Small Business Resources

The 805 Startups is all about helping new businesses take advantage of the community around them. Collaboration is the cornerstone. 805 Startups’ support programs include education, matchmaking, and networking events that expose entrepreneurs to new circles of investors, corporations, and fundraising mechanisms.

This alliance between the life science industry, regional education, and government institutions works to expand access to resources and connections in the community.

California offers sales and use tax exemptions for the purchase and installation of manufacturing equipment that reduces energy consumption. Part of a larger group of resources that incentivize the promotion of alternative energy and advanced transportation.

The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to relocate to California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year.

The California Employment Training Panel (ETP) provides funding to employers to offset the costs of job skills training.

A partial sales and use tax exemption allows certain manufacturers, researchers, and developers to pay lower sales or use tax rate on qualifying equipment purchases and leases. The exemption is structured so that the business benefits from the exemption at the time of purchase, not through a refund.

The purpose of California’s R&D tax credit is to incentivize business tax filers to engage in research and development activities within the state. Much like the federal R&D credit, recognized under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 41, it typically permits businesses involved in “qualified research” to offset a portion of their qualifying research expenses (QREs) against their state tax obligations.

Camarillo’s $1,000,000 Business Loan Fund is designed to assist business owners in overcoming some of the challenges inherent in running and growing a business. Funding can be used for equipment and inventory purchases or just plain working capital. All Camarillo-based small businesses are encouraged to apply.

If you’re looking to expand, relocate, or startup, you can utilize this valuable resource. Commercial Property Search provides information on commercial, industrial, and office properties that are available for lease and sale in Camarillo.

Our local university offers curriculum in business, entrepreneurship, life science, mechatronics, and more. If you’re looking for employable talent, reach out to the Career Services Department to connect with potential interns or employees. They also organize an annual Career Fair.

The Economic Development Collaborative and Small Business Development Center are based in Camarillo and are staffed by more than 50 consultants with expertise in all facets of business operations. Advising opportunities include marketing, accounting, legal, HR, expanding into new domestic or foreign markets, and more. The EDC also manages Camarillo’s loan program and has its own loan program to offer additional capital. This trusted partner has funded many businesses after they were declined for traditional bank financing.

Fathomwerx is a public-private consortium and resource for technological innovation that fuses civilian companies, academia, and other nontraditional Department of Defense (DoD) partners. Located in Port Hueneme, the Fathomwerx laboratory is a physical collaborative space where government employees, business owners/ entrepreneurs, and academic stakeholders can innovate, experiment, and transfer/transition capabilities. The laboratory features a 3D metal printer, CNC machine, drone cage, underwater testing area, and more.

CLU’s Hub101 is a coworking space, startup incubator, and community that helps entrepreneurs build and grow successful businesses, including through educational programs, mentorship, community-building events, and more.

Industrial Development Bonds (IDB) provide tax-exempt financing up to $10 million for qualified manufacturing and processing companies for the construction or acquisition of facilities and equipment. IDBs allow private companies to borrow at low interest rates normally reserved for state and local governmental entities.

RC Makes is a Rancho Campana High School Makerspace that features tools for woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, industrial sewing and more. The makerspace is open to the public most Saturdays and can be commissioned to complete various activities.

Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) students are great candidates for early-career roles in your company. Finding them is simple: use Handshake to connect with Oxnard, Ventura, and Moorpark College students and career offices, post available jobs, field applications, and coordinate interviews.

Ventura County is a designated Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ). RMDZ staff can help eligible businesses obtain low-interest long-term fixed-rate loans, secure permits, manage site selection, and acquire materials for manufacturing.

An initiative powered by Pacific Western Bank, the SoCal Ventura Pipeline matches startups that are raising institutional funding with venture capital investors. Its goal is to provide access to its nationwide network of capital providers, all at no cost, helping startups go from seed to success.

This adult school offers skill development courses in video production, graphic design, and more.

Located in Newbury Park’s industrial area, Ventura Biocenter is a biotech incubator that hosts occasional events.

Our surrounding community colleges offer employable talent and educational resources. Additionally, they partner with businesses to provide short-term employee trainings that can be taken individually or bundled, depending on your particular business needs.

In 2021, the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce voted to unite as The West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA). The WVCBA advocates for business-friendly legislation and policies and promotes economic development for these two cities and the wider Ventura County region.

Women’s Economic Ventures provides classes in Ventura that help entrepreneurs develop a business plan, access capital, join a mastermind group, and more. Also, it’s not just for women.

The Workforce Development Board maintains a no-cost virtual hiring board for employers and job seekers to match their needs. They also offer paid on-the-job training for any members of your staff who have been hired through America’s Job Centers of California. This includes subsidizing 50% of employees’ training expenses.