University of La Verne SBDC Small Biz Blog

Here at the University of LaVerne SBDC, we have been creating content and teaching small business owners to empower them to help start or grow their small businesses. Our Small Biz Blog turns 4 years old, and it has been an interesting time. In this article, I will reflect on why we started, how we do it, and some tips if you are looking to use content to attract and build an audience over the long term.  I'm Josh From the University of La Verne Small Business Development Center. SBDCs are local centers funded by the SBA that help small businesses with free one on one consulting and free training like this video. So, let's get started.  Why a Blog? We started the University of LaVerne SBDC Small Biz Blog because at the time the world was shut down here in California. Many people were looking to get not only with their existing businesses but looking to start up a small business as well.  Originally, I decided to create timely guides to help people through COVID and help people

  Many veteran small businesses need some sort of advantage when they are starting government contracting, and gaining some kind of veteran certification can do just that. Many small business owners find the certification process really confusing and are not even sure where to begin to apply. In this video guide, I will cover what the DBVE certification is, how to apply for it online, and how to put your years of service to work for your business. Background So what is the DVBE certification? The Disabled Veteran Business enterprise Certification is government contracting socioeconomic certification in California. California has committed to set aside 3% of contracts for DVBEs. The certification allows you a 5% incentive for DVBEs on applicable state solicitations. This means if you are DVBE certified and are 5% percent higher than the lowest bid that isn’t certified you can win the contract because of this incentive. The State of California also allows the certification to apply to th