How do I sign up for a workshop?
Our calendar is packed with workshops, seminars, and other events for you! Stay up to date! Please note that each center maintains its own client onboarding process and its own local workshop schedule.
How do I find out which center is closest to me?
The LA SBDC Regional Network has local service centers throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. When you’re ready to get started, we’ll make sure you’re connecting to your local center.
Does the SBDC give out loans?
The SBDC is not a bank and does not fund loans. SBDC advisors can provide assistance with your financial projections, finding available loan options for your business through our banking partners, grant opportunities, and more. For assistance in assessing your funding options, fill out the request services form and we’ll help you get started.
Not sure what kind of help you need?
Scroll through the 20 Commonly Asked Business Questions below. We’ll help you figure out how the LA SBDC Network can help you solve your small business questions.
I need more clients using my services or customers visiting my store. What should I do?
1) Visit our workshop calendar and enroll in a marketing strategies class.
2) Book an appointment to speak to an SBDC advisor about creating a marketing strategy for your business
My business runs short each month. I think I need a business loan.
Before you apply for a business loan, chat with an SBDC advisor to help determine if you can identify ways to increase revenues, lower costs, or improve cash flow strategies.
Once you know how a loan will really help advance your business, we can help you find the loan that is right for you.
I’m ready to start a business. How do I get started?
Congratulations! Starting a business is a very exciting time. We recommend you schedule an appointment with your local SBDC center. Your business advisor will help you outline the steps you need to take to get started, from how to obtain a business license and creating a business plan, to making budgets and identifying funding.
Be sure to check out our resources page, which contains helpful links and information on starting a business.
Puedo reciber asistencia en Español?
Si, tenenemos asesores que le pueden asistir en su idioma. Por favor visite nostros Centro de Negocios y busque bajo idiomas para averiguar qué idiomas se hablan en nuestros diferentes centros.
I have a business idea, but need to bounce it off somebody before I start it. How can I meet with one of your SBDC advisors?
The SBDC can help! Your advisor will likely walk you through recommended research you may consider conducting, and bring to light the initial business costs, location considerations, feasibility, and more.
If you are an existing client, make an appointment with your SBDC advisor to review your idea.
If you would like to become a client and consult with a SBDC advisor, fill out the Request Services Form
How do I set up my payroll accounts? What does the state of California require from employers?
Visit our Workshops page and sign up for one of our workshops that outlines the legal, tax, and licensing requirements for small businesses. You’ll find it very helpful! If you need some 1:1 assistance, you can schedule a time to chat with your local SBDC advisor.
How do I get a fictitious business name?
First, do you need to file?
Non-profit corporations, organizations, or associations are not required to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement.
Persons doing business for profit under a fictitious name (that doesn’t include your surname) are required to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement.
The statement must be filed in the county of principal place of business, and may also be filed in other counties as long as the requirements for filing in the county of principal place of business have been met.
Second, view the info on how to file in LA County.
Third, consider attending a “Starting Your Small Business” workshop for this and similar information or meeting with an SBDC advisor.
I need to get a bank loan, but don’t know where to start or what banks to approach.
Most SBDC Centers offer loan application assistance and will consult you at no-cost on what bankers look for from business owners. Your SBDC can also help you create your financial projects, guide you with your business plan, and help you find funding through our banking and grant network.<br>If you are an existing client, feel free to contact your SBDC advisor. If you would like to register to become a client of an SBDC near you, submit a Request Services Form.
Should my business be a partnership or a corporation?
Enroll in a business structure workshop or talk to a business advisor about the benefits of each.
You can also visit the business planning section of our resources page for more information.
I am about to sign a lease. Can someone review it?
Absolutely! Sign up to see an SBDC advisor. If you are an existing client, just call your advisor or your center to set up an appointment.
We can offer guidance on what to look for in a lease, how to ask for favorable terms, and explain the implications of the commitment.
How do I get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)?
Our SBDC advisors can assist you with the IRS website and the online application form. However, you can apply directly for an EIN from the IRS website.
I’m past-due on my payables and not collecting on my receivables. Please help!
Work with an SBDC advisor to determine the cost of your goods or services, examine ways to make your business more efficient to reduce costs, and discuss strategies for improving your cash flow.
Someone has asked me for financial statements for my business. Where do I get those?
You should track your business progress financially with an ongoing bookkeeping system. Enroll in an SBDC taxes and record-keeping workshop to help you develop a bookkeeping system, get training in QuickBooks, or help you understand how to read your financial statements like a pro!
My business is doing fine, but I’m thinking I want to do more with it. What’s the best way to do that?
Our SBDC advisors can certainly help! We can provide you with options, then assist you whether it’s with succession planning, creating a growth plan, or something else. Schedule an appointment with your advisor to consider your options and develop a plan of action, or sign up for an advisor.
We also have great partners who help small businesses with local opportunities and networking. Ask your advisor about your options!
I’d like to find someone to invest in my company. How do I do that?
One of the incredible benefits (at no-cost) of being an SBDC client is the access our clients receive to networks of investors, grant funding opportunities, community loan programs, and more.
Call us today to find the SBDC closest to you 1-866-588-SBDC or schedule an appointment.
An SBDC advisor can help you review your company’s needs, offer assistance with your pitch, connect you with our networks, and more!
People keep telling me I should sell to other countries, but I don’t know how to do that. Can the SBDC help me out with that?
The LA SBDC Network is very proud to have an excellent international trade team of advisors throughout our service territory that can help you with everything from export financing, to booking your first international shipment, to importing, finding suppliers and more.
Our network grants our clients access to our international trade experts as well as our partnerships, such as DEC members that all specializing in different areas of international trade, appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
I’d like to get government contracts. What are the requirements?
The LA SBDC offer workshops on certification, SBA 8A process, and information which outlines the basics of government contracting and procurement.
Check our Calendar of Events for class listings, visit the Federal and State resources section of our site, or schedule an appointment with your local SBDC Center.
The LA SBDC has various advisors throughout our tri-county territory that are specialists and can help you prepare and apply for government contracts.
I have employees, but am not sure I’m meeting all federal and state requirements. What should I do?
We would highly suggest registering for one of our “becoming an employer” or similar workshops, which discuss requirements and resources on meeting employer regulations.
Of course, you can always schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor at your convenience.