Sufficient capital is crucial for turning ideas into thriving enterprises. Ventura County understands this need and works with our partners to direct businesses to the financial support needed to succeed.
Flexible loan options are available through the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) and Women's Economic Ventures (WEV). Other programs are listed below and will be updated when new funding becomes available.
Popular Funding Programs
Capital is not just about funds—it’s about fueling dreams, mitigating risks, and scaling growth. Here are some pathways that entrepreneurs can explore to fuel their ambitions:
- EDC Loan Programs cater to a range of businesses with favorable rates and terms.
- WEV Business Funding provides flexible loans and grants for businesses that cannot qualify for traditional financing.
- Recycling Development Market Zone These loans and grants offer incentives to businesses that prioritize sustainability.
- California Competes offers attractive tax credits for businesses growing and adding jobs.
- State of California Business Funding Programs see the full list here.
RSI - Rotorcraft Support Inc., Fillmore
Learn From the Best in Ventura County
For entrepreneurs, securing funds is only half the battle. It's equally vital to draw from trustworthy and supportive partners. In this regard, Ventura County’s robust financial ecosystem proves time and again why it's the prime destination for business magnates and aspiring visionaries alike.
Though the pursuit of capital can appear overwhelming, Ventura County simplifies the process with its myriad funding options and a community that's genuinely invested in your success.
Here, it's not just about financial support—it's about fostering dreams and giving them the flight they deserve.
Where to Start
CA Advanced Mfg Sales & Use Tax Exclusion, for Energy Efficiency
The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) supports California’s mission to provide financial incentives to cutting-edge companies by offering a sales and use tax (STE) exclusion to manufacturers that promote alternative energy and advanced transportation.
CA Mfg Equipment & R&D Sales & Use Tax Credit
A partial exemption from sales and use tax on the purchase or lease of qualified machinery and equipment primarily used in manufacturing, research and development, and electric power generation or production, storage or distribution.
California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA)
The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) established the California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA), a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), to address gaps in Economic Development financing. Specifically, CEDA’s goal is to issue industrial development bonds (IDBs) for small- to medium-sized California manufacturers.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC)
The EDC offers a variety of targeted lending opportunities through four distinct loan programs: the Business Development Loan Fund, Childcare Investment Loan Fund, City of Ventura Business Assistance Loan Fund and the Disaster Loan Fund. The purpose of the EDC loan program is to stimulate job creation and economic activity by providing access to affordable capital.
Employment Training Panel (ETP)
The ETP program helps to ensure that California businesses will have the skilled workers they need to remain competitive. ETP reimburses the cost of employer-driven training for incumbent workers and funds the type of training needed by unemployed workers to re-enter the workforce.
Federal and State R&D Tax Credits
This credit is based on the federal research credit, with modifications. You may qualify for this credit if you engaged in qualified research activities in California.
Foreign Trade Zone
A US Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) is a secure area located at or near a US port of entry that is considered outside of US Customs Territory. The FTZ program was created by Congress in 1934 to stimulate growth by deferring, reducing or eliminating custom duties.
IBank
The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) offers financing programs to assist small businesses, public agencies and nonprofits.
Industrial Development Bond/Tax Exempt Financing
Government agencies issue bonds to finance a variety of economic or public development projects for private and public entities. When investors purchase bonds, they essentially lend money to the borrower through the issuer. In return for the bond proceeds, the borrower promises to pay the investors/bondholders the principal amount plus a specified rate of interest over the life of the bonds based on the bonds debt service payment schedule.
Local Ventura Capital Investment – Westlake Village BioPartners
Westlake Village BioPartners brings Silicon Valley access and experience to Los Angeles, an emerging biotech community that is fresh, unorthodox and exciting.
SBA 504 Loans for Fixed Assets
Long-term, fixed rate financing of up to $5 million for major fixed assets.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA helps set guidelines for loans and reduces risk for lenders, allowing more lenders to provide small business loans. Loans guaranteed by the SBA range from small to large and can be used for most business purposes, including long-term fixed assets and operating capital.