PROFIT TALKS: CALIFORNIA SHOP SMALL, the SBDC’s Online Marketplace for Small Businesses

Cherie Edilson, Founder of the SBDC's online marketplace for small business owners, CALIFORNIA SHOP SMALL talks about this amazing program (and her own personal journey starting it). Creating a place for small "makers" and "creators" to move from the Farmer's Markets and Swap Meets in their local communities and sell their wares online as well. From custom hairbows (like Cherie once made and sold) to all sorts arts and crafts and handcrafted foods and other one-of-a-kind items, CALIFORNIA SHOP SMALL has it all.

An SBDC's initiative that empowers new entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into market-ready products within six weeks ('Start to Cart'). The program offers a supportive cohort system, hands-on learning experiences, and personalized coaching for getting products online. What sets it apart is its culmination, offering participants a platform to showcase and sell their products as a free resource for 6 months as well as continued direct 1-1 support.

As we approach Small Business Saturday and the launch of the latest cohorts, it's a great time to delve into the impact of such initiatives and the importance of shopping small this holiday season. On this week's Profit Talks Podcast. Brought to you by your Orange County/Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.