San Diego & Imperial SBDC
Free one-on-one business consulting, business-plan development, and low-cost training for small businesses throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties.
Visit ResourceSDDBA Resources
Resources
Resources for Diverse Business Owners
SDDBA connects you with the right organizations and programs for what you’re trying to accomplish. Find help below by goal — or reach out and we’ll point you to the best resource for your business.
I need help with…
Each organization below includes a short summary of what it does and a link to visit it directly. Not sure which one you need? SDDBA can help you navigate.
Starting or growing a business
3 ResourcesSCORE San Diego
Free mentoring and workshops from experienced executives and entrepreneurs, covering business planning, finance, marketing, and operations.
Visit ResourceStartupSD
A San Diego community for founders and startups, offering events, resources, and connections to support new business ventures.
Visit ResourceFunding & capital
4 ResourcesSBA Loan Programs
Federal SBA 7(a), 504, and microloan programs that help small and diverse businesses access financing for startup and growth.
Visit ResourceSan Diego & Imperial SBDC
Help with loan-readiness, financial projections, and lender introductions, plus guidance on accessing capital programs.
Visit ResourceCDFI Fund Finder
Locate Community Development Financial Institutions that provide loans and financial services to underserved businesses.
Visit ResourceCalifornia Capital Access Program (CalCAP)
A state program that encourages lenders to make loans to small businesses that may not otherwise qualify for conventional financing.
Visit ResourceGovernment contracting
5 ResourcesSan Diego, Orange & Imperial APEX Accelerator
Free procurement technical assistance — formerly PTAC — helping businesses find, win, and perform on government contracts through counseling and training.
Visit ResourceCalifornia eProcurement (Cal eProcure)
The State of California's procurement portal for bids, RFPs, and contract opportunities across state agencies.
Visit ResourceCity of San Diego Purchasing & Contracting
The City of San Diego's purchasing portal, listing current bids, RFPs, and contracting opportunities.
Visit ResourceSAM.gov — Federal Contract Opportunities
The federal government's official source for contract opportunities, contract awards, and entity registration.
Visit ResourceSan Diego County Procurement
County of San Diego purchasing and contracting information, including current solicitations and vendor resources.
Visit ResourceCertifications & supplier diversity
6 ResourcesDGS — Office of Small Business & DVBE Services
Administers California Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certifications used for state and local set-aside contracts.
Visit ResourceCity of San Diego SLBE Program
The City of San Diego Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) certification preference program for city contracts.
Visit ResourcePacific Southwest MSDC (PSWMSDC)
Certifies, develops, and connects Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) with corporate supplier-diversity programs across San Diego County.
Visit ResourceDBE Certification (CUCP)
California Unified Certification Program for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises on federally funded transportation contracts.
Visit ResourceMBE / WBE Certification (PSWMSDC)
Certifies Minority and Women Business Enterprises for corporate supplier-diversity programs across San Diego County.
Visit ResourceSBA 8(a) & HUBZone Programs
Federal SBA programs for small disadvantaged businesses (8(a)) and businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone).
Visit ResourceWomen entrepreneurs
2 ResourcesSBA Women's Business Centers
A national network of centers providing business training, counseling, and access to capital tailored to women entrepreneurs.
Visit ResourceWomen-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program
SBA federal contracting program that helps women-owned small businesses compete for set-aside federal contracts.
Visit ResourceVeteran entrepreneurs
2 ResourcesSoCal Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Free entrepreneurial training, Boots to Business/Reboot, counseling, and government-contracting guidance for veterans and military spouses.
Visit ResourceSBA Office of Veterans Business Development
Federal resources, programs, and advocacy for veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Visit ResourceRegional business development
2 ResourcesSan Diego Regional EDC
Regional economic development organization supporting business growth, talent, and investment across the San Diego region.
Visit ResourceSBA San Diego District Office
Local SBA district office offering resources, lender relations, and government-contracting support for small businesses.
Visit ResourceSection 3 Resources
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 directs economic opportunities from certain HUD financial assistance to low- and very low-income persons and businesses. The regulation specifically recognizes outreach to targeted workers, technical assistance to Section 3 businesses, efforts to identify bids from Section 3 businesses, and promotion of business registries as examples of qualitative efforts recipients may report.
24 CFR Part 75 — Section 3 Regulations
The federal regulation defining Section 3 worker and business concern status, recipient responsibilities, and safe-harbor documentation.
Visit ResourceHUD Section 3 Program
Official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development overview of the Section 3 program, including resources and guidance.
Visit ResourceHUD Section 3 FAQs
Official HUD frequently asked questions and program guidance about Section 3 worker and business concern requirements.
Visit ResourceSan Diego Housing Commission — Section 3 Program
The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) Section 3 program, including local Section 3 business and worker resources. SDDBA and SDHC administer independent programs.
Visit ResourceSDDBA’s Section 3 work focuses on outreach, registry, resource navigation, certification, and opportunity connection. SDDBA certification is an independent SDDBA determination and is not certification issued or endorsed by HUD. Explore the SDDBA Section 3 Certification & Opportunity Program →
Not Sure Which Resource You Need?
Tell us about your business and what you’re trying to accomplish. SDDBA will help direct you to SBDC, WBC, APEX Accelerator, SCORE, VBOC, or the right agency or partner for your situation.