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.