Best Small Business Resources in the San Diego Area

Description

Nest is a coworking ecosystem that provides coworking space and support services to help entrepreneurs start and launch a business. Judged as a coworking space, Nest offers some unique amenities like a full-service cafe serving coffee and sandwiches, conference rooms, 3D printers, and showers. As an incubator, membership with the coworking space grants access to a network of consultants who can assist you in a variety of legal, marketing, and other matters for free. Membership is tiered to accommodate different professional needs and is all-inclusive (no surprises).

Description

San Diego's Central Library offers access to research databases that can be useful to entrepreneurs. They also have meeting rooms available for use. An innovation center houses a CNC machine, sewing machine, and 3D printer, all available for public use.

Restrictions

A library membership may be required to access certain services.

Description

This community-oriented coworking space offers a variety of desk solutions for its members, including lounge areas, standing and sitting desks, and shared tables. Amenities include private meeting rooms, free teas and coffee, and mail service. A 6,000 square foot event space hosts frequent workshops on relevant topics that help members build a business.

Description

Fab Lab San Diego is a local node of a national network of markerspaces started by the MIT Center for Bits and Atoms. Fab Lab offers anyone access to advanced machines and fabrication technologies.

Description

MakerPlace is a dedicated DIY space where anyone can take classes and use advanced machines and tools. This facility has the machines and resources for woodworking, metal machining, welding, 3D printing, and laser cutters. They offer daily tours to interested parties and classes on specific skills (how to use certain machines, CAD, etc.). Most of the classes are free while some charge a nominal fee to cover materials. Access to the facility is through a membership plan that grants access to all of their services.

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

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.