State Controller's Office to Host Seminar for Small Business Owners

Tough economic times can be exasperating for the small business owner.

That is why the California State Controller's Office will be hosting a two-hour seminar on Wednesday to help small businesses identify financial opportunities.

“This event is for those who want to go into business and those who are currently in business,” said Alex Barrios, information officer for the controller's office.

Five speakers will cover topics from finance to growing a business through exports.

“My particular portion of the talk is going to be concentrated on Small Business Administration resources that provide access to capital for business owners,” said Ian Lorenzana, business specialist with SBA, a federal agency supporting small business owners. “The resources that we are going to be presenting are crucial.”

Lorenzana's talk, “Process of Securing Business Financing,” will cover ways in which small business can get financing for their businesses.

“People think that it is very difficult to apply for a loan nowadays,” said Lorenzana. “This is not necessarily the case, as long as the potential business owners can get the help they need.”

Growing business through exports will also be a topic in the seminar.

“Owners of small and medium-sized enterprises should be aware of the tremendous current and future opportunity to grow their businesses, profitably, by expanding into markets outside the United States,” said Randal Long, lead consultant for the California Center for International Trade Development, Santa Ana at Rancho Santiago Center. “While our domestic economy is not growing rapidly, access to customers outside the U.S.A. is growing rapidly.”

The talks and information will only be available in English, but Spanish-speaking businesses can find out about the financial topics discussed through the Small Business Development Center in Los Angeles at 213-674-2696. For information on exports or imports, call the California Center for International Trade Development, Santa Ana at 714-564-5414.

The Wednesday seminar will take place at the Chicana Action Service, 3601 East 1^st Street in Los Angeles, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Registration will start at 7:30 a.m. You can call 213 833 6025 to reserve a space.