As an SBDC advisor, will Leonard provide technical advising of the design and construction process; help with organizational development; counsel on the startup of a contracting business, engineering firm or architecture firm; and counsel business owners on building a facility or expanding or renovating an existing one.

"Sean has a wealth of information on the construction and development side of business. We brought him on as an advisor for ABC Kids Preschool and Childcare's new space in Fillmore. When the construction and renovation project is complete, the preschool will be yet another part of the solution to closing childcare gap in Fillmore," said Ray Bowman, director of the SBDC of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. "He is a leader in the construction management field and we are honored to be able to offer his expertise to SBDC clients."

Leonard and his team have managed or consulted on the design or construction of nearly 1.4 million square feet for nonprofits in Ventura County including the VCCF Nonprofit Center, Museum of Ventura County and the Camarillo Library. They also have helped build nearly 2,000 affordable housing units across Southern California, including several hundred with Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation. Over the last 25 years, Leonard has taught construction management at UCLA and USC. He holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from UCLA and an MBA from USC.

The SBDC is funded by the SBA and provides professional business assistance at no cost to businesses. Participating businesses are required to follow a well-defined scope of work and report their economic successes. These SBA milestones are defined as job creation, increase in sales, capital investment, jobs retained and business started.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, manufacturing outreach and international trade program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit http://www.edc-vc.com.