SBDC Provides Research and Development Assistance to Local Entrepreneurs

Feb. 19, 2013 - PRLog -- Ventura County entrepreneurs looking to turn an idea into a prototype or to assess the marketability of a product under development can receive assistance through the EDC-VC’s Small Business Development Center and California State University Los Angeles SBDC. The two SBDCs are partnering on the program to provide companies with a prototype, drawing or 3-D rendering of a product and free review, analysis and feasibility studies from an engineering perspective. Companies looking to create any of these three product development tools can work with the Los Angeles-based SBDC on development for a nominal fee.  

“This program will help some of our region’s most innovative minds overcome a barrier to entry into the market,” said Ray Bowman, SBDC director of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. “There are a lot of great products out there that don’t get past the prototype phase because the developers or engineers don’t have the resources to create the renderings and market the product effectively. This new program will alleviate that problem and determine if these products have a market.”

The cost of development of the prototypes is well below market rates, noted Bowman. The SBDC will also conduct environmental testing and analyze the feasibility and cost of a product’s mass production. Companies can access the program through the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County's SBDC at (805) 384-1809 ext. 21.

The SBDC is funded by the SBA and provides professional business assistance at no cost to businesses. Participating businesses are required to follow a well-defined scope of work and report their economic successes. These SBA milestones are defined as job creation, increase in sales, capital investment, jobs retained and business started.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, manufacturing outreach and international trade program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.