Employment Training Panel

The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a State of California agency that provides up to $85 million in funds for the training of California's workforce, primarily currently employed workers in companies funded by ETP are small and contracting process quicker and easier. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees may be eligible for a higher reimbursement rate. ETP also has other special funding categories.

Contact: edu@etp.ca.gov

Entrepreneur Center
The SBA Cisco System San Jose Entrepreneur Center is a collaborative effort between information and tools they need to be successful.

NOVA@CONNECT! Business Services               Business Services, in coordination with the 35 partner organizations that comprise the CONNECT! one-stop collaborative, provide a number of quality services that address all aspects of the business cycle, from start-up and workplace development to downsizing and employee transition, and all points in-between. General categories of services include: staffing, training, and retention, informational resources, and outplacement.                                           Contact: (408) 730-7830

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is a non-profit organization that provides small business training and support services to women and men throughout the Bay Area; by helping them to start or grow their own business, Renaissance promotes lasting economic development for individuals and communities that traditionally have not had access to capital and business support.

Silicon Valley SCORE                                         Services include the following:                              *Free counseling by experienced executives at locations throughout Silicon Valley                         * Low-cost workshops and seminars to provide you with in-depth information for starting or managing a successful business                                              * A new assessment program specifically deigned for existing business is available through our participating Chambers of Commerce                                      

* Free Business Library & Information Center with extensive business library, free computer usage and someone to help you find the appropriate information * Email counseling via the internet provided by over 1,100 SCORE business experts throughout the United States. SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit association dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses. Silicon Valley SCORE executive volunteers provide free confidential business counseling and low cost training to local business entrepreneurs.                                         Contact: (408) 288-8479 or info@svscore.org

Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center
The Silicon Valley SBDC is dedicated to contributing to the success of small business persons and entrepreneurs in the Greater Silicon Valley including San Mateo County and Northern Santa Clara County. Services include free expert consulting services, concentrated training, information resources, multiple locations and various seminars.  Contact: (408)494-0240

Small Business Development Center

The silicon Valley SBDC offers all kinds of services to small businesses, including free expert consulting services, concentrated training, information resources, and various seminars. Multiple locations make it convenient to use.

Contact: (408)494-0240

Start Up

Start Up provides low-cost training to enhance your small business. Training includes marketing, business plan development, and other business related classes.

Contact: (650) 321-2193 or info@startupepa.org

U.S. Small Business Administration                 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is congresionally mandated to assist the nation's small businesses meeting their financing needs. The agency's finance programs enhance the ability to lenders to provide long and short-term loans to small businesses that might not qualify through normal lending channels. Daily, SBA and its nationwide network of partners such as SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives), SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) and women business centers, help millions of potential and current small business owners start, grow and succeed. SBA resources and programs targeted for small businesses effectively compete in the marketplace and strengthen the overall economy.                                       Contact: (415) 744-6820 or answerdesk@sba.gov