Noel Cox

Owner, 21st Century Comics, Fullerton

As an animator for the Simpsons, Noel Cox started his commute at 6 a.m. and didn’t get home until 8:30 p.m. He dreamt of the day when he could spend quality family time and work at something he loved.

When Noel and his wife Keri learned about the possibility of purchasing 21st Century Comics in Fullerton, they knew this business was perfect for them, but they didn’t know where they would get the needed funding. Fortunately, they discovered the Orange County Small Business Development Center, an economic development program of Rancho Santiago Community College District.

“Every class and consulting session helped immensely,” says Noel. “Everyone at the SBDC really wanted us to succeed.”

The Coxes came to the SBDC for assistance in acquiring a loan through the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC loan consultant helped them prepare a loan package to present to the SBA. Although the original loan request was declined, the SBDC encouraged them to pursue home equity financing which proved successful.

“We didn’t know how to write a business plan,” says Noel. “The SBDC consultants were very accessible and always had the name of someone else who could help us.”

To help with additional business expenses, the SBDC directed them to Acción which approved them for a $7,500 line of credit.

In May 2004, they completed the purchase of 21st Century Comics and its stock of 50,000 titles and issues, action figures and other related items.

“Things are looking brighter for the future,” says Noel.