Cypress hosts vets business workshop

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in partnership with the City of Cypress’ Assist, Grow, Educate, Network & Thrive (AGENT) Program, held a well-attended and informative program on veterans and entrepreneurship.

Topics discussed included why veterans make great entrepreneurs, opportunities for higher-level training in entrepreneurship, Small Business Administration (SBA) loan initiatives, and how veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses can leverage their status to secure federal and state government contracts.

Economic Development Specialist Douglas Dare was the featured presenter. Dare has been an Economic Development Specialist with the Santa Ana District Office of the U.S. SBA since November 2009.  He has served as an infantry assaultman with the United States Marine Corps who was deployed in 2003 to Iraq, and participated in combat operations in the areas of Baghdad, Najaf, and Babylon. He earned  a Combat Action Ribbon among other awards.

As an Economic Development Specialist, he is responsible for promoting the SBA’s small business programs in the counties of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino along with helping small businesses access the three C’s of SBA – capital, contracting, and counseling.

For more information about the SBA, its programs and services, please call 714- 550-7420 or visit online at www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/2/3103.

For more information about the City of Cypress, City services to the business community or for information on how you can relocate your business to Cypress, please call Redevelopment Project Manager Steve Clare at 714-229-6728.