External resourceAvailable in selected locationsFree option · other costs may apply
SCORE San Diego
Small-business mentoring
Business mentoring, workshops and practical startup guidance
San Diego/Imperial and border region; online options
In person · Online option
Who it’s for
Entrepreneurs and small-business owners; mentor fit requires confirmation
Cost
Mentoring free; workshop fees vary
Your next stepEnter ZIP or choose Find A Mentor; register for chosen workshop
Requirements, contact & sources
- Before you apply
- Document requirements are not confirmed in this listing. Check the provider’s current instructions before applying; do not send documents to FTC.
- Contact provider
- Official Find A Mentor/contact route
- Important limits
- Mentoring is not legal representation, tax advice or loan approval
- Availability
- Service listed; current openings not confirmed.
- Official sources
External resourceAvailable in selected locationsFree option · other costs may apply
Southwestern College
San Diego and Imperial SBDC Network
Small-business advising, training and regional specialist referrals
San Diego and Imperial counties
In person
Who it’s for
New and existing businesses in the region; advising requires client intake and an appointment. Confirm program fit.
Cost
No-cost advising; free/low-cost training per official indexed SBDC page
Your next stepUse Request Assistance; advising by appointment
Requirements, contact & sources
- Before you apply
- Document requirements are not confirmed in this listing. Check the provider’s current instructions before applying; do not send documents to FTC.
- Contact provider
- 619-482-6391; sdsbdc@swccd.edu
- Important limits
- Advising is by appointment; training fees vary. Funding is not guaranteed.
- Availability
- Service listed; current openings not confirmed.
- Official sources
External resourceAvailable in selected locationsConfirm cost with provider
U.S. Small Business Administration
San Diego District Office
Help navigating SBA counseling, funding and federal contracting services
San Diego and Imperial counties
In person
Who it’s for
Small-business and program-specific criteria; confirmation required
Cost
Program/lender costs vary; confirmation required
Your next stepSend message or arrange appointment through district page
Requirements, contact & sources
- Before you apply
- Document requirements are not confirmed in this listing. Check the provider’s current instructions before applying; do not send documents to FTC.
- Contact provider
- 619-557-7250
- Important limits
- Funding programs and lenders have separate eligibility and costs; assistance does not guarantee a loan.
- Availability
- Service listed; current openings not confirmed.
- Official sources
External resourceAvailable in selected locationsConfirm cost with provider
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
Microbusiness and Nonprofit Support
Legal help with formation, contracts, governance and business issues
San Diego
In person
Who it’s for
Eligible low-income entrepreneurs/microbusinesses and nonprofits; intake screening
Cost
Cost not confirmed on reviewed program page; ask intake.
Your next stepSubmit appropriate microbusiness/nonprofit legal-services application
Requirements, contact & sources
- Before you apply
- Document requirements are not confirmed in this listing. Check the provider’s current instructions before applying; do not send documents to FTC.
- Contact provider
- 619-235-5656 option 8
- Important limits
- Income, case type and capacity screening apply. Representation is not guaranteed.
- Availability
- Service listed; current openings not confirmed.
- Official sources
External resourceAvailable in selected locationsFree option · other costs may apply
City of San Diego
Five Key Steps to Starting a Business
A practical guide to planning, location, business formation, permits and launching a business.
City of San Diego; online guide
Online option
Who it’s for
People starting a business within the City of San Diego. Other cities have their own requirements.
Cost
The online guide is free. Registration, permits and professional services may have fees.
Your next stepRead the guide and follow the official agency links for your business type.
Requirements, contact & sources
- Before you apply
- Document requirements are not confirmed in this listing. Check the provider’s current instructions before applying; do not send documents to FTC.
- Contact provider
- 619-236-6700; sdbusiness@sandiego.gov
- Important limits
- General guidance is not individual legal or tax advice; requirements depend on activity and location.
- Availability
- Online information; individual assistance availability not confirmed.
- Official sources
External resourceAvailable nationwideFree option · other costs may apply
U.S. Small Business Administration
Find local business assistance
Find SBA district offices and resource partners for business counseling and training.
United States — nationwide online starting point
Online option
Online navigation tool. Listed programs set their own service areas, formats and eligibility.
Who it’s for
Entrepreneurs and small businesses; confirm the selected provider’s service area, intake and program requirements.
Cost
SBA describes free or low-cost counseling and training. Confirm the selected provider’s fees.
Your next stepSearch by ZIP code through the local-assistance tool and contact a listed provider.
Requirements, contact & sources
- Before you apply
- Check the selected provider or opportunity for current document requirements. Do not send documents to FTC.
- Contact provider
- Use the official locator to find the appropriate office or resource partner.
- Important limits
- SBA resource partners are not FTC partners. Availability, fees and appointment requirements vary.
- Availability
- Online resource listed; individual openings, appointments and benefits are not confirmed.
- Official sources
