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Entrepreneurship Resources

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Orange County Resources

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1. South Orange County Entrepreneurs Academy

A collaboration among several cities, this academy offers workshops organized through SCORE to provide training for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Key Features:

  • Workshops: Covering topics like business planning, marketing, and financial management.
  • Networking: Opportunities to connect with local entrepreneurs and mentors.

Learn More: South Orange County Entrepreneurs Academy

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2. CIELO (Comunidad Latina Empresarial Localmente Organizada)

CIELO connects enterprising individuals with tools, resources, and mentorship to transform side gigs into thriving businesses. 

Key Features:

  • Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced business mentors.
  • MicroFund: Access to microloans to support business growth.

Learn More: CIELO

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3. OCIE Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The OCIE SBDC offers confidential one-on-one expert business consulting, from planning and marketing to lease negotiations and government contracting. 

Key Features:

  • Consulting: Personalized business advice.
  • Training: Workshops and seminars on various business topics.

Learn More: OCIE SBDC

State of California Resources

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1. California Dream Fund Program

A one-time $35 million grant program to seed entrepreneurship and small business creation in California, offering microgrants of up to $10,000. 

Key Features:

  • Grants: Financial support for new entrepreneurs.
  • Training: Mandatory completion of an intensive training program.

Learn More: California Dream Fund Program

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2. Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate provides information about small business grants and loans from both state and federal agencies. 

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive Listings: Access to various funding programs.
  • Guidance: Information on eligibility and application processes.

Learn More: Funding Opportunities

Federal Resources

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1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Grants

While the SBA does not provide grants for starting and expanding a business, it offers grants to nonprofits, Resource Partners, and educational organizations that support entrepreneurship through counseling and training programs. 

Key Features:

  • Training Programs: Access to resources that support entrepreneurial development.

Learn More: SBA Grants

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2. Grants.gov

The federal government’s central website for information on grants, including those supporting the development and management of government-funded programs and projects. 

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive Database: Search for federal grants across various agencies.
  • Application Portal: Submit and track grant applications online.

Learn More: Grants.gov

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3. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Grants

The MBDA offers grants to support minority business enterprises, providing resources to help them grow and compete globally. 

Key Features:

  • Targeted Support: Grants focused on minority-owned businesses.
  • Business Development: Access to resources and networks.

Learn More: MBDA Grants

Guides on Starting & Scaling a Business

  • SCORE Workshops: SCORE offers workshops on various aspects of starting and running a business, including business planning, marketing, and financial management.
  • SBA Learning Center: The SBA provides online courses covering topics such as writing a business plan, understanding your customer, and financing options.
  • OCIE SBDC Training: The OCIE SBDC offers training sessions on topics like digital marketing, funding strategies, and business planning.