We’re here to help
Small businesses and nonprofits 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
BEST aims to help small businesses succeed and to follow regulations. It has 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.
Administration, bookkeeping and labor compliance support
CORE: Compliance, Operations, and Readiness Education
Program Update: Thank you for your interest in the CORE pilot program. The program will conclude on November 20, 2026, and is no longer accepting applications. We appreciate the participation of local businesses throughout the pilot program
Participating Small businesses and non-profits in this pilot program receive free bookkeeping assistance and training on administration and labor compliance.
Bonding and insurance support
BUILD: Bonding and Underwriting Insurance for Local Development
Program Update: Thank you for your interest in the BUILD pilot program. The program will conclude on November 20, 2026. Applications will be accepted through November 1, 2026, and you must have a contract award by November 1, 2026, to qualify for a subsidy.
Participating Small businesses and non-profits in this pilot program may be eligible for free resources and funding for bonding and insurance.
Small-Local Business 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 an advantage to these businesses when they compete for County contracts. We want to make sure more County 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.
