Now more than ever, it’s crucial for businesses to have a strong online presence. As a product-based business owner, it can be challenging to navigate the complex world of e-commerce. That’s where California Shop Small’s ‘From Start to Cart’ program comes in. This 6-week program, an initiative of the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Network (SBDC) and Northern California Region SBDC, gives aspiring and existing business owners the tools and resources needed to sell their products online successfully.
The From Start to Cart program covers everything from getting your business online to reaching new customers and increasing sales on a local, regional, and national level. Business owners who complete the program will also gain access to a California-branded eCommerce platform, making it easier than ever to reach customers far and wide.
To date (May 31, 2023), 517 small business have graduated from the Start to Cart program with more groups to begin going through the program in the Fall.
Perhaps one of the most exciting parts of the program is the six-month free subscription to sell online on California Shop Small, an e-commerce marketplace developed and managed by Member Marketplace Inc. The marketplace gives Californians (and those afar) an easy way to buy directly from and support California small businesses. Business owners receive one-on-one consulting to help them further their online success. It’s a unique opportunity that can make all the difference in the success of a business.
Why Other Economic Development Programs Should Follow Suit
For starters, e-commerce is a massive and rapidly growing industry and businesses that aren’t selling online are missing out on a vast customer base. Implementing a program like ‘From Start to Cart’ can help bring more businesses into the world of eCommerce and drive economic growth.
Moreover, businesses that successfully sell online are more likely to grow, hire more employees, and contribute to their local economy. By providing business owners with the resources and support needed to sell online successfully, economic development programs can make a significant impact on their community.
The ‘From Start to Cart’ program offered by the California SBDC is an excellent resource for any product-based business owner looking to sell online. It provides a comprehensive roadmap to success, along with a free subscription to sell online and one-on-one consulting to help businesses achieve their goals. Economic development programs should take note of the success of this program and look to implement something similar in their own communities to help drive growth and support local businesses.
At the conclusion of the program businesses will get to participate in a launch event with California Shop Small to celebrate all the new businesses joining the marketplace. California Shop Small’s Spring Launch Day 2023 took place on May 31st, launching 145 new small businesses on the platform. These launch events are the perfect opportunity for customers to support local small businesses and make a direct impact in the community, while customers from all over the state can expect amazing deals, discounts, and a chance to win giveaways. This event showcases the innovation, resilience, and creativity of California’s small business owners who make the state so vibrant.
Visit the California Shop Small marketplace: https://www.californiashopsmall.com
Learn more about the Start to Cart program:
Orange County Inland Empire: https://ociesmallbusiness.org/programs/ca-shop-small
