Small Business Resources

Help for small or new businesses

Thinking about opening a small business? Start here:

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Long Beach City College is a great local resource, providing one-on-one counseling and introductory business training seminars in:

Marketing
Financing
Business start-up
International trade
Procurement programs

The LBCC center is part of California's regional small business development programs, which are part of the U.S. Small Business Administration's national network of centers.

Small Business Development Center at Long Beach City College

Upcoming Events and Workshops

SBDC workshops and events in Long Beach

The Center for International Trade Development

The Center for International Trade Development (CITD) partners with the SBDC to provide specialized services in international trade. Programs include consulting, training, technical assistance, procurement-matching opportunities, foreign market research and trade missions/shows.

Center for International Trade Development services and programs

Job creation and retention help

The Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Board (SELACO) can help with:

Business to Business resource links
No cost staffing assistance, recruitment, screening and referral of qualified job applicants
Corporate-Driven Customized Training
On-the-job training
State Funded On-Site Customized Training
Employee skill assessments
Labor market information
Professional transition & downsizing assistance

Southeast LA County Workforce Investment Board (SELACO) services

State of California resources

California's Office of the Small Business Advocate (CALOSBA) is full of information to help with starting, growing and managing your business.

California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)

California's Outsmart Disaster program is your preparedness partner. They guide small businesses step by step to help them plan during the calm and bounce back when things get tough.

Outsmart Disaster program for small businesses

California Department of Tax and Fee Administration administers California's sales and use taxes. Get specific information about how to register for permits and licenses and how to file and report correctly.

California Dept of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) business tax information

The CalGold website is a comprehensive website that assists business owners in finding the appropriate permit information for their business, and contact information for the various agencies that administer and issue permits.

CalGold business permit assistance tool