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.

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.

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.

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.

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 offers 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.