerton; Miguel
A. Pulido, mayor of Santa Ana; and the Orange County Business Council.
As part of the contract, Cal State Fullerton proposed
and was approved to revitalize the technology small-business development
center formerly known as Venture Point, which had been operated
by the business council. The center will be hosted and operated
by the College of Business and Economics. In addition to assisting
with training and consultations, the center will promote technology
transfer, funding and international trade for the region’s
high-tech firms.
“We believe that these centers offer area businesses
vital support and training and are a natural addition to our current
efforts to help area and regional businesses,” said Anil K.
Puri, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “Last
year, we started an entrepreneurship program, and we maintain a
vigorous Family Business Council. Clearly, Cal State Fullerton is
well-positioned to provide leadership to the region’s small-business
centers.
“Also, preparing our students not only for
working in businesses, but to be able to start a business of their
own is a priority. This grant will help us realize our vision.”
Ephraim Smith, vice president for academic affairs
led the university’s proposal team. Other team members: Ames;
Joseph Greco, director of the college’s Center for the Study
of Emerging Markets; Cal State Fullerton alumna and attorney Vi
Pham, who will direct the Santa Ana District Small Business Development
Center; and Puri.
Media Contacts: |
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Vi Pham or Michael Ames at (949)
644-4541
Joseph Greco at 657-278-4125
Pam McLaren of Public Affairs at 657-278-4852 or pmclaren@fullerton.edu
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