Small Business

Access to Capital

Access to Capital was developed in 2012 by the California Financial Opportunities Roundtable. Representing finance, impact investing, philanthropy, business, economic development, government and more.

Business Matchmaking

Business Matchmaking provides opportunities for small businesses to secure selling opportunities from government agencies and major corporations, both at key events and through an online network. Business Matchmaking continues to be a free initiative for all small business participants. Visit the Business Matchmaking Web site frequently to see when free events are in your area.

California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Alliance

The CA DVBE Alliance proudly serves California’s service-disabled veteran business owners through outreach and education.

California Small Business Development Centers

California Small Business Development Centers are ready with regional expertise to assist you in becoming a successful business owner, with low cost business training and free business mentoring. Find your local SBDC.

California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program (SBLGP)

The California Small Business Loan Guarantee Program (SBLGP) is administered by the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency and works to help businesses create and retain jobs, while at the same time encouraging investment into low- to moderate-income communities. Recognizing that small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy and the main drivers of private job creation, the SBLGP enables small businesses to not only obtain a loan it could not otherwise obtain, but to establish a favorable credit history with a lender. With that, the business may obtain further loans on its own, without the assistance of the program. Small businesses owners that employ five hundred (500) people or less may apply for a SBLGP loan by contacting one of the Financial Development Corporations (FDC).

California Tax Service Center

The California Tax Service Center is a partnership of tax agencies includes Board of Equalization, Employment Development Department, Franchise Tax Board, and Internal Revenue Service joined together to streamline and improve our taxpayer resources and educational programs.

Guide to Federal Healthcare Laws

The Health Law Guide for Business, tailored specifically for California’s business community, helps business owners navigate all 2,409 pages of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in one simple website.

Service Core of Retired Executives (SCORE)

SCORE "Counselors to America’s Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed. With 364 offices and 12,400 volunteer counselors nationwide, SCORE provides face-to-face mentoring as well as online counseling and workshops. To find your nearest chapter, see http://www.business.ca.gov/InteractiveMap.aspx.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

SBDC assists prospective and existing small business owners in California to start, retain, or expand their businesses. The Centers assist with business plans, marketing, finance questions, and other business issues. To find your nearest center, visit the America’s Small Business Development Center Network Web site.

Start a Business

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development offers you many resources when starting a business in California.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses through a number of financial programs. While SBA itself does not make loans, it provides guarantees on loans from private and other lending institutions. To learn more about applying for a guaranteed loan, please visit the SBA’s Web site or contact your nearest SBA district office.