California:
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
With a robust economy, access to venture capital, and a vibrant startup culture, California is one of the best places for entrepreneurs to realize business success.
Entrepreneurship has been a driving force in California’s economy for over a century. From the gold rush of the 1800s to the tech boom of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the state has consistently been at the forefront of business development and innovation. Today, California remains a premier destination for entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering a strong economy, access to venture capital, and a thriving startup culture.
What makes California so special for entrepreneurs? First and foremost, it is the state’s diversity in industries and economic activity. Agriculture, technology, and entertainment are just a few examples of the thriving sectors that call California home. In the tech industry, California is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies, including Apple, Google, and Facebook. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry is centered in Hollywood, where film, music, and television production all flourish. Finally, California is one of the largest agricultural producers in the country, exporting over $20 billion in products each year.
In addition to its diverse industries, California is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to take risks. The state provides a supportive environment for small businesses, with a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is an important resource for small business owners in the state, providing guidance and support in areas such as business planning, capital connections, and marketing strategies.
The SBDC is particularly focused on supporting small businesses in the state’s agricultural, technology, and entertainment industries. By providing resources and assistance, the SBDC helps entrepreneurs overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, the SBDC is here to help.
In conclusion, California’s legacy of entrepreneurship and innovation is alive and well. From its diverse industries to its supportive environment for small businesses, the state remains a prime destination for entrepreneurs and innovators. Join the millions of California entrepreneurs and find your local SBDC to start or grow your business. With the support of the SBDC, you can achieve success in the Golden State and continue its legacy of entrepreneurship.
California’s Legacy of Entrepreneurship
Our state has been a driving force in the development of new technologies and businesses, and we continue to lead the way in today’s economy. Our success is due in part to our strong support for small businesses and our willingness to embrace new ideas. We have a rich history of entrepreneurship and innovation, and we are committed to continuing that tradition in the years to come.
What makes our state so unique?
From agriculture to aerospace, California is a very diverse state, with a wide range of industries and economic activity. For another, California has always been a place where people have been willing to take risks and try new things. Finally, California has a strong entrepreneurial culture, with plenty of support for small businesses starting up and growing.
California has a long history of entrepreneurship dating back to the Gold Rush of 1849. Early entrepreneurs laid the foundation for our state’s long tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Over the years, California has continued to be a hotbed for new businesses and innovative technologies. Home to Silicon Valley, Hollywood, Napa and landscapes including half-dome, become world-famous thanks to our entrepreneurs’ creativity and drive.
Today, California remains a leader in the global economy, thanks largely to our strong entrepreneurial culture. From agriculture to aerospace, California businesses continue to lead the nation [] and [topic] thrive, and our economy is one of the strongest in the world. We owe this success to the generations of entrepreneurs who have called California home.
Start/Grow
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Comprehensive, confidential services to help businesses start and grow in California.
Buy/Sell
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SBDC’s experienced business consultants can help you in buying or selling a business.
Recover
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Resources, assistance, and guidance to help your business recover from disaster.
Leadership
The California Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free or low-cost counseling, training, and resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
The California SBDC Leadership Team is comprised of experienced professionals from the public and private sectors. The team is responsible for the strategic direction of the SBDC program and the oversight of all SBDC activities. The team guides program policies, operations, and program evaluation. The team is committed to providing the highest quality of service to all of its customers.
The five regional directors each bring their own unique qualifications and expertise to the table. Their collective knowledge of economic development, business growth, and marketing practices ensure that the services they provide are comprehensive and tailored to the needs of each individual business.
They provide support and guidance to their clients, helping them develop innovative strategies and plans to reach their goals. The regional directors also coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that businesses are able to access the resources they need. The regional directors are also constantly striving to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to business trends and technology.
They strive to stay informed of the latest developments in the industry and provide their clients with the best possible advice and resources. They are also active in the community, engaging in events and programs that help small business owners in California. The five regional directors are passionate about the success of small businesses in California and have the vision and leadership to help them succeed.
They are constantly looking for ways to improve their services and provide the best possible resources to their clients. Their commitment to helping small businesses reach their goals is evident in all of the work they do.
SBDCs offer access to capital through partnerships with lenders and investors. We also connect clients with a wide range of practical federal and state resources, including funding opportunities, tax exemptions, and procurement contracts.
All of this is made possible with special thanks to the cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and funding from the California Office of Small Business Advocacy (CalOSBA),
California
Leads the Way
California is known for a lot of things: its movie stars, its wine, and its beaches.
But it’s also the fifth largest economy in the world, and home to nearly 4 million small businesses— representing 99.8% of all businesses in the Golden State.
And that’s where we come in.
OUR SERVICES
Everything your business needs to get the job done.
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Whether cutting through red tape, getting a loan for expansion, or creating an online marketing strategy—we have the resources and expertise to help businesses succeed.
consulting:
Our team of experienced business consultants can provide personalized advice and guidance on a variety of topics, including business planning, marketing, finance, and more.
Trainings:
We offer a range of training programs and workshops, covering topics such as business management, sales and marketing, and financial planning.
Capital:
We can connect you with a variety of funding and resource opportunities, including grants, loans, and networking opportunities.
OUR IMPACT
Last year, we helped 51201 small business access over $4,602,211,339.40 in capital investment.
ACCESS TO CAPITAL
$645mm*
Last year we helped our clients access $645MM in capital investment.
new JOBS CREATED
2.3k
new jobs created in 2021
California leads
the way
California is known for its movie stars, wine, and beaches.
But it’s also the fifth largest economy in the world, and home to nearly 4 million small businesses— representing 99.8% of all businesses in the Golden State.
And that’s where we come in.
California
SBDC leads
the way
California is known for its movie stars, wine, and beaches. But it’s also the fifth largest economy in the world, and home to nearly 4 million small businesses— representing 99.8% of all businesses in the Golden State.
And that’s where we come in.
SBDC is the nation’s leading business services firm in growth, strategy, and people.
We bring together experts from diverse marketplace backgrounds —from marketing, to finance, to technology and global trade— to help make small business owners more successful and California’s communities more prosperous.
OUR IMPACT
Last year, we helped 51201 small business access over $4,602,211,339.40 in capital investment.
OUR SERVICES
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Whether cutting through red tape, getting a loan for expansion, or creating an online marketing strategy—SBDC has the resources and expertise to help your business to get the job done.
#the-latest
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and events from the California SBDC and what’s happening in our state.
WE’RE LOCAL
Find Your SBDC
45 SBDC centers and satellite offices located in a neighborhood near your business.
GET INVOLVED
Become a Partner
Join us in making a difference. Raise funds, spread awareness and contribute to a truly important cause.
Our vision is to see every square mile of California realize sustainable prosperity through the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses.
California is known for its movie stars, wine, and beaches.
But it’s also the fifth largest economy in the world, and home to nearly 4 million small businesses— representing 99.8% of all businesses in the Golden State.
And that’s where we come in.
Confidence based on real understanding
With a network of seasoned experts, we don’t just offer advice and resources, we offer a relationship as a trusted advisor you can turn to in good times and bad. Our job is to nurture your entrepreneurial spirit, instilling confidence based on real understanding.
We provide clients a strong foundation to build on.
No one can predict the future, but we can help you prepare for it. In these uncertain times, you can rely on SBDC to provide security and stability when it’s needed most. We are your support team, genuinely excited about your business, and we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs like you successfully navigate the economy’s ups and downs and prepare for whatever lies ahead.
We’re a network
The SBDC program is a public-private partnership that leverages the resources of government, higher education, and the business community to advance economic prosperity for California small businesses and their surrounding communities.
Advising
SBDC’s confidential, one-to-one advising services include business plan development assistance, marketing and sales advice, financial management assistance, and more.
Areas we Advise
Business plan development assistance
Our advisors support creating a comprehensive business plan outlining goals, strategies, and financial projections.
Marketing and sales
Our team offers guidance on creating a marketing plan and identifying a target audience to promote business and increase sales.
Financial management assistance
Our advisors assist with budgeting, forecasting, understanding financial statements, and navigating tax requirements.
Strategic planning
We aid in identifying growth opportunities and developing a plan to achieve long-term goals.
Access to funding
We help clients connect with funding opportunities such as grants, loans, and business competitions, and navigate the application process.
Areas We Advise : :
Business plan development assistance
Our advisors support creating a comprehensive business plan outlining goals, strategies, and financial projections.
Marketing and sales
Our team offers guidance on creating a marketing plan and identifying a target audience to promote business and increase sales.
Financial management assistance
Our advisors assist with budgeting, forecasting, understanding financial statements, and navigating tax requirements.
Strategic planning
We aid in identifying growth opportunities and developing a plan to achieve long-term goals.
Access to funding
We help clients connect with funding opportunities such as grants, loans, and business competitions, and navigate the application process.
Confidential Advising
SBDC’s confidential, one-to-one advising services include business plan development assistance, marketing, and sales advice, financial management assistance, and more.
view advising Areas
Business plan development assistance
Our advisors support creating a comprehensive business plan outlining goals, strategies, and financial projections.
Marketing and sales
Our team offers guidance on creating a marketing plan and identifying a target audience to promote business and increase sales.
Financial management assistance
Our advisors assist with budgeting, forecasting, understanding financial statements, and navigating tax requirements.
Strategic planning
We aid in identifying growth opportunities and developing a plan to achieve long-term goals.
Access to funding
We help clients connect with funding opportunities such as grants, loans, and business competitions, and navigate the application process.
2018—22
In the last 3 years, SBDC helped clients access more than, $4.78 Billion dollars for their businesses.
Access to Capital
The SBDC network includes hundreds of financial institution partners, providing clients with various options to suit their specific needs and goals.
Our specialized finance consultants guide clients through the loan packaging process, helping clients choose the right capital resources for their unique business needs.
Training
Our interactive training sessions, available both online and in-person, cover a wide range of topics to help you stay ahead in the ever-changing business landscape.
From social media marketing to exporting and government contracting, our training sessions are taught by field experts with broad subject knowledge, providing you with world-class, first-hand practical education.
And we know entrepreneurs are busy, so much of our training is recorded and provided as an on-demand resource for your convenience.
fun fact:
Last year, 3255 hours of trainings
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Resources
Protect your data
Cyber Security
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ECommerce
Shop Small
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Online Marketing
Get Digital
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We believe knowledge is power
We believe that continuous learning is crucial for small business success. That’s why we offer a variety of training options, both in-person and online, covering topics such as social media marketing, exporting, and government contracting. Our goal is to help small business owners stay ahead and improve their chances of success.
But we understand that running a business can be busy, that’s why we also offer on-demand recorded webinars, so you can gain insights on your own schedule.
We’re a well connected network
At California SBDC, we bring together a diverse network of organizations, including county and municipal governments, regional economic development partnerships, chambers of commerce, councils of governments, community development corporations, community colleges, and more to create a cohesive ecosystem for sustainable entrepreneurial enterprise, driving vibrant economic growth.
Our mission is helping California’s small businesses realize success
See how we’re doing:
