Small Business Support
Small businesses and non-profits help grow our local economy and make our community stronger. The County of San Diego offers programs and tools to support them at every stage of their journey.
Business Engagement & Strategic Training (BEST) Initiative
The Business Engagement & Strategic Training (BEST) Initiative aims to help small businesses grow and succeed. It includes programs and resources that make it easier for businesses to work with the County and to follow regulations. There are three parts:
Technical Assistance with County Contracts
STEP: Support, Training, and Education for Procurement
Access free workshops and one-on-one support for small businesses, non-profits and community-based organizations interested in doing business with the County.
Email econdev@sdcounty.ca.gov to learn more and get connected with resources.
Administration, Bookkeeping, and Labor Compliance Support
CORE: Compliance, Operations, and Readiness Education
Small businesses can participate in this pilot program to receive free bookkeeping assistance and training on administration and labor compliance.
Bonding and Insurance Support
BUILD: Bonding and Underwriting Insurance for Local Development
Small businesses, non-profits, and community-based organizations can participate in this pilot program which provides free resources and funding for bonding and insurance.
Small-Local Preference Program
We are committed to supporting small and local businesses and making it easier to access County contracts. Our Small-Local Preference Program offers a competitive advantage to these businesses to ensure more of the County’s spending returns to the community.
The County does not certify businesses. If your small business is certified with another public agency or jurisdiction, you can still qualify through our Reciprocal Small-Local Business Certification Program.
Contracting Opportunities
Want to do business with the County? Sign up on BuyNet and visit the County’s opportunity forecast to learn about current contracting opportunities.
Upcoming Events
Check back for future events!
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