Rather than reinvent the wheel (which would be a poor idea for a new business), let us point you in the right direction. Download the Ventura County Business Start-Up Guide, put together by our partners at the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC).
Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) offers comprehensive courses to learn about all aspects of running a small business. From entrepreneurial mindset to cashflow projections to marketing plans, WEV not only teaches you the theory but focuses on the practical details of business ownership. WEV walks you through the creation of detailed plans for each critical area of your business and, at the end, you will bring this work together into a well-developed business plan.
SCORE is another standout resource for entrepreneurs wanting to start their own companies. SCORE offers some terrific resources including a really useful Business Plan Template and the Start-Up Roadmap.
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.