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Resources for Small Businesses

List of Resources for Small Business Owners Pursuing Opportunities at UC San Diego


The Small Business Development Office actively curates resources that are helpful to small, diverse business owners seeking to do business at UC San Diego. 

All suppliers are strongly encouraged to certify themselves with one of the recognized agencies to pre-qualify for projects and services where certified suppliers are required.

Suppliers should check directly with the agency for an application and any related fees (note: Certification Fees vary). 

University of California San Diego

University of California

We invite you to register as a supplier in our online bid solicitation application. This application provides a complete one-stop solution for suppliers participating in University of California sourcing events.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

For the University's federal contracts to receive credit for using diverse suppliers, the business must be certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA will certify qualified businesses for the 8(a) Business Development Program and the HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program.

Visit the Small Business Administration website to access these resources and more:

  • Business Guide
  • Funding Programs
  • Federal Contracting
  • Local Assistance
  • Registering Your Business
  • Certifying Your Business
  • Tips for Launching and Managing Your Business

The San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center (SDCOC)
The San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center, also known as Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), assists San Diego small businesses in how to do business with federal, state, and local government agencies. This assistance is provided at no cost to the small business owner. The center is funded by local government agencies and the Department of Defense.

San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) assist small businesses and entrepreneurs by answering business questions along with providing resources to help start and/or expand your business. Services are provided at no cost (a small fee for some seminars and workshops may apply).

System for Award Management (SAM)
The System for Award Management (SAM) is the official U.S. government system that consolidates the capabilities of CCR/FedReg, ORCA, and EPLS. There is no fee to register for this site.

Public Agency Consortium Ad Hoc Committee (PAC)
PAC is a partnership of San Diego regional public agencies focused on increasing both the bidding opportunities and the likelihood of success of small businesses in public agency contracts. Members of PAC meet to plan events, collaborate on outreach, and improve the reliability of outreach resources.

SCORE San Diego

SCORE San Diego offers mentors dedicated to helping small business owners achieve their goals. Face-to-face or online, mentors are able and willing to aid in the success of small businesses.

Accessity.org

With a 28-year history in Southern California, Accessity has worked with thousands of small business owners, each on their unique entrepreneurial journey. 

Non-UC Resource Articles 

Financial Resources for Minority Business Owners | Credit Donkey

FTC: Protecting Personal Information | A Guide for Business