Free Small Business Help and Resources

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Below are small business assistance agencies that provide answers and free counseling to help you in areas such as securing business financing, writing a business plan, setting up a bookkeeping system, identifying target markets and much, much more.

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Local Small Business Resource Partners
LOCATION
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Aptos
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Central Coast Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Arcata
Arcata Economic Development Corporation
Provides small loans ranging from under $100 to a maximum of $2MM to prospective, small business borrowers and backed by the US SBA. Executive Director: Barbara Garza Loan Manager: Kelli Denney...View details

Auburn
Sierra Economic Development Corporation (SEDCorp)
SEDCorp works to alleviate unemployment and underemployment by expanding industrial resource and small business development in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Services include training on all aspects...View details

Auburn
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) - Greater Sierra
The Northeastern California SBDC - Greater Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides one-on-one consulting (by appointment only), training and technical assistance in all aspects...View details

Bakersfield
Mid State Development Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Bakersfield
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Bakersfield
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) CSU Bakersfield
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Capitola
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Chico
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Chico
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Butte College Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Chula Vista
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Southwestern College Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Citrus Heights
Economic Development Foundation of Sacramento, Inc
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Citrus Heights
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION(SBA) OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (OVBD)
OVBDs mission is to assist veterans, service-disabled veterans, reserve component members, and their dependents or survivors by helping them to learn about, access and effectively utilize all...View details

Concord
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Contra Costa Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Davis
California Statewide Certified Development Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Eureka
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) North Coast Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Fairfield
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Solano County Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Fresno
Central California Business Finance Group
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. ...View details

Fresno
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Fresno
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION(SBA) OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (OVBD)
OVBDs mission is to assist veterans, service-disabled veterans, reserve component members, and their dependents or survivors by helping them to learn about, access and effectively utilize all...View details

Fresno
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Regional Network
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Fresno
Valley Small Business Development Corporation
Offering working Capital Loans for inventory, receivable, and equipment ($2,500 to $500,000); Fixed Asset Loans for real estate acquisition - new and existing (up to $1,300,000) under the SBA...View details

Glendale
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Glendale
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION(SBA) OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (OVBD)
OVBDs mission is to assist veterans, service-disabled veterans, reserve component members, and their dependents or survivors by helping them to learn about, access and effectively utilize all...View details

Hemet
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Irvine
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Tech Coast Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Jackson
Amador Economic Development Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

La Habra
La Habra Local Development Company, Inc
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Long Beach
Long Beach Area Certified Development Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Los Angeles
CHARO Community Development Corporation
CHARO Community Development Corporation provides bilingual (Spanish/English) business & technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses; entrepreneurial training, workshops &...View details

Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation (PCR)
PCR is a private, non-profit corporation founded in 1977 to assist small business owners in becoming successful members of the Southern California business community. Through contracts with the...View details

Merced
Alliance SBDC Merced Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Merced
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Modesto
Alliance SBDC Modesto Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Modesto
Success Capital Expansion & Development Corporation (SCEDCO)
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings....View details

Monterey
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Napa
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Napa Valley College Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Oakland
Oakland Business Development Corporation (OBDC)
Oakland Business Development Corporation or OBDC Small Business Finance, was formed as a community corporation in 1979 to provide loan products and related services to Oakland-based firms. Today...View details

Oakland
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Oakland
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) East Bay Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Oakland
Women's Initiative for Self Employment
The Women?s Initiative is a one-stop shop where high-potential, lower-income women receive training to start and grow their business. Services include business management training, technical...View details

Oceanside
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) North San Diego County Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Oxnard
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Palm Springs
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Palmdale
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Pittsburgh
Los Medanos Fund
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Pomona
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Eastern Los Angeles County Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Redding
Economic Development Corporation of Shasta County
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Redding
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Shasta College
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Redlands
Enterprise Funding Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Riverside
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Inland Empire Office
The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the region’s premier provider of business consulting and training services for the existing and aspiring business owner. The SBDC...View details

Sacramento
California Business Investment Services (CalBIS)
The California Business Investment Services Unit (CalBIS) has been established within the Employment Development Department. CalBIS serves as the State of California?s ?front door? for employers,...View details

Sacramento
Greater Sacramento Certified Development Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Sacramento
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Sacramento Region
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Greater Sacramento Office
The SBDC works with existing and start-up business owners by providing counseling services and workshops on issues such as business basics, planning, registering a business, financing, regulations,...View details

Salinas
California Coastal Rural Development Corporation
Provides start-up and expansion business loans to prospective, small business borrowers and backed by the US SBA. Executive Director: Herb Aarons Micro-Loan Contact: Rey Hidalgo...View details

San Diego
CDC Small Business Finance Corp
Provides start-up and expansion business loans to prospective, small business borrowers and backed by the US SBA. President: Kurt Chilcott Micro-Loan Contact: Alex Robinson...View details

San Diego
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

San Diego
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION(SBA) OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (OVBD)
OVBDs mission is to assist veterans, service-disabled veterans, reserve component members, and their dependents or survivors by helping them to learn about, access and effectively utilize all...View details

San Francisco
Capital Business Group, Inc
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

San Francisco
Mortgage Capital Development Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

San Francisco
QB3 Garage
The QB3 Garage Network includes two incubators that allow startups to access modern laboratory space close to UC faculty. These incubators, the QB3 Garage@UCSF and the QB3 Garage@Berkeley, offer...View details

San Francisco
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Works to empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse people in the SF Bay Area. Contact: Janet Lees, Program Director...View details

San Francisco
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

San Francisco
Small Business Administration(SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD)
OVBDs mission is to assist veterans, service-disabled veterans, reserve component members, and their dependents or survivors by helping them to learn about, access and effectively utilize all...View details

San Francisco
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) San Francisco Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

San Francisco
Southeast Asian Community Center
Provides business technical assistance and mircoloans up to $35,000 to prospective, small business borrowers operating in the Bay Area, Northern California. Executive Director: Phillip Tuong...View details

San Francisco
Women's Initiative for Self Employment
The Women?s Initiative is a one-stop shop where high-potential, lower-income women receive training to start and grow their business. Services include business management training, technical...View details

San Jose
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

San Jose
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Silicon Valley Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

San Luis Obispo
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

San Luis Obispo
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) South Central Coast Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Santa Ana
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Santa Ana
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION(SBA) OFFICE OF VETERANS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (OVBD)
OVBDs mission is to assist veterans, service-disabled veterans, reserve component members, and their dependents or survivors by helping them to learn about, access and effectively utilize all...View details

Santa Ana
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Orange County Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Santa Ana
Southland Economic Development Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Santa Barbara
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Santa Maria
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Santa Rosa
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Santa Rosa
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Redwood Empire Office at Santa Rosa Junior College
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Sonora
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Stockton
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE mentors provide free & confidential business mentoring through local Chapters or Online Counseling . SCORE helps entrepreneurs develop business plans, explore growth opportunities...View details

Stockton
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) San Joaquin Delta College Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Stockton
Tracy/San Joaquian County Certified Development Corporation
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Tulare
Business Finance Center of Tulare County
A non-profit corporation partnering with the US SBA and private sector lenders to provide growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. Contact:...View details

Van Nuys
Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC)
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Van Nuys
Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC)
VEDC works to maintain a strong economy and a better quality of life throughout California by supporting small business start-up, growth and sustainability. Programs and services include access...View details

Yuba City
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Yuba College Office
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details



Statewide and Nationwide Small Business Resource Partners
LOCATION
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Statewide
Small Business Administration (SBA) California District Office
Works to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation....View details

Statewide
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) California Network
The SBDC works with start-up and existing business owners providing free counseling services on issues such as business planning, registering a business, financing, regulations, licensing,...View details

Nationwide
Foundation for the Advancement of Marketing Excellence in Entrepreneurs ( FAMEE)
FAMEE is a nonprofit organization that offers online marketing courses tailored to the interests and needs of small and medium sized businesses. Access to online courses, support materials and...View details

Nationwide
SBDCGlobal.com
SBDCGlobal.com is a free, multicultural, web-based trade platform that links the advisors and small business clients of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) networks in the United States,...View details

Nationwide
SCORE Counselors to America's Small Business
SCORE offers free, confidential small business advice for anyone looking to start, grow and succeed in business. With a national volunteer network of over 13,000 business mentors and 350 chapters,...View details

Nationwide
Veterans Virtual Incubator (VetBizGo)
VetBizGO is a resource and referral community tailored to supporting Veterans in Business. Content promotes awareness, access and use of thousands of no and low-cost federal, regional and local...View details

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