PCR joins seven other SBDC Service Centers that provide small business consulting, entrepreneurial education, and access to resources within Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The SBDC Network is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

"PCR is well-known within the business community and has been a dedicated and successful small-business service provider," said Sheneui Sloan, Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network Director. "The SBDC Network entered into a contract with them because of their success in providing financial technical assistance to the small business community, as well as their outreach to diverse businesses in the downtown Los Angeles area."

"PCR is excited to become a part of the nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers," said Constance Anderson, PCR SBDC Director. "For 30 years, we have focused on assisting small businesses most in need. Now, joining the SBDC Network will enable us to expand the geographic reach, scope of our services and help the SBDC Network reach diverse communities."

PCR, located at 3225 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1501, will provide services within metropolitan Los Angeles and outlying areas, including Huntington Park, Bell, South Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, Glendale, Burbank, Sun Valley, Pacoima, Universal City and Hollywood.

PCR is one of Los Angeles' oldest non-profit business development organizations. Founded in 1977 PCR was created to provide financing to small business owners deemed "unbankable," plus offer them professional guidance. In 2003, PCR received the SBA MED Week Technical Assistance Advocate Award, and the organization has been recognized by numerous organizations for their work to advance small businesses. PCR is one of the top providers of state-funded and SBA backed loan programs. In addition, PCR works with over 20 financial institutions to provide access to capital and financial technical assistance.

Overseen by the Long Beach Community College District (LBCCD), the SBDC Network has service providers affiliated with area community college districts. SBDC Service Centers are located in Santa Clarita, Ventura, Hawthorne, Westchester, Santa Monica, Long Beach and the San Gabriel Valley, among other sites.

PCR specializes in small loans, averaging $80,000, but can lend up to $500,000. Over the years, PCR has provided 2,144 loans worth more than $180 million, plus helped create 5,773 new jobs, retained 18,963 existing ones, impacted another 24,736 and trained 1,400 entrepreneurs.

About Pacific Coast Regional SBDC

The PCR SBDC became part of the SBDC Network to expand upon the work it began in 1977 as an economic development corporation assisting small business owners. PCR (www.pcrcorp.org) is a private, non-profit corporation helping small businesses most in need. Through federal and California state contracts, plus partnerships with private institutions, PCR provides financial technical assistance, entrepreneurial education and one-on-one consulting services. PCR's SBDC financial programs include: loan and bond guarantees, disaster bridge loans and direct (environmental) loans. Educational services include: the Entrepreneurial Training Institute, Small Business Consultants Program and Small Business Start-Up Guide, plus Small Business Seminars. Contact: Constance Anderson, PCR, (213) 739-2999, Ext. 228

About the Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network

The Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network (www.smallbizla.org) has served the small business community for over 25 years with one-on-one consulting services, 'no cost to low cost' entrepreneurial education programs and access to capital and resources. The nationwide, Small Business Development Center Program is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and helps more than 1.3 million business owners annually through 1,100 SBDC service centers nationwide. Contact: Sheneui Sloan, SBDC Network, 562-938-5008