Small Business Success
A small business has a better chance of launching, growing and thriving when the owner uses small business assistance.
Learn business management skills at a convenient webinar
Receive one-on-one guidance from an expert business consultant
Find the financing you need to start or grow your business
Be inspired by these entrepreneurs who have utilized free and low-cost services from a local small business program.
Asociación de Emprendedor@s Graduation
The Asociación de Emprendedor@s graduated 20 new entrepreneurs in the City of San Bernardino, and these participants completed the Emprendedor@s Program. In this intensive 8-week program, they received training about self-empowerment, leadership skills, and business acumen (Technical Assistance).
This is the XIII Generation of Graduates from the Mexican Consulate in San Bernardino, bringing to more than 290 residents of the County of San Bernardino, CA. that had benefited from this FREE Program, about 80 of them are residents of the City of San Bernardino. During the graduation ceremony, the participants had the opportunity to present their elevator pitches about their businesses; after the official Ceremony, they showcased their micro-businesses to friends, families, and elected officials.
We had the opportunity to have the attendance of City Councilmember Mr. Damon L. Alexander, 7th. Ward. Amanda Hernandez, Manager of the Economic Development Department, and Karen Suarez, Uplift San Bernardino Director, were all hosted by Monica Robles, Founder & President of Asociación de Emprendedor@s; Melba Parada, Asociación de Emprendedor@s Business Consultant.
Faith-Fueled Triumph: Dana's Journey from Breast Cancer Survivor to Inspirational Entrepreneur
Dana is a woman of faith, a daughter, mom, wife, grandmother, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, business owner, and Breast Cancer Survivor.
In October 2013, she heard the words, “You have breast cancer”. And it was also at that time that her surgeon told her, “But God has a plan for your life.”
Dana told herself that cancer would not write her ending; it would be a part of her journey that would lead her to her purpose. She took the words that her surgeon told her very seriously and went back to school and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in the field of Business with a concentration in Marketing, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Though she did not know God’s plan, she wanted to be ready.
Saying yes to God’s purpose for her life, she started a business that has granted her access to helping other breast cancer survivors through their journey. Cinderella’s Closet Lingerie, a boutique located in the Inland Empire, specializes in post-mastectomy garments for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The boutique offers a wide range of products, from comfortable and stylish bras to specialized clothing designed to meet the unique needs of post-mastectomy patients.
Dana’s business faced significant challenges during the 2020 pandemic, resulting in financial losses. The pandemic led to a decrease in foot traffic and a shift in consumer behavior, posing a threat to the survival of her business. However, Dana managed to turn things around through determination and strategic planning. By 2021, there were signs of progress, and from 2022 to 2023, the business experienced remarkable growth, increasing by over 400%. This kind of turnaround shows how resilience and planning can lead to significant success even after difficult times.
Dana is indeed a hidden gem with a remarkable resume built quickly. Despite her humility and reluctance to boast about her achievements, her accolades speak volumes about her impact. In 2021, she was named Susan G. Komen’s Cancer Care Hero, an award recognizing individuals who have significantly contributed to the fight against breast cancer. In 2022, she was one of 20 people chosen nationwide to receive Synchrony’s Grant Award, a prestigious recognition for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas. In 2023, she was honored with the Spirit of the Entrepreneur award as a Small Emerging Business, a testament to her resilience and success in adversity. Most recently, in 2024, she was named the SBA Woman-Owned Small Business Owner of the Year, a title that acknowledges her as a role model for other women entrepreneurs.
Some may ask, what is the wind beneath her wings? And she will tell you, it’s the promises of God. Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Dana’s unwavering faith has guided her journey, inspiring others to trust in their own paths.
From Family Camper to Entrepreneur: Marisol Hill's Journey with Adventure RV California
Marisol Hill came to the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center in September 2019. Years prior, Mrs. Hill met her husband, and they bought their first trailer to camp in. As they started having kids, the couple kept changing RV’s to accommodate their growing family.
In 2019, Adventure RV California officially registered as a C-Corp. Mrs. Hill started sharing her RV to conduct business, which quickly gained traction. The client recognized RV rentals as her passion and, with the help of her husband, realized she wanted to gain more business knowledge, which led her to the IEWBC.
Mrs. Hill identified that through IEWBC services, she could have a support system, peers, organizational help, and programs such as It’s Your Time: Entrepreneurial Training Program for Women to give her a stronger sense of direction. She completed the program in 2020. Business counselor La’Vonne Shields assisted Mrs. Hill with Excel, budgeting, and financial projections. Regarding business expansion, meetings with Gretchen Strutzenberg helped broaden Mrs. Hill’s vision and business ideas.
During their meetings, Strutzenberg worked on Mrs. Hill defining “Who You Are, What You Do, How to Promote Business and Consignee’s Benefits” of Adventure RV California. She could also hurdle an obstacle and ensure she had the correct legal documents regarding liability within the RV rental industry. Mrs. Hill reported to the IEWBC in June 2020 that she could book two of the business’s rigs for the entire summer and would need to invest in more.
As a result of the services provided by the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center, Adventure RV California continues to grow in sales. Since the start of her business, the company has made $249,000 in sales. The company also helps manage other RVs with a consignment program and plans to add 5 to their fleet. Mrs. Hill plans to invest in two more rigs from the money. She has gone from just her and her husband as employees to hiring two part-timers. Mrs. Hill has secured contractors as well. In the last 12 months, the business has totaled $124,000 in sales.
Empowered Growth: How the SBDC Guided Our Funding Journey
Working with Carla and SBDC gave us confidence, saved us time and energy, and lowered our stress when applying for funding. We attended an online seminar, set up a consultation, and applied for our loan.
Carla followed up every step of the way, gave us tips, and answered questions that often left us wasting time searching for answers or overthinking processes. That extra time saved allowed us to work on growing our business.
Thank you! SBDC is a great tool and advocate for small businesses.
Have you been inspired by these entrepreneurs and ready to find help?
These entrepreneurs have utilized free and low-cost services from a local small business program. Locate the right resource for your current need and write your own small business success story.