Resources for Business

NEW!  GoED, the Governor's Office of Economic Development - Information and resources for starting, relocating, or expanding a business in California.

Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce -  Provides advocacy, promotion, networking, education, and services for Sonoma Valley businesses.  New programs include Shop Sonoma, the Latino Business Roundtable, and Sonoma Young Professionals.

Sonoma County Economic Development Board - Provides information and referral services for businesses, including "Tools For Business Success"; and develops and disseminates data including economic activities, trends, and projections for Sonoma County.  The EDB provides resources such as the Sonoma County International Trade Guide, and coordinates programs such as the Employer's Coalition on Health and the Business Crime Prevention program.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Santa Rosa Junior College - Services include no-cost professional business advisory services and low-cost workshops.  The SBDC's Sawyer Center provides assistance with intellectual property for inventors, artists, new product developers and others who wish to safeguard creative products. 

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Napa Valley College - Information, training, and one-on-one consulting services.

North Coast SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) - An all-volunteer organization of business executives who provide industry specific counseling on a confidential, no-charge basis.  Low-cost workshops also provided.

The Springs Redevelopment Area of the Sonoma County Community Development Commission -  Highway 12 Improvement Project updates, agenda for the Redevelopment Advisory Committee (RAC), the Springs Strategic Plan, and more.

The Springs Community Allliance is a community organization that is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Springs.

Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau - Promotes Sonoma Valley as a visitor destination; represents businesses that serve and support the local hospitality community; operates two visitors centers.

Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Association - Promotes Sonoma Valley wines and grapes, supports cooperation and collaboration among Valley vintners and growers, and develops community awareness of the industry and its contributions to the unique lifestyle in Sonoma Valley.

Federal Economic Stimulus Spending:  A new Sonoma County Economic Recovery website provides information about how funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is impacting employment services, human services, housing and community development, transportation, energy conservation, health services, and more. 

SBDC Technology Advisory Program - Offers free and low-cost technology services for small buisnesses, including consulting.

Wired Sonoma - Networking site for Sonoma Valley businesses, entrepreneurs, tech experts and digital artists who work in or with digital technology.

Sonoma County Innovation Council - Developed a ten-year economic strategic plan for Sonoma County.

North Bay Leadership Council - Employers from Marin and Sonoma counties promoting sound, regionally-focused public policy.

Local print media include the North Bay Business Journal, North Bay Biz Magazine , the Sonoma Index Tribune, and the Sonoma Sun