The Long Beach Small Business Development Center has hired one of its own for its director position, the center announced Wednesday.
Ted Hiatt, who has worked for the center in various capacities since 2010, was named director of the SBDC, which is headquartered at Long Beach City College.
“Ted’s entrepreneurial background, experience at the SBDC and passion for helping small businesses grow and succeed make him a perfect fit to lead our team,” said LBCC President Eloy Ortiz Oakley.
The Long Beach resident will oversee a staff of 16 employees and contract business advisors at two Long Beach SBDC locations, a release stated. Under a federal grant, the SBDC provides consultation to small business owners and develops and facilities small business training and workshops throughout the region.
He has served in different management positions at the Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network Lead Center Center, which is administered by LBCC as well, officials stated. He served as the legislative liaison for the Regional SBDC Network and managed several federal and state grants, added officials. Hiatt has worked with young entrepreneurs in Watts and in East Los Angeles helped launch a Spanish-language small business assistance program.
Hiatt was recognized as employee of the year by the Los Angeles Regional SBDC in 2011.
Before joining the SBDC he worked in the healthcare field and in film production and distribution, according to officials. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and graduated from the language school Estudio Internacional Sampere in Madrid, Spain.
Above, left: Photo courtesy of the SBDC.