Starting a business? Let us point you in the right direction. There are three key nonprofit organizations operating in Ventura County to help you.
SCORE Ventura County is a standout resource for entrepreneurs wanting to start their own companies. SCORE offers counseling, free training, and useful resources such as a Business Plan Template and the Start-Up Roadmap. Their counselors can provide one-on-one assistance to research your business idea and put together a business plan. Visit the SCORE Ventura County website HERE.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC) is another terrific resource. The EDC operates the county's Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides free business advising and low-cost training to existing and new businesses. Download their Ventura County Business Start-Up Guide and take the first steps toward obtaining the necessary permits and licenses to operate your business. Visit the EDC website or SBDC.
Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) offers comprehensive courses and other resources on all aspects of running a small business. Don't let the name fool you... WEV serves all business owners regardless of gender. WEV offers its own Ventura County Business Start-Up Guide as well as counseling and classes, including the popular Explore Entrepreneurship class to figure out the market feasibility of your business idea. Visit the WEV website HERE.
Where to Start
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.
SCORE
SCORE is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.
Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
The goal of the WEV Loan Program is to diversify and expand the local economy and create new jobs by providing start-up and expansion capital to small businesses that do not qualify for conventional bank financing.