The CCSBDC provides consulting services. Fees are paid by CCSBDC funding partners and are free to clients.
Thinking of Starting a Business?
- Business Feasibility Do you have an idea for a business, and want to develop it? We can point you to the resources you need, and help you develop it in to a business plan.
- We can help you with research tools to establish the feasibility of your concept. If it is based on new technology, we have special programs for you.
- We can help you through the process of developing a professional business plan.
- We can assist you with the process of applying for an SBA loan or other funding.
- We can help you with market research and developing a marketing plan.
- Assistance with Government requirements Find out what you need to do to be in compliance with all the regulations, pay your taxes, and stay in business.
- We can assist with financial analysis, determining pricing, and setting up your books. Why not sign up for one of our seminars or online training to find out how?
A typical consulting engagement lasts between 3 and 10 sessions, and is tailored to your needs. It is completely confidential.
Need help with your business?
Areas of consulting include, but are not limited to:
- Problem solving Take your business to the next level by identifying and solving your problems. Cash flow, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Expansion. We can help.
- International business get assistance with import / export.
- New Technology Find out about incentive programs, startup assistance, and how to develop a new technology or process.
- Central Valley Demographics We have gathered together statistics and demographics about business in theCentral Valley Fresno, Clovis, Merced, Kingsburg, Selma, Visalia, Tulare, Hanford, and Dinuba
- Business Plan Review and develop your business plan with our help.
- Financing We can help you find the funds you need to fulfill your dream.
- Business Structure Sole proprietorship, LLC, Corporation? Determine the best legal structure for your business.
- Market Research and Demographics Find out what your potential market is. Learn how to understand what your competition is doing and how it affects your business.
- Hiring Find out how to become an employer, and how to find and keep good employees.
Our Focus
Our territory includes potential, start-up and existing small businesses in our four-county area. Funding to support the SBDC is provided through the US Small Business Administration (SBA) on the federal level, California Community Colleges Workforce Development Program on the state level, and from various cities and private partners on the local level.
New Business Owners
Are you starting a new business or new to business ownership? If so, we can help! Please stop by the SBDC and pick up a free BUSINESS START-UP KIT. Or, at your request, we can mail one to you.
Existing Business Owners
If you have an existing business, we encourage you to give us a call to discuss any needs we may be able to assist you with. The SBDC offers a free BUSINESS START-UP KIT. Also, free ONE-ON-ONE COUNSELING appointments are provided through a network of professional business consultants.
Entrepreneurs requiring help with an active business are encouraged to complete our online REQUEST FOR SERVICES form or contact our MAIN OFFICE at (559) 230-4056. To be eligible for services from the Central California SBDC, please complete this form as thoroughly as possible. Once we receive your completed form, one of our professional staff members will contact you to set up an appointment with one of business counselors.
Business success requires both sufficient capital and the knowledge to use it wisely. SBDC consultants help entrepreneurs develop the planning, management, and financial skills necessary to make their business thrive.
The SBDC’s one-on-one management consulting emphasizes education and guidance in finding practical solutions to business problems. Consulting is confidential and provided at no charge by a staff of skilled professionals. Services cover a range of topics relevant to small business owners including:
- Accounting
- Bookkeeping
- Business Plan Development
- Capital Acquisition
- Computing Applications
- Customer Service
- e-Commerce
- Energy Efficiency
- Environmental Management Issues
- Feasibility Analysis
- Financing and Loan Packaging
- Financial Analysis
- Franchising
- Government Marketing
- Home-based Business
- Human Resources
- International Trade
- Legal Issues
- Management
- Manufacturing
- Marketing and Advertising
- Market Research
- Minority Business Development
- Product Development/Engineering
- Public Relations
- Personnel
- Product Development/Engineering
- Public Relations
- Retailing
- Regulatory Assistance
- Strategic Planning
- Taxes
- Technology Commercialization
- Women’s Business Issues
- Worker Health and Safety Issues
In-Depth Services
Environmental Management Assistance
Environmental consultants offer confidential compliance assistance with environmental and health and safety regulations, onsite assessments to look for opportunities to cut costs through pollution prevention and energy efficiency, and assistance developing and marketing environmental technology. More information about the Environmental Management Assistance Program, as well as many other resources, may be found on our Local Organizations page.
Procurement Technical Assistance
To help companies sell to federal, state, local and quasi-government agencies, the Central California SBDC provides procurement technical assistance to businesses located in Central California. Services include a computerized bid lead program as well as assistance with marketing products and services to government agencies, proposal preparation and contract compliance. Firms in other areas may contact their local SBDC for help.
International Business Assistance
To help companies export California products and services, International Business consultants help companies in assessing their company’s trade readiness; evaluating their products or services for export potential; identifying the best foreign market opportunities; developing strategic and marketing plans; identifying foreign sales agents and distributors; planning market entry strategies; explaining international trade procedures and regulations; providing information on technical standards and export/import documentation; determining sources of trade financing and risk management; identifying trade mission and trade show opportunities; and determining import restriction, duties and tariffs.
For more information to assist you with your business:
To find out if CCSBDC consulting can help you call or email us, or fill out a request for services. There is no cost to you. What will it cost you not to get all the help you could?