Small Business Services

STEP provides free entrepreneurship cohorts, access to technical assistance, one-on-one support, and information on affordable lending options for local small businesses.

2026 Entrepreneurship Cohorts

Stay tuned for next year’s cohorts!

How STEP Helps Businesses

A strong, well-rounded small business sector is an important economic engine for your neighborhood, and a thriving local business sector greatly supports the community residents that it serves. 

Stanislaus County is home to a wide variety of locally-owned businesses, micro-enterprises, and street vendors that truly reflect the rich diversity of the community. Many of these businesses are owned by immigrant families that often struggle to navigate city processes and lack access to the capital they need to develop a viable, self-sustaining business. STEP works diligently to provide access to resources such as technical assistance, one-on-one support, and connections to affordable lending options. 

Stanislaus Equity Partners collaborates and builds strategic partnerships with organizations such as Access Plus Capital, Valley Sierra SBDC, Opportunity Stanislaus, Stanislaus County Latino Chamber of Commerce and Chambers of Commerce throughout Stanislaus County to develop a thriving and resourceful micro-business entrepreneur ecosystem.

Contact Us

  • STEP offers 6-week intro to business courses that help you start a business plan and teach you about business structures, marketing, accounting and funding. These courses provide a space to learn about resources, networking and opportunities. 

  • Whether you are a micro
 business,
start
up, or a small 
business looking to expand, STEP can help you on areas such
as marketing, management, finance, and
 strategic
planning.

  • STEP works closely with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to find affordable access to capital to help launch your business to the next level.

  • STEP works with local business organizations to bring practical and inspiring educational opportunities for entrepreneurs. Check out the news and calendar page for more information on upcoming events.