Resources
Local Resources
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Best For: Startups, Business Planning, Funding, Growth
The UC Merced SBDC provides free one-on-one advising, workshops, and business support services to entrepreneurs throughout Merced County. Business owners can receive guidance on business planning, marketing, access to capital, and strategies for growth.
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Best For: Networking, Small Business Growth, Community Connections, Professional Development
The Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs through networking opportunities, business education, advocacy, and community engagement. The Chamber helps business owners build connections, access resources, and strengthen their presence within the local business community.
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Best For: Women Entrepreneurs, Business Startups, Business Planning, Mentorship, Workshops, Marketing, Funding, Technical Assistance, Central Valley Businesses
The Central Valley Women's Entrepreneur Center (WE Center) provides free business advising, training, workshops, mentorship, and technical assistance to entrepreneurs throughout California's Central Valley. Whether you're starting, growing, managing, or selling a business, the WE Center offers personalized support, business planning, marketing guidance, funding resources, and networking opportunities. In addition to its Fresno headquarters, the WE Center recently opened a satellite office in Modesto, expanding access to entrepreneurs in Stanislaus, Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras, and surrounding counties.
Visit Central Valley Women's Entrepreneur Center (WE Center) Business Training & Technical Assistance
Funding & Business Support
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Best For: Business Planning, Funding Opportunities, Technical Assistance, Business Growth
CalOSBA Small Business Centers connect entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders with trusted advisors, training programs, and business support services throughout California. Through free or low-cost assistance, business owners can access guidance on business planning, funding opportunities, marketing, operations, and long-term growth strategies.
Visit CalOSBA SCALE Program
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Best For: Grants, Funding Opportunities, Nonprofits, Business Growth
The California Grants Portal is the State of California’s official website for grant opportunities. Entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community organizations can search for available funding programs, learn about eligibility requirements, and stay informed about new grant opportunities across a variety of industries and sectors.
Visit California Grants Portal
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Best For: Minority-Owned Businesses, Access to Capital, Government Contracts, Business Growth
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) supports minority-owned businesses through business consulting, access to capital, contracting opportunities, and strategic growth resources. MBDA helps entrepreneurs connect with funding, government and corporate procurement opportunities, and expert guidance to strengthen and scale their businesses.
Visit MBDA Business Center
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Best For: Mentorship, Business Planning, Marketing, Financial Management, Business Growth
SCORE provides free one-on-one mentoring, educational workshops, and practical business resources for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Business owners can connect with experienced mentors for guidance on business planning, marketing, finances, operations, and long-term growth.
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Best For: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Spanish Speakers, Business Planning, Entrepreneurship Training
The CVIIC MOBI Entrepreneur Training Program offers free, Spanish-language entrepreneurship training designed to support immigrant and Latino entrepreneurs. Participants learn how to develop business ideas, create business plans, manage finances, and build sustainable businesses through culturally responsive education and community support.
Business Toolkits
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Best For: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Business Planning, Legal Resources, Funding Opportunities
Immigrants Rising provides a comprehensive collection of resources designed to support immigrant entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey. The hub includes information on business planning, funding opportunities, legal considerations, and strategies for building and growing a business, with resources that are inclusive of entrepreneurs from diverse immigration backgrounds.
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Best For: Business Planning, Entrepreneurship Education, Marketing, Financial Management
The SBA Learning Platform offers free online courses, tools, and educational resources to help entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their businesses. Topics include business planning, marketing, financing, government contracting, and day-to-day business operations, allowing business owners to learn at their own pace.
Visit SBA Learning Center
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Best For: Business Planning, Marketing, Operations, Financial Management, Business Growth
The SCORE Resource Library provides free business templates, guides, webinars, and practical tools to help entrepreneurs navigate every stage of business ownership. Resources cover topics such as business planning, marketing, operations, finance, hiring, and business growth.
Visit SCORE Resource Library
Business Guides
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Best For: Business Registration, New Business Owners, Compliance Requirements, Business Formation
The California Secretary of State's bizfile Online portal helps entrepreneurs register, manage, and maintain their businesses in California. Business owners can access information on business entities, required filings, compliance requirements, and online services for starting and operating a business.
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Best For: Business Support, Technical Assistance, Funding Opportunities, Business Growth
CalOSBA Small Business Resources connects California entrepreneurs with business support centers, technical assistance programs, funding opportunities, and educational resources. Through a statewide network of trusted partners, business owners can access guidance and services to help start, manage, and grow their businesses.
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Best For: Immigrant Entrepreneurs, Business Planning, Funding Resources, Entrepreneurship Education
The Immigrants Rising Business Hub provides free resources, guides, and tools designed to help immigrant entrepreneurs start, manage, and grow their businesses. The platform includes information on business planning, funding opportunities, legal considerations, and entrepreneurship strategies, with resources that are inclusive of diverse immigration experiences.
Funding & Financial Resources
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Best For: Grants, Funding Opportunities, Nonprofits, Business Growth
California's official grants website provides information on funding opportunities available to businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. Users can search for grants, review eligibility requirements, and stay informed about new funding opportunities across the state.
Visit California Grants Portal
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Best For: Small Business Loans, Access to Capital, Minority-Owned Businesses, Financial Education
Accion Opportunity Fund provides small business loans, financial education, and business coaching for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank financing. The organization focuses on supporting underserved and minority-owned businesses with access to capital and financial resources.
Visit Accion Opportunity Fund
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Best For: Microloans, Startups, Access to Capital, Entrepreneurs with Limited Credit History
Kiva provides crowdfunded micro-loans with no interest or fees to help entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses. The platform is designed to expand access to capital for business owners who may have limited credit history or face barriers to traditional lending.
Visit KIVA
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Best For: Business Financing, Loan Guarantees, Business Expansion, Access to Capital
IBank supports California small businesses through loan guarantee programs that help entrepreneurs secure financing from participating lenders. These programs can improve access to capital for businesses seeking to expand, invest, or create jobs.
Visit California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank)
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Best For: Business Education, Digital Skills, Business Growth, Grant Opportunities
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers free online courses, business coaching, networking opportunities, and occasional grant opportunities to help small business owners strengthen their digital and operational skills.
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