The College of the Canyons Small Business Development Center won top honors at the 2007 Annual Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network meeting, winning three of the four awards that were presented, including "Top Overall Performing SBDC" and "Highest Overall Long-Term Clients."

The college's SBDC team member, Gil Murphy, was also awarded the "Top Consultant Award" at the awards ceremony held on Dec. 12 at the Crown Plaza in Los Angeles.

"Our organization's hard-working and professional staff has allowed our center to grow and make a difference in the local economy by helping over 2000 businesses in its first two years," said Paul De La Cerda, director of the Small Business Development Center.

"We are grateful for the support we receive from College of the Canyons and ourcorporate and government sponsors which allows us to continue to serve business owners in the Antelope, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita Valleys," he added.

Since January 2006, the SBDC has served more than 3,000 people and has conducted more than 160 business and training seminars. The SBDC has assisted with $1.5 million in capital investment into the local economy and has helped create 51 new jobs.

"The work done by the Santa Clarita SBDC, hosted by College of the Canyons, has in a very short period of time been noteworthy," said SBA District Director, Alberto G. Alvarado.

"All small business owners and those aspiring thereto should be pleased with the services that are available through the SBDC. The recent recognition that was afforded the College of the Canyons and its entrepreneurial staff underscores their commitment to the community in support of our growing small business sector. We salute director Paul De La Cerda and the entire staff for their work and this well deserved honor," Alvarado added.

Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the California Economic Workforce Development Program, community business sponsors and host institutions, Small Business Development Centers offer free one-on-one business counseling and low-cost training workshops in English and Spanish providing special programs for minority, women, disabled and veteran owned businesses.

Determined to help the local economy remain vibrant and strong, the COC SBDC fosters small business growth, offers one-stop assistance and a wealth of information, expertise and guidance to business owners and budding entrepreneurs in North Los Angeles County.

"College of the Canyons is proud of the role it plays in the ongoing development of Santa Clarita's dynamic economy.Fostering the growth of small businesses is an important aspect of our mission, and something we take seriously," said Dr. Dianne Van Hook, College of the Canyons Superintendent-President."Being recognized for the excellent job we are doing is extremely gratifying."

For more information about the Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons, please visit www.canyonsecondev.org or call 661-294-9375.