Assists small businesses in realizing export potential by providing expert counseling and advice. Phone: (858) 467-7032, Website: http://www.buyusa.gov/sandiego/tuay.html
Author Archives 
San Diego U.S. Export Assistance Center
San Diego Area Green Business Program
The Green Business Program provides tools and resources to businesses to improve efficiency and save money. The goal of the San Diego Area Green Business Program is to promote “green” practices among businesses in the region, and to recognize those businesses that have voluntarily taken extra steps to reduce their environmental impacts and conserve resources. […]
San Diego Gas & Electric, A Sempra Energy Utility
Offers a wide range of services for small and medium-sized businesses to help them get more out of the energy they use. Businesses can receive cash rebates for replacing aging equipment, access to free energy management tools, and more. General Phone: (800) 411-SDGE (7343), Emergency Phone: (800) 611-SDGE (7343), Express Line (Automated Account Information): (800) […]
San Diego Business Healthcare Connection
Provides healthcare advice and low-cost options for small business owners to provide healthcare to employees. Phone: (619) 231-0333, Website: www.sdhhc.org
San Diego Association of Governments
Publishes in-depth demographic studies which are useful for marketing statistics and market analysis. Phone: (619) 699-1900, Website: www.sandag.org
The mission of Mind Treasures is raising a wealthy, prosperous and philanthropic generation through financial literacy and character development by providing financial literacy classes and workshops to children, youth, adults and families Phone: (858) 335-3608 or (877) 283-5052, Website: www.mindtreasures.com
Maximizing Access to Advance our Communities (MAAC )Project
Promotes self-sufficiency for low-and-moderate income families and communities of Southern California through advocacy for, and delivery of, social, educational, housing and employment services. Phone: (619) 426-3595, Website: www.maacproject.org
Food and Beverage Association of San Diego
Provides innovative services, resources, and representation designed for the success of their members, which include restaurants, bars, taverns and clubs. Phone: (619) 228-2291, Website: www.foodnbeverage.org
Provides definitions for most small business terms. Website: http://www.small-business-dictionary.org/
Free websites, business cards and other promotional items. Website: www.vistaprint.com
Free websites and blogs. Website: www.weebly.com/
News in social and digital media, technology and web culture. Website: http://mashable.com/
2010 Social Media Marketing Industry Report
How Marketers Are Using Social Media to Grow Their Businesses. Website: http://marketingwhitepapers.s3.amazonaws.com/SocialMediaMarketingReport2010.pdf
A social commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items as well as art and craft supplies. The site follows in the tradition of open craft fairs, giving sellers personal storefronts where they list their goods for a fee of $.20. Website: www.etsy.com/
Online marketplace for consumers to buy from small businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs. Create your own storefront. Website: www.shustir.com
Combines local reviews and social networking functionality to create a local online community. Businesses create a page for their business and customers can leave reviews based on their experience. Website: http://www.yelp.com/san-diego
A youth-run social enterprise committed to using their skills to assist small disadvantaged businesses and nonprofit organizations in building a strong web presence. Their services include website design and development, graphic design, complete video production for inclusion in their video enhanced business directory, search engine optimization and web analytic. Phone: (619) 269-1684 extension 213 Website: […]
The San Diego Entrepreneur Meetup Group
Monthly business speed networking events in San Diego. http://www.meetup.com/san-diego-entrepreneurs/
Women’s Business Center of California
The Women’s Business Center of California (WBCC) is committed to assisting entrepreneurs starting, expanding, or enhancing small businesses in San Diego County. Small Group Sessions such as Informational Seminars, Interactive Workshops, Roundtable Discussions, Business Brainstorming Meetings, and Panel Presentations; Networking Events such as Mixers and Expos; Comprehensive Entrepreneurial Training Programs; Customized Counseling, Support by Mentoring, & […]
Small Business Development Center North San Diego County
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of North San Diego County is dedicated to increasing the economic vitality of the community by helping small businesses and entrepreneurs build a foundation for SUCCESS! Our Center staff and consultants are here to assist in answering your business questions along with providing many resources that can help you […]
Small Business Development and International Trade Center
The Small Business Development Center and the Center for International Trade Development (SBDC and CITD) provides a unique set of resources to assist potential and existing businesses achieve success! Our staff and counselors are here to assist you in realizing your business goals in the global market. Website www.sbditc.org, Phone: (619) 482-6391
The Neighborhood Market Association
The Neighborhood Market Association (NMA) is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation dedicated to empowering independent of food and alcohol beverage retailers all throughout California, Nevada, Arizona and the West Coast. Our objectives are to provide representation, education, leadership, community outreach, buying power, and support to our members in order to improve their quality of life […]
San Diego Asian Business Association
The mission of San Diego Asian Business Association (ABA) is to unite, promote and advocate the San Diego Asian business community. We provide resources for economic growth and help businesses to compete effectively in the local and global marketplace. Phone: (858) 277-2822, Website: www.abasd.org
San Diego’s Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
The Greater San Diego Business Association promotes prosperity and equality for our members, supporters and the LGBT community. Phone: 619-296-4543, Website: http://www.gsdba.org
Vista Chamber of Commerce can assist you in expanding your marketing reach, in surviving the recessionary pressures and even grow your businesses. Phone: 760-726-1122, Website: www.vistachamber.org
The Santee Chamber of Commerce is a coalition of people dedicated to the promotion and advancement of commercial, industrial, professional and civic interests. The Chamber encourage small business development & education, and community relations. Phone: 619-449-6572, Website: http://www.santee-chamber.org
Spring Valley Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is an ideal referral service for businesses, with promotions provided through local directories, brochures and maps. In addition, the Chamber periodically sponsors mixers, where business owners, managers and employees have the opportunity to get together and network on a business-to-business basis. Phone: 619-670-9902, Website: http://www.springvalleychamber.org
San Marcos Chamber of Commerce
The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce is a business organization dedicated to improving the economic environment of a community and fostering the development of business growth and prosperity Phone: 760-744-1270, Website: http://www.sanmarcoschamber.com
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce will be acclaimed as a leader and catalyst in facilitating value for its members by optimizing their competitive viability in the regional, national, and global marketplaces. Phone: 619-544-1300, Website: http://www.sdchamber.org
Building Vibrant Communities Through Stronger Commerce. Phone: 858-487-1767, Website: http://www.sdncc.com
San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce helps businesses get connected with the growing Hispanic community. We are the ultimate resource for organizations that wish to do business with the Hispanic business community. Phone: 858-268-0790, Website: http://www.sdchcc.com
The mission of the Ramona Chamber of Commerce is to develop and maintain a climate for viable economic growth, to promote loyalty to, and networking for local businesses and to demonstrate an outstanding leadership role in our community.” Phone: 760-789-1311, Website: http://www.ramonachamber.com/
The chamber offers a wide variety of opportunities for you and your business to be involved in the community and to grow your business. Phone: 858-748-0016, Website: http://www.poway.com
Oceanside Chamber of Commerce provides businesses with opportunities to grow through networking and education. Provides leadership and a collective voice for our membership and community thereby promoting a strong business climate and quality-of-life. Phone: 760-722-1534, Website: http://www.oceansidechamber.com
The National City Chamber of Commerce represents the businesses and serves to foster new businesses coming into our vibrant and growing city. We exist to assist with the economic growth of our city and are eager to help any business interest of our city with assistance and information that will make them more successful. Phone: 619-477-9339, Website: […]
East County Chamber of Commerce
San Diego’s East County Chamber of Commerce, with members from El Cajon, the neighboring cities of La Mesa, Santee, Lemon Grove and the communities of Alpine, Lakeside, Rancho San Diego, and Spring Valley. Phone: 619-440-6161, Website http://www.eastcountychamber.org/
The Lakeside Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of developing, promoting and protecting the commercial, industrial, professional, agricultural and civic interests of Lakeside and its surrounding area. Phone: 619-561-1031, Website: http://www.lakesideca.info/
Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce
The Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce strengthens businesses and the community through leadership, prosperity, information, communication, and community involvement. Phone: (858) 350-1253, Website: http://www.goldentrianglechamber.com
From education to economic development, the Fallbrook Chamber seeks to give each of its members the opportunity to prosper in today’s competitive business world. Phone: 760-728-5845, Website: http://www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org/
The Escondido Chamber of Commerce is here to build a stronger local economy. Phone: 760-745-2125, Website: http://www.escondidochamber.org
The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce is your access to your community. We are here to support our local businesses to help them grow and thrive. Phone: 760-753-6041, Website: http://www.encinitaschamber.com
To promote economic vitality and strength in Coronado; to be a leading public policy advocate for business in Coronado; to provide valuable services to our members; and, to fully participate and partner in initiatives that protect and improve the quality of life in Coronado. Phone: 619-435-9260, Website: http://www.coronadochamber.com/
Carlsbad Chamber serves as the unified voice of business. Phone: 760-931-8400, Website: http://www.carlsbad.org
Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce
The Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce & Visitors’ Bureau represents private enterprise and community members interested in the economic health and vitality of our village. Phone: 760-767-5555 or 800-559-5524, Website: http://www.borregospringschamber.com/
Alpine & Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce
Alpine & Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce advances the commercial, industrial, civic, agricultural and general interest and prosperity of the community of Alpine and the surrounding areas. Phone: 619-445-2722, Website: http://www.alpinechamber.com
San Ysidro Business Association
San Ysidro Business Association promotes economic revitalization in a vibrant international community. Phone: (619) 428-5200, Website: www.sanysidrobid.org
Discover Pacific Beach is a business improvement district (BID) in San Diego with 1,300 member businesses. Its area of focus is in San Diego’s Beach communities including Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Phone: (858) 273-3303, Website: www.pacificbeach.org
Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce
Old Town San Diego is nestled in heart of San Diego, with more than 150 shops, award-winning restaurants, 17 museums, and historical sites. Phone: (619) 291-4903, Website: www.oldtownsandiego.org
Ocean Beach MainStreet Association
The Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA) is comprised of area merchants and professionals dedicated to building a thriving business district that fulfills the needs of the neighboring community and visitors alike. Phone: (619) 224-4906, Website: www.OceanBeachSanDiego.com
North Park Main Street is a Business Improvement District (BID) dedicated to the revitalization of the North Park neighborhood in San Diego. Phone: (619) 294-2501, Website: www.northparkmainstreet.com
Mission Hills Business Improvement District (BID)
The Mission Hills BID helps business owners with issues pertaining to city regulations, public right-of-way compliance, enforcing neihborhood policies and other municipal matters. Phone: (619) 296-8100 Website: http://missionhillssandiego.org/
The Little Italy Association (LIA) advocates on behalf of its members’ best interests in the areas of public safety, beautification, promotion, and economic development while preserving the unique cultural resources that exist in the community Phone: (619) 233-3898, Website: www.littleitalysd.com
La Jolla Village Merchants Association provides resources and information relevent to members of the La Jolla community, including upcoming events, community initiatives, committees and much more. Phone: (858) 454-5718, Website: http://www.lajollabythesea.com/membersonly/
Hillcrest Business Improvement Association
The HBA represents over 1,200 businesses acting as a liaison between the business community and the city, and encourages economic development for the Hillcrest area through events and promotions Phone: (619) 299-3330, Website: http://www.hillcrestbusinessassociation.com/
The mission of the Gaslamp Quarter Association is to promote and protect the historic Gaslamp Quarter as San Diego’s premiere Shopping, Dining and Entertainment District, using advocacy, community relations and promotional programs to present an exciting, sophisticated, world-class destination for the residents of, and visitors to San Diego, for the prosperity of the Association’s membership. […]
El Cajon Blvd. Business Improvement Association
El Cajon Boulevard Business Improvement Association seeks to promote and maintain economic growth and cultural diversity by working in partnership with its surrounding neighborhoods, thus serving the needs of the residents and business owners. Phone: (619) 283-3608, Website: www.theboulevard.org
Downtown San Diego Partnership
The Downtown San Diego Partnership is a business organization of members consists of companies and individuals committed to strengthening the business, residential and cultural environment of Downtown San Diego. Phone: (619) 234-0201, Website: http://www.downtownsandiego.org/
College Area Business Improvement District
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are a type of assessment district in which business owners choose to be assessed a fee, which is collected on their behalf by the city, for use in promoting and improving the business area. Phone: (619) 582-1093, Website: www.collegeareabid.com
City Heights Business Association
The City Heights Business Association (CHBA) enhances the growth and improvement of City Heights as an international marketplace, to create partnerships between business and property owners that promote economic revitalization and combat deterioration in the community’ Phone: (619) 906-4443, Website: www.cityheightsba.org
Adams Ave. Business Association
Adams Avenue Business Association (AABA) is an association of the small businesses and merchants along San Diego’s Adams Avenue and reaches the neighborhoods from Kensington on the east and moving westward through Normal Heights and into parts of North Park. Phone: (619) 282-7329, Website: http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/
San Diego Business Improvement Districts (BIDS)
The Business Improvement District Council (BID Council) is an association of San Diego’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) whose mission is to assist in the development and dissemination of information, resources, and expertise to its member BIDs, and to improve the physical, social, and economic environments of San Diego’s small businesses. Phone: (619) 239-2437, Website: http://www.bidcouncil.org/san-diego-bids
South County Economic Development Council
The EDCs core mission is to assist companies in locating or expanding, while also focusing on issues of regional competitiveness through a CEO-driven issue agenda that supports the growth and expansion of high-wage, high-growth industries in the region. Phone: (619) 424-5143, Website: http://www.sandiegosouth.com
Southeastern Economic Development Corporation
The EDCs core mission is to assist companies in locating or expanding, while also focusing on issues of regional competitiveness through a CEO-driven issue agenda that supports the growth and expansion of high-wage, high-growth industries in the region. Phone: (619) 527-7345, Website: http://www.sedcinc.com/
San Marcos Economic Development Corporation
The EDCs core mission is to assist companies in locating or expanding, while also focusing on issues of regional competitiveness through a CEO-driven issue agenda that supports the growth and expansion of high-wage, high-growth industries in the region. Phone: (760) 744-1050, Website: http://www.smedc.org/index.htm
San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation
The EDCs core mission is to assist companies in locating or expanding, while also focusing on issues of regional competitiveness through a CEO-driven issue agenda that supports the growth and expansion of high-wage, high-growth industries in the region. Phone: (619) 234-8484, Website: http://www.sandiegobusiness.org/
San Diego North Economic Development Council
The EDCs core mission is to assist companies in locating or expanding, while also focusing on issues of regional competitiveness through a CEO-driven issue agenda that supports the growth and expansion of high-wage, high-growth industries in the region. Phone: (760) 598-9311, Website: http://www.sdnedc.com
East County Economic Development Council
The EDCs core mission is to assist companies in locating or expanding, while also focusing on issues of regional competitiveness through a CEO-driven issue agenda that supports the growth and expansion of high-wage, high-growth industries in the region. Phone: (619) 258-3670, Website: http://www.eastcountyedc.org/
Resource from SBA on starting a business. Website: http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/starting-managing-business/starting-business
Small Business Association (SBA) - Laws & Regulations
Service which provides extensive information on laws and regulations affecting small businesses. Website: http://www.sba.gov/services/lawsandregulations/index.html
San Diego County Bar Association
Sponsors a non-profit legal referral service, as well as provides general links to legal resources. Phone: (619) 231-0781, SDCBA Website: http://www.sdcba.org/, Referral Website: www.sdlawyerreferral.com
Law students provide free non-litigation business legal assistance to small business owners who cannot afford the cost of a lawyer. The clinic offers consultations on issues such as establishing a legal structure for a business, and other business related legal issues. Phone: (619) 260-7470, Website: www.sandiego.edu/law/free_legal_assistance/
US Patent and Trademark Office
Provides information that allows you to search and file patents and trademarks. Phone: (800) 786-9199 Website: www.uspto.gov
Provides information concerning wages & hours for employees. Phone: (619) 557-5110 or 1-866-4-USWAGE, Website: http://www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/osdbu/sbrefa/main.htm
Provides information regarding federal taxes. Phone: (800) 829-4933, Website: www.irs.treas.gov
Provides numerous resources designed to protect and inform consumers and businesses as they participate in trade throughout the country. Phone: (202) 326-2222, Website: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/business.shtm
Oversees a broad range of commercial activities and they provide resources for business owners who are interested in doing business inter-state and internationally. Phone: (619) 557-5395, Website: www.doc.gov
Federal Bureau of Customs and Border Protection
Manages and oversees products coming into the U.S. Phone: (619) 652-9966 Ext: 100, Website: http://www.cbp.gov/
Offers information on grant programs operated by the state of CA. Website: http://www.ca.gov/Grants.html
State of California Commerce and Economic Development Program
Offers business and community resources and financial assistance such as loan guarantees. Phone: (916) 323-5400, Website: http://www.bth.ca.gov/economicdevelopment/default.asp
Offers information on resale, environmental and other state permits and regulations. Operated by the CA Environmental Protection Agency. Website: www.calgold.ca.gov
California Tax Information Center
Provides information on state taxes. Phone: (800) 400-7115, Website: www.taxes.ca.gov
Handles workers compensation issues. Phone: (877) 405-4545, Website: http://www.statefundca.com
State of California Employment Development Department
Provides information on job placement and referrals, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, employment and training, labor market information, payroll taxes, and more. Phone: (888) 745-3886, Website: www.edd.ca.gov
State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
Regulates liquor licenses. Phone: (619) 525-4064, Website: www.abc.ca.gov
Provides information on incorporation in the State of California. Phone: (213) 897-3062 Website: http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/business.htm
Assembly Member representing 76th Assembly District
Assists with state agency processes regarding permits and licensing etc. Phone: (619) 645-3090, Website: http://asmdc.org/members/a76/
County Office of Environmental Health
Must be contacted by businesses that engage in the selling or handling of food products operating pools or spas, handling hazardous material underground storage tanks, medical wastes, x-ray equipment or waste handling. Phone: (619) 338-2222, Website: www.sdcdeh.org
County Department of Planning and Land Use
Provides information regarding zoning requirements. Phone: General Information 858) 694-2960 (800) 411-0017 and Zoning (858) 565-5981, Website: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/index.html
County Assessor, Recorder, and Clerk Office
Handles registration of fictitious business names. Also a resource to find out about zoning for properties county-wide, and other various recorded data. Phone: Assessor (619) 236-3771 and Fictitious Business Names (619) 237-0502, Website: http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/ SD County Biz License Requirements http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/cs/businesslicenses.html
County Agricultural, Weights and Measures Department
Must certify devices used to measure goods for sale, if sold by weight or volume. Phone: (858) 694-2739, Agriculture General Information 858-694-2739, Standards Enforcement (Weights & Measures) General Information 858-694-2778, Website: http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/awm/
The City of San Diego Treasurers Office
Issues business licenses, it determines business types, and provides information about City taxes and fees. Phone: (619) 236-6112, Business Tax Program (619) 615-1500, Website: www.sandiego.gov/treasurer Online Business Tax Certificate Application http://www.sandiego.gov/treasurer/taxesfees/btax/btaxhow.shtml
The City of San Diego Office of Small Business
Advocate for small businesses, provides various programs to benefit small business and acts as an information clearinghouse for City business regulations and procedures. Phone: Lisa Gordon, Small Business Ambassador City of San Diego (619) 533-6474, Office of Small Business (619) 236-6700, Website: http://www.sandiego.gov/economic-development/business-assistance/small-business/
The City of San Diego Development Services Department
Helps small businesses select a site, determine zoning requirements and ADA compliance, and secure site permits. Phone: General Information, Zoning and Permits (619) 446-5000, Neighborhood Code Compliance (for home-based businesses) (619) 236-5500, Website: www.sandiego.gov/development-services/smallbus
Business Improvement Districts
Organizations that represent clusters of businesses throughout the City of San Diego and serve as a resource for small business owners in their communities. Contact the BID Council for more information and a list of BIDs. Phone (619) 239-2437, Website: www.bidcouncil.org
San Diego Workforce Partnership
Operates a one-stop career center designed to link employees and employers. The partnership assists businesses with all of the necessary components of hiring new employees. Phone: (619) 228-2900 or (888) 884-SDWP (7397), Website: www.workforce.org
Assists California businesses attract and retain high-skilled workers by obtaining funding for employee training. Phone: (619) 686-1920, Website: www.etp.cahwnet.gov
Comprehensive Training Systems
Provides high level, quality training and job placement in a diverse range of skill areas, to underemployed and unemployed populations in San Diego County. CTS provides free On-The- Job training and other assistance to business owners who are looking to hire employees. Imperial Beach Campus (619) 424-6650 and City Heights Campus (619) 582-9133 www.ctsjobs.org
Calvert Foundation’s mission is to maximize the flow of capital to disadvantaged communities in order to create a more equitable and sustainable society. By creating innovative financial products and services, we have made it possible for everyday people, not just institutions, to participate in financial instruments that directly serve communities. Phone: 301-951-4838 or 800.248.0337, Website: […]
Online site to match qualifies entrepreneurs to banks, investors and other funding sources. Phone: 888.779.8390, Website: www.fundinguniverse.com
Small business loans for those without established credit; must meet certain income requirements. Phone: (619) 584-1612 Website: www.lamaestra.org
Provides lending services for businesses located in South County. Phone: (619) 424-5143, Website: www.sandiegosouth.com
San Diego Regional Revolving Loan Fund (SDRRLF)
Provides matching financing opportunities through city funds. Phone: (619) 236-6323, Website: http://www.sandiego.gov/economic-development/business-assistance/finance/sdrrlf.shtml
San Diego MicroFinance Alliance
The San Diego Microfinance Alliance (SDMFA) is a consortium of local microfinance practitioners, donors, educators, students and professionals. The SDMFA provides useful tools to local microfinance organizations and supports efforts to bring awareness about microfinance to the public. Website: http://sdmicrofinance.org/
Allows organizations to electronically find and apply for more than $400 billion in Federal grants. Grants.gov is the single access point for over 1,000 grant programs offered by all Federal grant making agencies. Phone: 1(800) 518-4726, Website: http://www.grants.gov/
A non-profit Community Development Corporation that has many SBA programs and offers a wide variety of loan products to small businesses. Phone: (800) 611-5170 or (619) 291-3594 Website: http://www.cdcloans.com/
California Southern Small Business Development Corporation
Provides loan guarantee assistance to small businesses. Phone: (619) 232 7771, Website: http://www.casouth.com/
A non-profit small business lender that offers loans from $300-35,000. Phone: (619) 795-7250, Website: www.accionsandiego.org
A non-profit organization serving the community by providing education, workforce training and social services to youth and adults. They offer free one-on-one business plan counseling and a small micro-enterprise grant program. Phone: (858) 560-0871, Website: www.access2jobs.org
Springboard Non-Profit Consumer Credit Management
Offers education on the wise use of credit and free one-on-one credit counseling. Phone: (800) 431-8456, Website: www.credit.org
Money Management International - Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Teaches people to understand their credit, and manage debt effectively. Phone: (866) 531-3804, Website: www.moneymanagement.org
AnnualCreditReport.com provides consumers with the secure means to request and obtain a free credit report once every 12 months from each of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies in accordance with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act). Website: www.annualcreditreport.com
The following three organizations maintain individual credit records; contact them to dispute or inquire about your credit reports: Experian: 1 (888) 397 3742, www.experian.com Equifax: 1 (800) 685-1111, www.equifax.com Trans Union: 1 (800) 888-4213, www.transunion.com
San Diego County Water Authority Contracting Opportunities
The San Diego County Water Authority’s Small Contractor Outreach and Opportunities Program (SCOOP) is designed to maximize participation of diverse qualified small contractors, consultants and vendors seeking to do business with the San Diego County Water Authority. Phone: (858) 522-6600, Website: http://www.sdcwa.org/opps/scoop.phtml
San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
Assists small businesses in entering and operating in the federal, state and local government market place. There is no cost for services. Phone: (619) 285-7020, Website: www.ptac-sandiego.org
Sempra Energy Diverse Business Enterprise Program
Provides opportunities for small and diverse businesses to contract with Sempra Energy. Phone: (213) 244-5564 or (866) 616-5565. Website: http://www.sempra.com/supplierdiversity/supplier.htm
Federal website that offers email updates regarding federal contracting opportunities with a large number of agencies. Website: http://www.fedbizopps.gov
Defense Contract Management District (DCMD) San Diego
Assists small businesses in identifying possible subcontracting opportunities in the defense industry. Phone: (877) 662-3960, Website: www.dcma.mil/dcmahq/dcma-sb/index.htm
Provides small businesses, specifically manufacturing, industrial and construction & trades businesses, a place to advertise their services to some of the largest contractors in San Diego County. Phone: (619) 258-3670, Website: http://www.connectory.com/
Purchasing & Contracting Department conducts free workshops on how to do business with the City of San Diego. Phone: (619) 236-6000, Website: http://www.sandiego.gov/purchasing/vendor/
Cal Trans Office of Business and Economic Opportunity
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Office of Business & Economic Opportunity (OBEO) is dedicated to increasing the participation of small business (SB), disadvantaged business enterprise. (DBE), and disabled veteran business enterprises (DVBE) firms in both Federal and State contracting and procurement. Website: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/bep/
BuyNet Online Bidding System San Diego County
Displays bidding opportunities electronically for county contracts and purchases. Website: http://buynet.sdcounty.ca.gov
Advice, articles, forums, blogs and more for start-up businesses. Website: www.startupnation.com
Place to share small business ideas and knowledge, ask questions, find help and encourage others that are involved in the small business industry. Website: http://www.smallbusinessbrief.com/forum/index.php
Outreach program to assist small businesses. Phone: 619-238-6630, Website: www.sannet.gov/public-library/services/businesstech.shtml
Provides free online business resources. Website: http://www.sdbj.com/
Free business resources. Website: http://www.entrepreneur.com
Resource for free business statistics and financial ratios. Website: http://dev.bizstats.com/
Help people succeed in business through resources, training and providing solutions that build and grow your business. Website: http://www.bplans.com/
Bloomberg Businessweek Small Business Page
Small business resources and relevant news. Website: http://www.businessweek.com/small-business/
Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) Facility Compliance Guide, City of San Diego
Accessibility guide for small business and other ADA related resources. Website: http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/industry/accessibility.shtml Tax incentives for ADA improvements: http://www.ada.gov/taxincent.htm
Free, one-stop online destination for the tools and resources that businesses need to meet daily human resource management issues and grow their businesses. Phone: (877)222-0448, Website: www.hrtools.com
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Offers various services for refugees focusing on employment, micro-enterprise, immigration, resettlement, language training, childcare and education. Phone: (619) 641-7510, Website: www.theirc.org/us-program/us-san-diego-ca
Works primarily with refugee and immigrant women to support business opportunities through lending, training and support networks. Phone: (858) 483-0400 or (888) 303-2622, Website: www.foundationforwomen.org
Alliance for African Assistance
Offers various business trainings and workshops and provides free translation services in 42 languages for refugees. Phone: (619) 286-9052 Website: www.alliance-for-africa.org
National Asian American Coalition
Serves the metropolitan areas of San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose, through financial empowerment and one on one counseling. Phone: (858) 586 – 7382 Website: http://naacoalition.org/site/
U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Veterans Business Development
Providing business training, counseling and assistance for Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small businesses. Phone: (202) 205-6773, Website: http://www.sba.gov/VETS
U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency
Actively promotes minority-owned businesses by developing educational programs that enable them to increase their ability to grow and compete in the global economy. Phone: (888) 324-1551, Website: www.mbda.gov
Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership
Provides a network of Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) throughout the United States and its territories. Offers comprehensive training and counseling to help them women start and grow their own businesses. Phone: 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722), Website: http://www.sbaonline.sba.gov/womeninbusiness/
National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc
Provides a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses. Phone: (212) 944-2430, Website: http://www.nmsdc.org
Diversity Information Resources
National Minority Business Directory Phone: (612) 781-6819, Website: http://www.diversityinforesources.com/
Department of Veterans Affairs
Aids veterans with various issues including business opportunities. Phone: (800) 949-8387 or (202) 461-4300, Website: www.va.gov/osdbu
San Diego State University, College of Extended Studies
Business training. Phone: (619) 594-5821, Website: http://www.ces.sdsu.edu/
University of California San Diego Extension
Training and business education. Phone: (858) 534-3400, Website: http://extension.ucsd.edu/
Women’s Institute for Financial Education
Non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial education to women. Website: www.wife.org
Women’s Business Center of California
Supports the successful growth of entrepreneurs with online resources. Website: http://www.wbcc-sd.org/BizEssentials.htm
U.S. Small Business Administration
Assists America’s entrepreneurs in forming successful small enterprises by working with thousands of lending, educational and training institutions nationwide. San Diego Office Phone: (619) 557-7250, Website: http://www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/2/3101
Microenterprise Family Child Care Training Program – Southwestern College
9-week training curriculum. Program benefits include individual Business Counseling, visit to local home-based childcare businesses, Childcare Licensing Orientation offered on site, CPR and First Aid classes, childcare, Resource Library, Small Business Loan opportunity, etc. Phone: (619) 216-6672 Website: http://www.swccd.edu/Hecnc/3rdLevel/index.asp?L2=58
Southwestern College Family Resource Center
Sponsors workshops on educational opportunities, career development, health, housing and other family issues. Phone: (619) 216-6672, Website: http://www.swccd.edu/Hecnc/2ndLevel/index.asp?L1=33
Southeastern Development Corporation (SEDC) Entrepreneur Academy
Offers seminars twice a year including a bankers’ series focusing on loan eligibility criteria. Phone: (619) 527-7345, Website: www.sedcinc.com
Small Business Success Center, Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
Services include counseling, networking, and workshops. Phone: (760) 931-8400, Website: http://www.carlsbad.org/category.aspx?uid=94
