Paul Garza, Jr.

Paul Garza provides access to capital for early stage and small businesses, community, workforce and land development services for public and private groups, and government relations. He has formal affiliations with major networks of equity investors, public agencies and, a broad network of government and elected officials.

He is an experienced economic development, business development, communications, marketing and public affairs professional with extensive knowledge of local, state and national community development issues.  His organizational experience includes broad-based public outreach campaigns with community-based organizations, education, non-profits, business and local government.  He has more than 30 years of experience in the delivery of programs to local communities.

Paul served as the Vice-President for Economic and Workforce Development at the Orange County Business Council from 2001 to 2006. He was responsible for developing a county wide economic development strategy, promoting Orange County as a premier business environment, and assisting businesses. While there he initiated several major projects including Orange County Innovation and Latino Educational Attainment. Paul joined the Business Council following eight years as the Director of Economic Development for Rancho Santiago Community College District where he acquired the grant for the Digital Media Center, was responsible for the District’s efforts in small business development, contract training, and several other programs providing services to business. While at Rancho he brought in more than $16 Million in grants and contracts.

Paul has a wide background including community development, politics, education, association management and business. He is Chairman of the United Way’s Somos Familia Council, Secretary of Orange County Innovation, and serves on the board of Healthy Smiles OC and TELACU Community Capital among other boards, and serves on the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Access to Capital Community. He served on the Board of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for eight years. He has worked and/or consulted in El Salvador, India, Mexico, Oman and Saudi Arabia. He is long term resident of Fullerton and has a BA and MA from Cal-State University, Fullerton.