Starting A Business
Financial Graph Credit: Stockton Record

Finance Your Business

Sufficient capital is essential for start-up and expansion of a business. In fact, inadequate financing is one of the major causes of business failure. When starting a business, it is good to have at least a 12-month financial cushion so you can handle all of your expenses without using revenue from the business. This will allow you to minimize your risks while establishing your business.


Financing Resources

The success of a business is greatly increased by understanding financing needs as well as the options that are available to help start, manage and grow a business. There are a variety of local, state and federal resources when it comes to financing a small business that range from traditional loans to bonds.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The SBA offers a variety of loan programs to eligible small businesses. Loan programs include the 7(a) program typically used for a variety of loan purposes, and the 504 program which is specifically for the purchase of real estate or major equipment. Contact the SBA for further information and help in finding SBA lenders, 209-954-5089.

San Joaquin County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)

The RLF offers "gap" financing assistance to business owners or entrepreneurs in San Joaquin County for working capital, equipment, leasehold improvements, and purchase of land and buildings to be used by the business. Loans range from $25,000-$1 million.

Business Incubator Loan Program (BIL)

Existing or prospective small business owners can apply for funding of up to $25,000 through a second RLF fund, BIL. In order to be eligible your business must be located in San Joaquin County. Contact the SBDC for further information, 209-954-5089.

Financing Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an excellent resource for individuals interested in starting their own business. Their mission is to help Americans start, build and grow small businesses. The SBA recognizes that small business is critical to economic strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Access the national SBA website at: https://www.sba.gov/


San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center

The Northeastern California Small Business Development Center, San Joaquin Delta College (SBDC) is a Partnership Program with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBDC is located in the sunny Central Valley of California and serves San Joaquin, Amador, Alpine and Calaveras Counties.

Through affordable training for start-up businesses, free and confidential business consulting, the SBDC can assist with any aspect of small business development; from starting a small business to expanding or helping with problems in an existing business. The SBDC offers a wide range of programs and resources. Access the Small Business Development Center at: https://sbdc.deltacollege.edu/

Other Resources Available in San Joaquin County

San Joaquin County and the municipalities located within the County have a variety of resources structured to help local startups and established businesses grow and prosper. Micro loans for small businesses, tax incentives, fee deferrals, and electric rate discounts are just some of the incentives currently available. Information on the specific resources can be accessed through each organization's website.

County-wide: Municipalities within San Joaquin County: