There are many resources through both government and private agencies that are available to assist you in your needs. Below is a list of types of resources along with important links to your business.
Important Business Links
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- Location Assistance
- Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Alarm Permits
- County Clerk Recorder for Fictitious Business Name
- State Board of Equalization for a resale number
- Department of Consumer Affairs
- Contractor's State License Board
- Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC)
- Secretary of State
- Franchise Tax Board
- Internal Revenue Service
- Calgold
The Employment Training Panel (ETP) assists businesses in acquiring and retraining the highly skilled front-line workers and staff needed to increase competitiveness and productivity. ETP provides up to $80 million in job training funds annually to employers throughout the state. A performance based contract is developed and a cost reimbursement per trainee is negotiated. The average training reimbursement is $1,200 per trainee. Companies decide which type of training is needed, who needs training, and whether the training will be done in-house or by a training vendor.
The Orange County Workforce Investment Board is a one stop system for administering workforce programs throughout the county. It coordinates the efforts of community colleges, the Orange County Business Council, local Chambers of Commerce, and many other agencies to work together to support the success of the One Stop Centers. The One Stop Centers are located in various places throughout the county where job seekers can find a tremendous amount of employment resources. The closest center that serves Fountain Valley is the Orange County One Stop.
Employment Development Department
The State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) provides recruitment assistance either on-site or at an EDD office and will assist with grand openings and seasonal employment opportunities. The EDD can also provide reception service, review applications for completion, and pre-screen candidates for job qualifications. The EDD can attend employer orientation sessions to review and process those applications that meet the Job Tax Credit program criteria.
CalJobs is the Employment Development Department’s automated job match system where employers may submit their job openings and job seekers can submit their resumes. This system matches job seekers with jobs that meet their qualifications, resulting in a more efficient employment search.
Regional Occupational Programs
Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) of Orange County offer businesses the opportunity to upgrade employee skills or hire trained personnel. Personnel placement is a free service to businesses and individuals. ROP skills training is available in Business/Marketing; Business Office; Agriculture/Floriculture; Construction Technology; Diversified Occupations; Electronics, Technology; Health Careers; Home Economics Related Occupations; Manufacturing Technology; Power, Energy and Transportation Technology; and Visual Communications/Graphics/Drafting.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprize and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. The SBA offers a variety of loan programs to eligible small business who cannot borrow on reasonable terms from conventional lenders in the amount needed without government help. Most of the SBA's business loans are made by private lenders (check with your local bank), and then guaranteed by the SBA.
The SBA also publishes a valuable Small Business Resource Guide full of useful information whether you are starting your first business or looking to expand.
SBA 504 Debenture Loan Program
The 504 loan program is a long-term financing tool for economic development within a community. The 504 Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. A Certified Development Company is a nonprofit corporation set up to contribute to the economic development of its community. CDCs work with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses.
Typically, a 504 project includes a loan secured with a senior lien from a private-sector lender covering up to 50 percent of the project cost, a loan secured with a junior lien from the CDC (backed by a 100 percent SBA-guaranteed debenture) covering up to 40 percent of the cost, and a contribution of at least 10 percent equity from the small business being helped.
The SBA 504 Debenture Loan Program allows the business owner to purchase or construct an industrial or commercial building while preserving working capital. Financing is below market interest rates with only a 10 percent down payment or equity injection. The loan proceeds may be used to purchase or remodel an existing building or to construct a new facility. Contact the SBA or other listed non-profits for further information on their financial programs.
SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to the formation, growth, and success of small business. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA). Over 10,500 successful executives, located in 389 local chapters throughout the United States, volunteer to provide free, confidential business counseling and low cost workshops as a public service to businesses. SCORE is a great source of free and confidential small business advice to help you build your business—from idea to start-up to success.
SCORE volunteers are available to help you to leverage their expertise and energies to implement proven business practices in accomplishing your business objectives.
Some of the services SCORE offers include:
- No-cost personal counseling and mentoring at the variety of local SCORE offices
- The confidential advice of professional business men and women
- Experts on business issues who will help you analyze problems and find solutions
- Non-confrontational discussions
SCORE Orange County also offers low-cost workshops for both start-up and existing business entrepreneurs. Local business experts conduct training across a variety of relevant subjects including starting a business, business plans, marketing, finance, import/export, human resources and more.
Orange County Small Business Development Center
The Orange County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) uses a variety of resources to counsel small business owners in financial, marketing, production, organizational, engineering, technical, and other management topics. Assistance is available to help develop feasibility studies, business plans, cash flow analysis and financial statements. Both one-on-one and group counseling sessions are offered at no cost to the small business. Seminars and special training are available for a nominal fee.
Orange County Business Council
The Orange County Business Council (OCBC) provides proactive advocacy for regional economic development throughout the county. The OCBC accomplishes its mission by leading a high profile, proactive advocacy program for business interests throughout California and the nation, focusing on three core initiatives: infrastructure, workforce development and workforce housing.
Orange County Business Service Centers
The Orange County Business Service Centers are federally funded through the Orange County Workforce Investment Board, to offer free comprehensive resource centers to assist large and small businesses. Local Business Service Specialists can assist businesses with Hiring Assistance, Career Transition Services and Referrals to Specialized Business Resources