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Orange County EDC Logo
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) along with the Orange County Economic Development Corporation is preparing for the second set of workshops for local small businesses prepare for commerce with industry partners through the Local First Initiative.
On Jan. 9, the SBDC will host “You Asked, We Listened” – Local First Make Up Session for Session 1 at the Orange County EXPO and Convention Center Meeting Room, from 11a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission is complimentary and lunch will be provided, but participants must register in advance at: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/workshopsseries.
Local businesses in our community are gearing up to forge impactful collaborations with large industry companies. As the landscape of commerce evolves, these enterprises recognize the tremendous opportunities that lie in establishing partnerships with major industry counterparts. Through strategic planning, adapting to industry standards, and enhancing their capabilities, local businesses are positioning themselves to seamlessly integrate into the supply chain of large industries. This preparation not only fosters economic growth at a local level but also contributes to the overall resilience and vibrancy of our small business environment.
“Southeast Texas has over $80 billion in large, industry projects announced over the last ten years,” said Dana Espinal, MBA, Director of the SBDC at Lamar State College Port Arthur. “The ability to do business with industry partners can have a major impact on our local small businesses.”
"Local businesses play a pivotal role in our community's economic landscape,” said Kristie Young, Consultant with the Local First Initiative. “As they prepare to engage with large industry partners, they not only enhance their own growth prospects but contribute significantly to the overall prosperity and sustainability of our region."
"Participating in the Local First's workshop on preparing for collaboration with large industries was a great benefit for us at the Orange Stationer,” said Paul Dickerson with the Orange Stationer and participate in the October 2023 Local First workshop. “The insights gained, and connections made have opened wonderful opportunities for our business. This workshop not only helps small businesses understand the requirements for large jobs but shows them how to meet those standards. This fosters a community where small business can thrive alongside industry giants ensuring a vibrant and resilient business environment for Orange County.”
The LSCPA SBDC coverage area includes Bridge City, Orange and Vidor municipalities. All Orange County area small businesses are welcome to contact Dana Espinal, MBA, for more information. This series of workshops presented by Golden Triangle Polymers, Local First, and the Orange County Economic Development Corporation.
The Lamar State College Port Arthur Small Business Development Center is a business advising and training center of the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network serving 32 counties in Southeast Texas. The SBDC program is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Lamar State College Port Arthur SBDC is a center of the Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network. The Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network serves 32 counties in Southeast Texas. The Lamar State College Port Arthur SBDC is an EEO/AA institution.