The content in this preview is based on the last saved version of your email - any changes made to your email that have not been saved will not be shown in this preview.
Header with SBDC logo and various small business pictures
June is PRIDE MONTH
Celebrating our LGBT+ Communities
We celebrate our LGBT+ community! Join us by honoring and supporting our LGBT+ business owners.

In this issue:
  • SBDC Live honors our LGBT+ Business Community
  • Client Spotlight: Alma Mendez, Owner of La Texanita Restaurant in Santa Rosa
  • Deadlines for Grants: Sonoma County Microbusiness REOPENED
  • 5 Questions: Sonoma SBDC's New Program Coordinator, Evelin Sustaita Serecero
June 7 | SBDC LIVE Online
This Month: Celebrating our LGBT+ Business Community
Join Business Advisors John DeGaetano and Ed Troxell for an online discussion Tuesday, June 7th at 10am.

June's show is a celebration of Pride Month and our LGBT+ Businesses in Sonoma County!

Special guests include Alma Mendez of La Texanita Restaurant; startup entrepreneur Keith McNamee of Ally Card, and Bob Pullum President of the the Russian River Chamber of Commerce.
Celebrating a Restaurant with Pride
Alma Mendez: "Just go for it"
In 1999, Alma Mendez moved to Sonoma to open a food truck with her sister.

Using their mom's homemade recipes, they launched a successful business that quickly became a local favorite.

The business was growing and doing so well that Alma decided to move into a brick-and-mortar location.

In 2004, she opened La Texanita Restaurant located at 1667 Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa, which quickly became known for its made-from-scratch offerings, particularly the house made tortillas, fresh salsas and the renowned carne asada tacos.

Did you Know?
La Texanita Restaurant quickly garnered the attention of Food Network star Guy Fieri, who invited Alma to participate in an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

Watch the latest video below, featuring owner Alma Mendez!
Sonoma County Microbusiness Grant Reopened
The California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant for Sonoma County is reopened!

Sonoma County has reopened the grant of $2,500 for microbusinesses.

To receive it, your business must be in Sonoma County and you must NOT have received a grant from the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (administered through Lendistry), as well as other criteria.
Logo for CA Governors Office of Small Business Advocate
Meet our new Program Coordinator
Evelin Sustaita Serecero
What did you do before working for Sonoma SBDC? I was a Training Coordinator at JobLink, developing workshops and other training programs for our community.

What are you most excited about in taking on this role? The learning involved with taking on a new role; I like a new challenge!

What's most helpful about your background? I grew up in Sonoma County and am an SRJC and SSU Alumni so I know the county well. I received my BA in Spanish and Chicano/Latino Studies; I am fully Bilingual in English and Spanish which allows me to assist businesses in either language.

What inspires you about Sonoma County? I'm always inspired by the hidden history wherever you go.

What are you most passionate about? Three things: personal development, food, and nature. I'm always learning, am big into hiking, and enjoy the culture and art related to food.
Evelin Sustaita-Serecero
Interested in working with Sonoma SBDC and our expert Business Advisors?
Work|Life {Balance}
Join Summer on the Square in downtown Santa Rosa for free entertainment for the family. June's lineup includes:

Movie:
  • June 2 - Love, Simon

Music Series:
  • June 9 - Kids on a Crime Spree
  • June 16 - La Agencia
  • June 23 - John Courage
  • June 30 - Tru Lyric
Sonoma Small Business Development Center
Visit Us Online at SonomaSBDC.org | 707-595-0060
Logo: CA Governors Office of Business & Economic Devt
Funded in part through a grant with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Contact Louise Dawson at info@sonomasbdc.org.