Norcal SBDC, which works with small businesses to secure loans and equity capital, officially opens its new headquarters on 3rd Street in Eureka on Feb. 5.
“Our program has expanded a lot over the past 14 years,” says Kristin Johnson, Norcal SBDC Region Director. “I don’t think many people know that HSU provides leadership for the nation’s third largest SBDC—serving all of Northern California. We are proud of the accomplishments of our local Humboldt-based program, and have created a lot of economic success throughout the northstate.”
The new headquarters, at 416 3rd Street Eureka in the historic Greyhound Hotel, is central to the Humboldt County service area, and allows for the center’s continued growth and support of Northern California businesses.
The SBDC also continues to operate a North Coast service center at 520 E Street in Eureka, where local businesses find one-on-one support and other services.
“We look forward to working closely with the community,” Johnson says.
In 2017 the Norcal SBDC expanded considerably, taking over leadership of the Northeastern SBDC to become the fifth-largest SBDC network in the country, and subsequently have grown to third-largest. It covers 36 North California counties with a network of centers and satellite offices, including the lead center in Eureka. The center is fully supported with grants and contracts. Between 2006 and 2019, the Norcal SBDC counseled nearly 45,000 small businesses, assisted in the launch of more than 3,200 businesses and helped to create more than 22,000 jobs. Visit the Norcal SBDC website for more information.
About the California SBDC Program
The California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is the leader in providing small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools and guidance needed to become successful. Local SBDCs provide comprehensive and expert guidance on issues such as start-up basics, financing, business and marketing plan development, procurement and government contracting. One-on-one advising is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and local partners and is offered at no cost. Consulting is supplemented by low-cost or free seminars and conferences. These services are delivered throughout California via an extensive network of 50 Small Business Development Centers. The California SBDC network serves more than 55,000 small business owners annually. Learn more by visiting the California SBDC website.
About SBA
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the nation’s overall economy. It recognizes that small business is critical to the nation’s economic recovery and strength, to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Learn more by visiting the SBA website.