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 SJC Economic Development Association for further information, 209-468-3615.
Financing Resources
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 Small Business Development Center
The San Joaquin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a 40-year national network dedicated to small business success. They provide no-cost access to experienced business advisors who help entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses with confidence. As a proud member of the greater NorCal SBDC network, San Joaquin SBDC collaborates to support entrepreneurs and small businesses at every stage, whether they are starting, growing, or pivoting their operations.
Through free, confidential one-on-one advising, no-cost workshops, specialized business consulting, and access to capital through the SBDC Finance Center, San Joaquin SBDC offers comprehensive support to help businesses launch, expand, pivot, and succeed. Access the SBDC website at: https://www.sanjoaquinsbdc.org/
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: