Starting a Business & Small Business Resources

Starting a small business in the City of Lathrop, the following resources may assist you in your quest. 

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of San Joaquin County is hosted by the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce.  The SBDC provides free and confidential business consulting, and free and low-cost training to help existing business owners and entrepreneurs grow their operations.  The SBDC's training focuses on three business disciplines:  Business Planning & Management, Financial Management, and Marketing. 

• iHub San Joaquin (iHubSJ) is a State of California designated innovation hub that stimulate partnerships, economic development, and job creation around sustainable technologies in three areas:  Health Care, Agri-Business, and Sustainable Construction Technology.  The iHubSJ leverages relationships and assets with it State and local partner agencies to provide an innovation platform for startup companies, economic development orgranizations, business groups, and venture capitalists. 

• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs may provide access to capital to facilitate business formation and expansion.  The SBA's assistance is in the form of loan guarantees and its most common porgrams are the 7(a) and 504.  These long-term, low down payment, and reasonably priced financing options tend to reduce the overall cost of capital freeing up resources to support business operations.

In seeking a business location, please remember to contact the City regarding permits and regulatory requirements on proper zoning, tenant improvements, business licenses, building permits, etc.  Engaging City staff early on may save you money and time to getting your business up and operational.