California Small Business Development Centers (or SBDCs) are a valuable resource for business owners in the Golden State. California's SBDCs are part of the U.S. Small Business Administration's national network and are designed to encourage and help strengthen small businesses. Small Business Development Centers in California offer a variety of services, such as training, counseling and resources. There are SBDCs all over the state of California, from the Southern California SBDC to the Northern California SBDC, making these resources readily available to nearly everyone in the state.

When looking for California Small Business Development Centers, look for portals nearest your business, but also check out the larger, regional centers. Take full advantage of the SBDC in California by signing up for membership and receiving all materials the center may offer. To find the best resources for your business:

1. Look up the California SBDC district nearest your business.

2. Determine which California SBDC portals are nearby.

3. Explore the offerings of the California Small Business Development Centers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find your regional Small Business Development Centers, CA

SBDCs are divided into regions in the state of California. Some of those regions have their own websites. Therefore, the first step in taking advantage of the SBDCs offerings is to find the correct local California SBDC for your region.

I recommend: For a complete list of all Small Business Development Centers in California, see the State of California's website, which offers physical addresses, phone numbers and websites for each portal (when available). You may also find California SBDCs through the U.S. Small Business Association locator map; on the provided map, just click on the state of California for more information.

Discover SBDC in CA's Northern area

Northern California hosts its own SBDC website, packed with information, resources and services. They also provide information and links to smaller SBDC portals for specific cities in the northern area of the state.

I recommend: The Northern California SBDC Network offers many useful resources, including online tools for writing business plans, resources for women and a list of financial resources. Be sure to also explore the website's counseling and training resources (see appropriate links in the left-hand menu). For training courses and other resources in Northern California's biggest city, see the San Francisco Small Business Development Center's website.

Find local California SBDC for central areas

Central California also has its own website, detailing the services, tools and resources they offer. You'll discover information on where workshops and consultation services are held, as well as lots of free literature to help you make your business thrive.

I recommend: The Central California Small Business Development Center (CCSBDC) offers consultation services, training courses, referral services and online tools. For information on quarterly workshops in the Bakersfield area, see The Weill Institute of Kern Community College District's website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  SBDC in California offers entirely free services to small business owners. Every bit of counseling and training costs you nothing outright; it is paid for by funding partners such as the U.S. Small Business Association and state agencies, through tax dollars.