Resources
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Resources
The resources below can help students, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members explore business ideas, strengthen an existing business, access mentoring, and connect with local support organizations.
Chamber San Mateo County
Chamber San Mateo County supports local economic development through business advocacy, networking, leadership development, and community collaboration. The Chamber brings together small businesses, large employers, educators, nonprofit organizations, public officials, and community leaders throughout San Mateo County.
Students and entrepreneurs can use the Chamber to learn more about the local business community, attend events, build professional connections, and better understand regional business issues.
SCORE
SCORE is a national nonprofit organization that helps entrepreneurs and small business owners start, manage, and grow their businesses through mentoring, education, and workshops. SCORE is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and offers access to experienced volunteer business mentors.
SCORE Silicon Valley serves Santa Clara and San Mateo counties and provides free mentoring and practical guidance for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Local SCORE resources:
U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration provides resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners plan, launch, manage, and grow their businesses. SBA resources include business planning tools, funding information, disaster assistance, government contracting guidance, and connections to local business support partners.
The SBA also helps connect business owners with local assistance, including Small Business Development Centers, SCORE mentors, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, and SBA district offices.
Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers support entrepreneurs and small business owners with advising, training, and practical business assistance. SBDC services often include help with business planning, marketing, finance, access to capital, operations, importing and exporting, and business growth strategies.
The San Mateo SBDC provides confidential, no-cost advising and business support for entrepreneurs and small business owners in San Mateo County. Services include one-on-one advising, webinars, business resources, and support for starting, growing, or transitioning a business.
Additional Bay Area SBDC resources are available through the Northern California SBDC network.
Campus Resources
Cañada College offers many student support services to help students plan their education, prepare for transfer, explore careers, access accommodations, and meet personal, financial, and academic goals.
COLTS-U Transfer Center
The COLTS-U Transfer Center helps students explore transfer options, understand university requirements, plan coursework, prepare transfer applications, and connect with four-year colleges and universities. Students can receive guidance on transfer pathways to California State University, University of California, private, and out-of-state institutions.
Career Center
The Career Center helps students develop short- and long-term career goals. Services may include career exploration, resume and cover letter support, job search assistance, interview preparation, workshops, self-assessments, and help using College Central Network, the campus job board.
Concurrent Enrollment for High School Students
The College Connection Concurrent Enrollment Program allows eligible high school students to take college courses while still enrolled in high school. Concurrent enrollment can help students explore college-level learning, earn college credit, and get an early start on their educational goals.
Disability Resource Center
The Disability Resource Center supports equal access for students with disabilities, limitations, and learning challenges. The DRC works with students to provide academic accommodations, support services, alternative media, assistive technology, and other resources that help students participate fully in college programs and activities.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center helps students make informed decisions about their academic, transfer, career, and personal goals. Students can meet with a counselor to develop an educational plan, choose courses, understand degree and certificate requirements, and stay on track toward completion.
SparkPoint
SparkPoint at Cañada College is a one-stop financial coaching and education center where students and community members can access free services that support financial stability. Services may include financial coaching, food assistance, public benefits support, legal clinic referrals, and other resources for students and community members.
Undocumented Community Center
The Undocumented Community Center is a resource center and safe space for undocumented students, students from mixed-status families, and allies. The Center can help students access information about AB 540, the California Dream Act, scholarships, immigration legal resources, campus support, and community resources.