Local businesses now only need to knock on one door to find the services, expertise and resources they need to grow and thrive. The new Center for Business Advancement officially opened its doors with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Higher Education Center at National City.
“The academic programs and the community services we offer here in National City are truly unique,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Kathy Tyner. “And now we have created a real hub by putting together—under one roof—all the resources small business owners need to grow their businesses.”
This hub brings together four business service organizations to better provide support to small businesses that help them achieve success and stimulate the local and regional economy. The Center for Business Advancement is comprised of the San Diego Center for International Trade Development (CITD), the San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the South San Diego Small Business Development Center.
The CITD helps businesses connect to a global economy through resources that help with international trade and partnerships. The SDCOC helps small businesses gain coveted and lucrative government contracts. The SBDC and the South San Diego SBDC’s professional advisors focus on businesses’ individual needs and offer personalized consulting.
Through each of these organizations, small business owners can receive one-on-one counseling, training, attend workshops and access capital that help their small businesses thrive.
“It is my pleasure to help celebrate a key mission of our community college that many people don’t know about,” said Governing Board Member Norma Hernandez. “In addition to providing all community members the academic resources they desire to improve their lives. Our community colleges are economic engines that help grow our global competitiveness.”
Joining the Center for Business Advancement at the celebration were members of the campus community, successful local businesses helped by the center and South Bay leaders, including National City Mayor Ron Morrison National City Councilwoman Mona Rios and Congressman Juan Vargas.
The newly remodeled Center of Business Advancement offices on the first floor of the Higher Education Center in National City were funded with Proposition R, Southwestern College’s $389 million general obligation bond approved by voters in November 2008.
