We have been having a lot of conversations lately about the state of small business in Santa Barbara and all of the resources in the area that are around to help the community. These were such great topics of discussion that we thought, “Hey, let’s do a bit of research on all of this, gather up some resources, and share our results.” Sharing knowledge is, after all, very much in the Accountix spirit.
It appears that the state of small businesses in Santa Barbara varies depending on the industry and individual characteristics of each business. However, there are plenty of resources available to support all sorts of small business success in the region.
Local Support for Small Businesses
The Santa Barbara County Business Start-Up Guide provides comprehensive information to assist entrepreneurs in setting up their businesses. It outlines the necessary steps and resources required to establish a new business in the county.
Additionally, the City of Santa Barbara offers guidance specific to various business types, such as automotive repair, beauty salons, contractors, and fitness centers (check this out). These resources help entrepreneurs navigate the specific regulations and requirements associated with their industries.
The Small Business Development Center provides assistance to small business owners throughout Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. You can find information about these centers here, or feel free to reach out to us at Accountix and we can put you in contact with a few. These centers are affiliated with the SBA and lean on consulting, lending, and more to help increase sales, streamline operations, utilize new technologies, and expand into new markets. This is a great resource for all small businesses that not everyone knows about.
To further support small businesses, the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce actively advocates for business interests and promotes economic development in the region. This chamber represents over 1,100 businesses and 75,000 jobs, demonstrating the collective strength of the community in supporting local enterprises.
Small businesses in Santa Barbara can also benefit from statewide resources. The California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) serves as a voice for small businesses, advocating for equitable access to capital, markets, and networks. CalOSBA’s programs aim to support the success and resilience of small businesses across California.
Overall, small businesses in Santa Barbara (and the surrounding areas such as Ventura County), are thriving and contributing to the economic vibrancy of the region. With the support of local and statewide resources, entrepreneurs have access to the guidance, networking opportunities, and information necessary for success.
Accountix is happy to discuss available resources, provide our thoughts and experiences, and partner with you to help support your business so that it can flourish. We don’t just do bookkeeping; we want to make sure you have a partner that you can turn to when you have business questions.
Let us know how we can help. You got this.