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New Director Named to Lead Regional Small Business Centers

University Oversees Efforts to Provide Assistance and Support

Jesse A. Torres

Jesse A. Torres is the new lead director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Centers for Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Cal State Fullerton’s Mihaylo College of Business and Economics has been responsible for administration of the centers in Fullerton, Santa Ana and Riverside since 2003. Torres is headquartered on the campus and oversees the training, consulting and technical assistance the centers provide to businesses with less than 100 employees.

He joined the university this month after serving for four years with Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management as director of alumni and corporate relations. In that position, he was tasked with relationship-building and implementing programs — aspects of his new role, as well.

“The success of small business is critical to the vitality and growth of our region,” said Torres, a resident of Los Angeles. “By working closely with our hosts, community partners and the Santa Ana District SBA office, our centers will continue to deliver maximum economic impact to our area.”

Torres holds an M.B.A. from Pepperdine and is a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, Orange County Business Council and South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce.

The Fullerton Lead Center, TriTech-Irvine, Santa Ana and Riverside Small Business Development Centers are underwritten by annual contracts awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Last year, the centers provided counseling and training for more than 10,000 clients.

For more information, go to the California Small Business Development Center website.

Photo: Available online at www.fullerton.edu/newsphotos

Media Contacts:
Jesse Torres, Small Business Development Center, 657-278-5168 or jessetorres@fullerton.edu
Pamela McLaren, Public Affairs, 657-278-4852 or pmclaren@fullerton.edu