DE LA CERDA ON JOB AT COLLEGE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER.

Byline: Daily News

VALENCIA -- A local school board member and recipient of the Hispanic Engineering National Achievement Award started his new job Monday as director of the Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons.

Paul De La Cerda owned a successful technology business that focused primarily on the development of patented wireless products and electronic systems for private industry and the federal government. Most recently, De La Cerda began a private consulting practice focusing on business solutions, fundraising and marketing strategies.

``His solid background in business and strong ties to the community will undoubtedly benefit the college and the continued success of small businesses in our SBDC region,'' said Dena Maloney, the college's dean of economic development.

The center, established in January, serves the Santa Clarita, Antelope and San Fernando valleys. The center helps prospective and existing small-business owners in northern Los Angeles County to start, retain or expand their businesses through workshops, one-on-one consulting and other programs. Counseling is offered in business-plan development, basic accounting, marketing and sales, and technology, as well as assistance in accessing capital and state and federal government contracting.

De La Cerda worked in the Los Angeles Mayor's Office as the director of homeland security grant programs and as the economic development deputy for Councilman Greig Smith.

De La Cerda is a founding member of the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Business Committee.

For information, visit the college's Web site at www.canyonsecondev.org or call [phone].