Since the e200 program's inception, the district offices from throughout the country selected to offer the program have identified business owners who have shown a high potential for growth in underserved markets and provided them with the training, networking, resources and motivation required to expand operations and create jobs.  The Santa Ana District is one of two districts in California to offer the program, which is open to businesses that have annual revenues of at least $400,000 and have been operating at least three years.

This year's graduating businesses include:

Craig Metheny, Ardent Environmental Group

Ardent is an environmental consulting firm which provides environmental consulting services in support of real estate acquisition, sale, and management.  Principals and staff include registered geologists, environmental assessors, and certified asbestos consultants with over 20 years of experience in the environmental consulting field.

Loran Whitehorn, Whitehorn Construction Company

Whitehorn Construction is a general contractor offering a full spectrum of design, preconstruction, development, planning, and construction services.  The company has acquired a reputation for reliability and competitive pricing, with offices in Lake Elsinore, San Diego, Yuma, AZ and Pago Pago, American Samoa.

Rachel Ramirez, Performance Excellence Partners

Performance Excellence Partners (PEP) provides technical assistance and consulting services to government organizations including the Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, Department of Justice, and the Department of Education, as well as other public and private organizations.

Claudia Williams, Jani-Trol, Inc.

Jani-Trol is a full service janitorial company in business for over 11 years.  Their customer base includes Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as other federal, state, county, and city facilities.

Kenneth Escajeda, Nevada-BKD Corp.

Nevada BKD Corp is a licensed electrical contractor in the states of California and Nevada.  Primary contracts have been for the local electrical utility in their high-voltage substation switching yards.

Rose & Austin Kanehe, Aloha Construction Services, Inc.

Aloha Construction Services, Inc. is an excavating contractor based in Lake Elsinore specializing in grading fine and rough pulls for commercial and Federal buyers.  The earthwork company recently completed a substantial road project at Camp Pendleton.

Isaura (Izzy) Hernandez, KD Precision Machining

KD Precision is a machine shop that specializes in CNC machining and turning.  KD services the aerospace, military, commercial, and automotive industries and operates a 7,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility in Anaheim, California.

Vik Bapna, California Watershed Engineering

CWE is a consulting, engineering, and planning firm, helping both public and private sector clients to improve the quality of life in our watersheds in an innovative, cost-effective, and holistic manner.  CWE is the first company established to fully integrate its clients' needs in the areas of storm water management, watershed management, and water resources. 

For more information on the SBA's e200 program, please contact Eric Ravelli at (714) 560-7455.