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Carson honors 105 graduates of Small Business Growth Academy; city highlights entrepreneurship supports
Summary
Council recognized the graduates of Cal State Dominguez Hills' Small Business Growth Academy (fifth cohort). Mayor and council presented certificates; graduates described how the program helped their startups and encouraged the city to continue supporting the incubator.
The City of Carson formally recognized graduates of the Small Business Growth Academy run in partnership with Cal State Dominguez Hills. City and chamber leaders presented certificates to members of the fifth cohort and praised the program's contributions to local entrepreneurship.
David Ochi, executive director of the CSUDH Innovation Incubator, told the council this is the program's fifth cohort and that the incubator has graduated 105 local businesses since inception. Graduates described the program as providing mentorship, classroom training and networking that helped them refine business plans, access grants and loans and expand products and services. Several graduates described businesses that target minority communities and said the program helped them move from idea to market.
Leah Skinner was introduced as the newly appointed CEO and president of the Carson Chamber of Commerce and acknowledged the chamber's role in promoting small business development. Council members said they intend to continue supporting the incubator and to partner on shop‑small and expo events that highlight program graduates.
Council members and staff presented certificates in a short ceremony and encouraged residents to refer small business owners to the academy's next cohort, which the incubator said begins in early March.
