Best Small Business Resources in the Fresno Area

Description

WET is an accelerator dedicated to spurring economic growth in the water, energy, and agricultural technology industries. They facilitate networking among local members to foster organic collaboration. Their Valley Ventures program is a startup accelerator that offers close mentoring and technical support through industry connections, among other startup services. Services are grant-funded and therefore are free to startups. WET is a program run by BlueTechValley, a region-wide entrepreneurial support organization.

Restrictions

Startups must be in the water, energy, or agricultural technology sectors

Description

Formerly known as Hashtag, Bitwise Cowork is a modern coworking space in the heart of Fresno. They offer several levels of flexible memberships that grant access to the space's many amenities, such as conference rooms, 24/7 access, and a complimentary coffee bar. Bitwise Cowork is a program of the much larger Bitwise Industries organization.

Description

The Innovation Cluster is a region-wide network of entrepreneurial and innovation support organizations. They offer a broad range of support, from idea commercialization to business plan competitions. Tangible means of support include workspace, product testing, and funding. Admittance to the Innovation Cluster (and its resources) begins with a "Shark Tank" style interview where teams pitch their concept to a panel of subject matter experts.

Restrictions

Focused on energy, water, and agricultural technology companies.

Description

The Fresno County Library has several business research databases of local resources and small business tools. In addition to the databases, they also have traditional print resources that may be of use.

Restrictions

A library membership may be required to access certain services

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

Workspace is a flexible coworking space housed in the Pacific Southwest Building in downtown Fresno. They offer several membership tiers to accommodate a variety of work needs, from solo desks to private offices. Amenities include conference rooms, coffee, mail service, and bike storage. Members have 24/7 access to the space and access to events as well. They host a few events each month on education and small business topics.