Small Business Services
MEC offers a range of services to help new, small, and established businesses in Marin County thrive. These programs are conducted in conjunction with our partner agencies such as the Small Business Development Center. For more information about any of these programs, contact the numbers listed below.
Small Business Planning
The Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center offers no-cost, confidential small business consulting. Contact the SBDC at (888) 346-7232 or visit the SBDC website at www.sbdcsantarosa.org.
So You Think You Want to Start a Business
This training is for individuals who have a business concept and have started the planning process, but are not currently operating a business. Once the Pre-Venture training modules and your business plan outline are complete, you may begin working individually with a business advisor.
- Module I: Planning, what to consider, and legal structure
- Module II: Marketing and finance
- Module III: Developing your business plan
Please call the SBDC at (707) 524-1770 or visit the SBDC website at www.santarosa.edu/sbdc for current dates.
NxLeveL Entrepreneur Course
The NxLeveL Entrepreneur Course is a 12-week intensive program designed to encourage business expansion and growth. Designed for owners of existing businesses and start-ups, NxLeveL is particularly well suited for businesses in high-growth mode, as well as business owners who need to rethink their business strategies. As a participant, you will learn:
- How and when to start business planning for expansion.
- How to better lead and manage your business.
- How to identify opportunities and better market your business.
- How to understand your company’s financials and get them in order.
- How to manage your money; developing and using cash flow projections.
- How and where to get funding for new growth and opportunities.
- How to write a detailed and comprehensive business plan to fuel growth
- How to develop a network of small business support services.
- And so much more!
Past participants have been engineers, physicians, construction contractors, plumbers, real estate agents, landscapers, and owners of coffee shops, restaurants, flower shops, breweries, art galleries, health facilities, wineries, beauty salons, and more. For more information, contact the Redwood Empire Small Business Development Center, www.santarosa.edu/sbdc.
Consultations for Small Businesses Considering Downsizing
MEC is partnering with the Small Business Development Center to provide consulting and support to struggling businesses in Marin County. The goal is to minimize layoffs and help small businesses become more financially stable.
ADA Compliance Counseling
The MEC Disability Program Navigator serves as a disability resource specialist to assist employers and workers with issues regarding workplace accommodations. Call Lea Del Pomo at (415) 473-3314.
Labor Market Information
MEC provides employers with access to labor market information, including information regarding demand occupations, wage ranges, and other data that can help with business decisions and planning. For more information, contact the EDD representative at MEC at (415) 507-2100.
Business Services Information Line
An EDD representative is available to answer questions on employment topics, give assistance in obtaining state forms and publications, and make referrals to appropriate government agencies. Call (415) 507-2100.
Links to Labor Data
The EDD maintains extensive collections of data regarding various aspects of labor markets. For more information, visit these web sites:
