4. Finance Your Growth

As you move into a growth phase, make sure you have a good funding source that will sustain you through economic ups and downs. See below for local lending options.

Banks and Credit Unions

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

SBA loans are federally guaranteed and geared towards small businesses and entrepreneurs. Typically, lenders require a completed business plan with financial projections, 20-30% equity or collateral, and evidence of ability to repay the loan.

Alternative Lending Resources for Businesses 

These alternative lending resources can help businesses that encounter difficulty gaining financing through traditional means. These lenders can finance start-ups and existing businesses, and some offer pre and post-loan business counseling.

Bay Area Small Business Finance
(510) 830-3280
www.basbf.com

Offers SBA Community Advantage Loans ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 for up to 10 years.

Working Solutions
(415) 655-5473
www.workingsolutions.org

Micro-lender that specializes in startups and existing businesses. Up to $25,000 is available for startups, up to $50,000 is available to existing businesses.

Be sure to check on Alternative lending opportunities launched by the EDB in 2016.

Angel Investors and Venture Capital 

Angel venture capital investors provide funding to companies engaged in groundbreaking practices including, but not limited to the areas of; Agriculture, alternative energy, biotech, clean tech, communications, industry, high tech, and manufacturing.

Cascade Capital
(415) 456-1001

Innovation Ventures
(415) 383-8272

North Bay Angels
(707) 431-4201

Technology Partners
(415) 332-9999

Environmentally-focused Financing 

California Capital Access Program (CALCAP)

California Pollution Control Financing Authority
(916) 654-5610

CALCAP Lenders:

Bank of America
(707) 542-4433

Wells Fargo
(707) 584-3110

Energy Efficiency/Conservation Loan

SAFE-BIDCO
(707) 577-8621

Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ)

California Integrated Waste Management Board
(916) 341-5630

Energy Upgrade Financing and Rebates

Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP)
(707) 565-6470

Crowdfunding and Other Resources  

Crowdfunding connects entrepreneurs with investors and/or donors who pool their resources to fully fund a project or venture. Each of the sites listed below differ in their offerings and requirements, so be sure to investigate each thoroughly.

If you would like your institution or program listed here, please call the Economic Development Board at (707) 565-7170, or email edb@sonoma-county.org.