The California Association of Independent Business, Inc. (CAIB) is a non-partisan organization made up of men and women in small business who are active in the political process. The CAIB provides information on proposed legislation in Sacramento and how it may affect the small business community.

The California Chamber of Commerce represents 13,000 companies to the state legislature and to regulatory agencies. It is one of the largest non-profit organizations in the state, helping California employers understand laws and regulatory issues. Visit its website for valuable information from the Internal Revenue Service on topics such as how to start a business, secure tax identification numbers and hiring employees. Advice on securing government contracts is also available.

In an effort to restore the economies of California's towns and cities, the Main Street Program provides training, information, research and referral services to communities interested in preserving their traditional central business districts. California Main Street offers on-site technical services to address specific revitalization needs on a fee-for-service basis.

The California Manufacturing Technology Center (CMTC) is a private non-profit firm that provides consulting services to hi-tech and traditional manufacturers hoping to build successful businesses in the Los Angeles, Fresno and San Diego areas. Its specialty is designing programs aimed towards increased employee effectiveness and higher profitability.

The California Small Business Association (CSBA) is a non-profit small business advocacy organization representing small business' interests in government programs. The CSBA website also has small group and individual health insurance plan information from the California Healthy Families Program.

For manufacturers with fewer than 500 employees, the Small Manufacturing Association of California (SMA) offers affordable group benefits, and public policy representation to facilitate legislative changes on regulation, job creation, taxes and other issues.

CITY AND REGIONAL

The Bay Area Economic Forum (BAEF) has six service centers that provide consulting, market support and export finance to assist Bay Area companies. Click here for more details.

The Central California Small Business Development Center offers workshops, an extensive reference library and free business development counseling from their website. Other services include consultation on government procurement and international trade.

The East Bay SCORE offers business and import-export workshops, and free counseling to start-ups and entrepreneurs. Their website includes an extensive list of government and commercial resources for California small businesses.

The Los Angeles County Office of Small Business website offers information on technical assistance within public agencies in Los Angeles County, State of California, and Federal government. It also serves as a regional resource of business opportunities and an information clearinghouse for businesses on the Internet.

The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) is a private, non-profit 501(c) 3 organization offering networking opportunities, referrals to free or low-cost services, help with permit and licensing agencies, information on public financing programs, and much more.

The San Francisco Small Business Network acts as an advocate for small businesses at the local, state and federal levels. The Network offers educational seminars, a quarterly newsletter, fax and e-mail communications, and Internet services. The Bad Check enforcement Program was created by the Network and is administered by the San Francisco District Attorney's office. Any person who receives a bad check within the County of San Francisco may take advantage of this program.

The West Company is a nonprofit economic development organization serving microenterprises (fewer than five employees) in Mendocino County. It offers several programs and services to people interested in starting or growing a small business, including training workshops, technical assistance, a loan program, and networking programs.

SBA RESOURCES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Export Working Capital Program

International Trade Financing For U.S. Small Businesses

Breaking Into The Trade Game: A Small Business Guide

Office of International Trade

Trade Mission Online

U.S. Business Advisor.gov

Calendar of Events

Locate An SBA Office in California