The college’s Small Business Development Center takes home two awards.

The United States Small Business Administration Los Angeles District Office has awarded the 2009 Service Excellence and Innovation Award to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by College of the Canyons.

Presented annually at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards luncheon, the award honors an SBDC Service Center for excellence in providing value to small businesses and advancing program delivery and management through innovative means.

The award was officially presented during the Small Business Awards luncheon held Wednesday June 17, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

“This award is of particular pride to me because it speaks to the quality of our highly talented staff and the many services they provide to the small business community,” said Steven Tannehill, director, SBDC hosted by College of the Canyons.

“We have an outstanding, client-centered counseling and office staff whose focus is on responding to the needs of our customers while remaining nimble in providing them with help and solutions,” added Tannehill. “This award is an acknowledgement of their talent, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Also honored at the luncheon was Connie Sparks, senior trainer and counselor at the SBDC hosted by College of the Canyons and founder/president of the Wade Institute, who was presented with the Home-Based Business Champion of the Year Award.

The award is presented to individuals who have experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a home-based business and are now working to improve the climate for such businesses.

“Connie has helped hundreds of small businesses across our region and is often one of the first counselors our clients talk to and interact with upon visiting the SBDC hosted by College of the Canyons,” Tannehill said. “I love having someone with Connie’s enthusiasm and expertise set the stage for what our clients can expect from the SBDC.”

The SBDC, hosted by College of the Canyons was launched in January 2006 and serves the Santa Clarita, Antelope Valley, and San Fernando Valleys.  SBDC business advisors assist prospective and existing small business owners start, retain or expand their businesses by providing workshops, one-on-one consulting, and many other resources to the business community.

The SBDC hosted by College of the Canyons is part of a network of seven Small Business Development Centers serving businesses from Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Los Angeles County.

For more information about the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by College of the Canyons visit www.canyons.edu/SBDC