1. Initial Research and Information

Starting a business carries risks. As an entrepreneur, you can diminish these risks by performing some due diligence as part of the initial planning stages. In Sonoma County, there are plenty of resources available to guide entrepreneurs through these stages.

Our Small Business Development Team provides a host of services to help your business get up and running. 

For detailed information on how we can help, visit our Business Development Services page.

At every stage of business formation and growth, it can be helpful to consult local resources that offer business counseling and informative workshops. The following organizations offer direct assistance to Sonoma County businesses. To access their services, call or go online.

• Sonoma Small Business Development Center: (707) 595-0060 or sonomasbdc.org
• North Coast SCORE: (707) 571-8342 or northcoastscore.org.

Local chambers of commerce can provide additional assistance that can be of particular use for a business owner looking to locate in a specific city or region. For a list of chambers of commerce in Sonoma County, visit our Business Resource Directory.

The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has a comprehensive online resource guide for entrepreneurs. The website offers assistance with local resources and mentoring, government contracting, and loans and grants available to small businesses. The San Francisco District office can be reached at:  (415) 744-6820 or sba.gov