LOCAL RESOURCES
This page highlights the people, programs, and places driving innovation in our region. From prototyping labs to funding sources, it’s a directory built for builders. Everything listed here exists to help you make progress.
The Ridgecrest Community and Economic Development Department is responsible for developing programs and policies to support small businesses and to retain and recruit major employers. The staff can provide information about demographics, site location and permit assistance, and financial and technical resources.
The Chamber is a membership organization that works to create a positive business environment in Ridgecrest and in California. Many of the forms and applications needed by businesses are available at the Chamber office and Chamber members help each other to work out issues affecting the business community. We often co-sponsor workshops and business seminars, and we offer many opportunities to network and get to know other people in businesses.
The Weill Institute, located in the Ridgecrest Business Development Center, is an excellent first stop for anyone starting a small business. The center, which also helps existing small businesses, provides business counseling, publications, and education. The center can help with the development of a business plan, preparation of loan applications, market analysis, and more. The center provides client counseling services at no charge, as well as publications and workshops, which are either free or at low cost.
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The mission of Golden State APEX Accelerator is to help small businesses understand the complex world of government contracting and to assist in building their confidence and competence in this arena.
SBDCs provide aspiring and current small business owners a variety of free business consulting and low-cost training services including: business plan development, financial packaging and lending assistance, exporting and importing support, disaster recovery assistance, procurement and contracting aid, market research help, 8(a) program support, and healthcare guidance. SBDCs are hosted by leading universities and state economic development agencies, and funded in part through a partnership with SBA.