Catherine Grooms
As the Executive Director of the SBDC hosted by College of the Canyons, Catherine leads a team of 29 professionals who advise entrepreneurs and business owners in the greater Los Angeles area. Before joining the SBDC in 2006, she spent 21 years in financial management and operations across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and entertainment. She holds a BBA in Accounting from Howard University and an MBA from the University of Baltimore.
Presenting: Small Business Development Center as a Resource
Session Description: Working as an artist and thinking about transitioning into a business? Working as a creator and thinking about business aspects? Have an existing business? Thinking about the possibility of a longer-term plan? Come and learn about the SBDC as a resource, including access to a team of Professional Business Advisors.
Amber empowers individual artists and nonprofits to thrive. As a consultant with a creative design background and over 15 years of experience, she offers a unique blend of strategic expertise and artistic insight. She provides valuable guidance to artists and nonprofits on fundraising, marketing, branding, and building community connections. With a focus on data-driven decisions and meticulous analysis, Amber helps artists and nonprofits develop practical strategies to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact.
A bass trombonist and Cal Poly Pomona Faculty Emeritus, Michael is an Arts Commissioner for the City of Santa Clarita. He has written numerous successful grants for diverse funders and has served on multiple arts grant review panels. As a certified coach and voting member of the Recording Academy, he brings a unique blend of artistic and administrative expertise.
Nicole is a Creative Consultant and speaker who empowers artists to confidently share their work with the world. She teaches practical strategies in social media, email marketing, and business networking to grow visibility and impact.
As the founder of RAGGEDYTIFF, an e-commerce brand that intentionally focuses on cultural pieces representing her roots, Jessica has created designs that span apparel, stationery, and home décor. Her unique artistic vision has gained global recognition and led to impactful collaborations with major companies such as PayPal, the LA Clippers, IPSY, Amazon Studios, and many more.
Katie is an international illustrator, artist, and designer who founded The Brightside, a creative agency specializing in unique art and design projects. She is also the creator of the award-winning book series, Once Upon a Cocktail, and the homeware brand, The Digs Collection. Brightside’s work includes public art installations, the Phyllis Morris Women in Leadership Award, and the John Chase Award for Innovation in Art and Design.
Debbie is an award-winning theater director and arts education leader with over 30 years of experience. As the co-founder and Artistic Director of L.A.’s 24th Street Theatre, she has created acclaimed professional theater and arts education programs since 1997. She has also served as Chair of the Drama Department at The Colburn School of Performing Arts for over 20 years and directs for the LA Philharmonic. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including three Drama-Logue Critics Awards, a Robby Award, and the USC Rossier School of Education’s Innovation and Leadership Award. Most recently, she directed the NAACP Award-winning production of Rapunzel Alone.
Mitra is an interdisciplinary artist based in Santa Barbara. Her creative process centers on themes of self-discovery, identity, and personal expression. She creates art for clients who want to enrich their lives with pieces that reflect personal growth, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the human experience.
A master of over two dozen string instruments, NOMAD’s music is a hybrid of genes influenced by his Cuban and Italian heritage.