October 24, 2020 - As a former small businessowner, I understand how complicated and confusing the process of starting a business, acquiring capital, and then growing a business can be. That is why I wanted to ensure that small business owners, and aspiring small business owners, can access information regarding the resources that are available to them on this page. Below are federal and local agencies and organizations that provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with counseling and other services.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): 

For decades, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has helped small business owners pursue the American dream by providing them with helpful guidance, resoures, and tools. The SBA is also the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to helping small businesses.

Find out what SBA Certifications Your Small Business is Eligible for: https://certify.sba.gov/am-i-eligible

• This is a great resource where a business can answer just a few questions and find out if they’re eligible for 8a, HUBZone, and Woman Owned/Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business certifications. Businesses may also apply for 8a and Woman Owned/Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned certifications via this page.

HUBZone: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/hubzone-program

• Businesses can search their address to see if they’re located in a HUBZone, and find out more about this program including how to apply.

SBA Surety Bonds: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/surety-bonds

• Businesses can find out more about the SBA Surety bonding program, including lists of participating bonding agencies.

Find an SBA Resource Partner for free counseling, consulting, and mentoring: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance

• Businesses can use this link to connect with the Women’s Business Center, Small Business Development Center, or SCORE.

Contact the Fresno SBA District Office: The Fresno SBA District office serves 15 counties in the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast including the 23rd Congressional District. To reach the SBA, businesses can email fresno@sba.gov or call (559) 487-5791.

CSUB Small Business Development Center (SBDC):

The CSUB Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was to created to help small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties by providing expert services like counsulting and training at low or no costs.

General Information: https://csubsbdc.com/csu-bakersfield-sbdc-central-california-sbdc

• Contact: (661) 654-2856; sbdc@csub.edu

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA):

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is a federal agency dedicated to the growth of minority business enterprises.

• Contacts for California Based MBDA Centers:
  • Pasadena Business Center
  • San Jose Business Center
  • Sacramento Export Center
     
• Contact for the MBDA Federal Procurement Center:
  • https://www.mbda.gov/business-center/mbda-federal-procurement-center
  • Client Profile Forms can be emailed to INFO@MBDA-FPC.com
     
• MBDA Programs Directory (network of Business Centers, Specialty Centers, AIANNH Projects, Etc.):
  • https://www.mbda.gov/mbda-programs
     
• To sign up the MBDA newsletter, check out www.mbda.gov and to learn about virtual events and workshops, visit www.mbda.gov/events. 

General Services Administration (GSA):

GSA offers several resources and access to unique contracting opportunities for small businesses.

• Office of Small Business and Disadvantaged Business Utilization: https://www.gsa.gov/small-business
   
• Selling to the Government: https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/purchasing-programs/gsa-schedules/selling-to-the-government
   
• Training Resources and Advancing Small Business in Unprecedented Times:  https://www.gsa.gov/small-business/small-business-resources/training-resources/advancing-small-business-in-unprecedented-times
   
• GSA eLibrary on Contracting & Other Resources: https://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/ElibMain/home.do 
   
• Forecast of Contracting Opportunities and Subcontracting Opportunities: https://hallways.cap.gsa.gov/app/#/x/forecast-of-contracting-opportunities

Mission Community Services Corporation-Kern Women’s Business Center:

Mission Community Service Corporation hosts the Women’s Business Center in Kern County to assist women and minority-owned businesses and no-profits run successful businesses through start-up classes and workshops.

• General information: https://www.mcscorp.org/kern
• Contact: (661) 567-0410; kwbcinfo@mcscorp.org
  Source: Congressman Kevin McCarthy