Turning Readiness into Resources

The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC) is part of a nationwide network that provides no-cost consulting to entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. The organization is committed to removing financial barriers to business support, ensuring that entrepreneurs from all income levels and backgrounds have access to quality guidance. With multilingual services and consultants who reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, OCIE SBDC takes a personalized approach to helping businesses launch, grow, and thrive.

At times this means helping connect clients to lenders that can provide responsible capital. OCIE SBDC was looking for a lending partner who understood the unique needs of small businesses in under-resourced communities, could work efficiently with SBDC-prepared clients, and shared their commitment to expanding economic opportunity for all entrepreneurs.

Addressing this need, OCIE SBDC and Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) established a referral partnership that creates a clear pathway to capital access. After OCIE SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs to strengthen their business plans and prepare financials, they refer clients to CRF for financing. CRF’s lending team picks up on the preparation support OCIE SBDC provides, working with referred entrepreneurs to structure and close loans.