San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network
2024 Small Business Awards Event Program
Empowering Excellence
WELCOME FROM RUBEN GARCIA
Honoring Outstanding Small Business Owners in 2024
SBA District Director
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FOR THE SAN DIEGO & IMPERIAL VALLEY
Today we recognize our local small businesses that have prospered despite economic uncertainties in recent years. We also recognize those Small Business Champions who support and advocate for small businesses. Whether this is in the legislative arena advocating for reasonable and fair regulations, or helping small businesses start, and grow, our advocates strive to help and protect small businesses.
As we navigate through these uncertain economic times, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who assists our small businesses to overcome hardship and grow.
We want to acknowledge our Lending and Resource Partners… our many SBA participating lenders, for their outstanding support of SBA’s various loan programs, and technical assistance partner organizations including the Small Business Development Centers, the SoCal Veterans Business Outreach Center, SCORE, and our Women’s Business Center, as well as, the APEX Accelerator, for all of the guidance and support they provide to our local entrepreneurs and small businesses. These organizations are true partners and do much to enhance the services the SBA provides locally.
The SBA provides technical assistance, guarantees loans made by SBA lending partners, helps small businesses get government contracts, and provides disaster recovery funding. The SBA has guaranteed funding for many companies like FedEx and Rubio’s, who started small and have grown to be large companies.
We congratulate today’s small business winners; and all our local small businesses, that they represent, and the community that supports them. We look forward to continued collaboration in seeing them continue to thrive, grow, and achieve the highest level of success.
The San Diego District Office of the SBA recognizes the commitment, hard work and perseverance of all those who have chosen the entrepreneurial track, and all those who endeavor to support them in achieving their dream. We all look forward to our ever-expanding small business ecosystem continuing to grow and nurture a community that fosters, supports, and enhances small business success.
Congratulations to all who were nominated and those who have been recognized as Small Business Award winners!
Give. Grow. Gather together.
Building a stronger community brings out the best in everyone. Together, we can share more, create more change, and do more good for the places we call home.
2024 SBA Small Business Awards , we are proud to celebrate your commitment and service to the community.
© 2023 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 7583816-3 MOD: 997
EMCEES
Ruben Garcia, SBA District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration for the San Diego & Imperial Valley
Ruben R Garcia is the Federal District Director for the SBA, U. S. Small Business Administration, and is responsible for the San Diego and Imperial Counties of California. As the SBA District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration for the San Diego and Imperial Counties Ruben is responsible for the administration of the Federal government educational and financial opportunities for small business entrepreneurs.
Danny Fitzgerald, Regional Director of the San Diego & Imperial Valley SBDC Network
Danny Fitzgerald works for Southwestern Community College as the acting regional director for the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network. He also oversees the San Diego & Imperial Women’s Business Center and is the fiscal agent for the California Women’s Business Center Network. For over 20 years, he has been a prominent fixture in the small business communities of San Diego and Imperial counties. His service in a wide variety of leadership and executive roles has made a significant impact on thousands of businesses and multiple industries throughout the State of California.
AWARDS PROGRAM
SMALL BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT
CPC Productions
CPC Productions, based in San Diego, California, boasts 18 years of expertise in special events and live production. As the new standard in audiovisual services, they bring dreams to life through their full-service event production and management offerings.
Cherry Blossom Floral Designs
The beautiful centerpieces on your tables are provided by a client of the San Diego & Imperial Valley SBDC Network. Cherry Blossom Floral Designs specializes in weddings, corporate events, and unique floral design services. For your next event, please consider cherryblossomfloraldesigns.com.
Josheph Paguio
Southern California-based photographer who specializes in capturing people’s special, authentic moments in a photojournalistic style. I’m looking forward to telling your story through the art of photography! Proudly serving the Greater Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire, Ventura areas, and beyond. www.josephpaguio.com
Maio Digital Marketing
Maio Digital Marketing provides strategic digital marketing services for start up companies or small businesses that are looking to grow. With over 20 years of marketing experience, Stefanie Maio has a passion to help people with their marketing needs. If you are looking for marketing services, please consider Maio Digital Marketing.
Eco Caters, LLC
Eco Caters’ mission is to provide the highest quality event catering to our community. Their talented chefs and event design teams work to incorporate organic ingredients and sustainable practices into our business every day. The result? Forward-thinking, crowd-pleasing menus presented with style and sophistication.
The Lane Venue – by Moniker Group
The Lane, in the historical Embarcadero area of Downtown San Diego, is your answer. With stunning views of the San Diego Bay, this versatile venue offers 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor areas, including a fabulous 3,500-square-foot terrace. Enjoy lounges, bars, and appetizer stations in the sun-soaked terrace, perfect for weddings and networking events.
www.monikerevents.com/the-lane
El Cajon Print
Family-owned and operated print and engraving shop, where personalization meets professionalism. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, we take pride in customizing everything from essential printing solutions to heartfelt personalized engraved gifts. www.elcajonprint.com
BizVid Communications
A small business client of the San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network, BizVid Communications is the creative mastermind behind our award winner videos. For your next video production needs, please consider www.bizvidcommunications.com.
CONGRATULATIONS
to the SBA Awardees!
Your collective dedication, resilience, and innovation have made a significant impact on San Diego’s small business landscape.
The Economic Development Department is here to help all businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you’re figuring out how to start a business, expand your current operations, navigate the permitting process or anything in between, our team can assist.
EVENT VOLUNTEERS
Marisa Castaneda
PROJECT SPECIALIST
Amy Chapman
ADMINISTRATOR
Cynthia Harris
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Diana Barbiani
ADVISOR
Rafael Rodriguez
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE
Cheryl Brown
DIRECTOR
Miguel Magdaleno
ADVISOR
Mayra Pimentel
STUDENT WORKER
Laysha Rueda
STUDENT WORKER
CONGRATULATIONS
To The SBA Awardees
The relentless commitment, unwavering resolve, and forward-thinking spirit of the community have made a profound mark on San Diego’s business environment. The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority stands ready to support the growth and prosperity of businesses and entrepreneurs.
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GOLD SUPPORTER
SILVER SUPPORTER
BRONZE SUPPORTER
TABLE SUPPORTERS
EVENT SUPPORTERS
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE PARTNERS
We would like to acknowledge the various resource partners that go above and beyond to support the success of the small business community.
