Business Assistance

In Solano County, a Business First! Team is prepared to assist you with all your business needs whether you are an established company or a budding entrepreneur. Solano EDC offers confidential location services and connections.

Location and Expansion

Solano Economic Development Corporation

Call: (707) 864-1855

Solano is the perfect location for companies seeking space to scale their operations while staying close to the Bay Area market. The Solano EDC stands ready to pull together the necessary agencies and service providers to help you with your location or expansion project.

Call: (707) 864-1855 or e-mail: jpaul@solanoedc.org

Solano EDC has Partnered with Solano County to promote The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN). A collaboration of the nine counties that make up the San Francisco Bay Area. Led by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), BayREN provides regional-scale energy efficiency programs, services, and resources. BayREN is funded by utility ratepayer funds through the California Public Utilities Commission, as well as other sources, drawing on the expertise, knowledge, and proven track record of Bay Area local governments.

BayREN Business is a new program that helps Bay Area business owners save energy and reduce operating costs. The program installs new energy efficient hardware, including lighting, smart thermostats, and HVAC sensors, and provides 24/7 equipment monitoring from a team of experts.

BayREN Business will upgrade your building to help you reduce operating costs by up to 25%. Program experts ensure your equipment is set up to maximize energy savings.

Get started today with a free energy assessment by visiting www.bayrenbusiness.org.

Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development GO-Biz

Call: (916) 322-0694

Whether you are an entrepreneur or an established business considering a location or expansion into California, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GoBIZ) is your one-stop portal for the resources, information, and assistance you need—site selection, financing, permitting, exporting, incentives, workforce and other data. Learn more here.

Business Investment Services (CalBIS)

Call: (877) 345-4633

The team of veteran economic development professionals at GoBIZ stand ready to show you the many advantages of a California location. The Business Investment Services (CalBIS) Unit works with companies, corporate real estate executives and site location consultants considering California for a business relocation or expansion. CalBIS will coordinate a streamlined site selection process, and assist you by assessing local, state and federal incentives to offset costs, state and local permitting, financing programs, labor market and other data. Learn more here.

 

Entrepreneurs & Innovation

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Call: (707) 864-3382

The Solano SBDC, located at the Solano Community College in Fairfield, offers confidential no-cost consulting services to businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the county. The range of services includes assistance with business and market plans, regulatory compliance, marketing, low-cost training, and more. Contact the SBDC for a free business start-up kit, workshop schedule, or to schedule an appointment. Learn more here. 

Governor’s Office of Small Business Advocate

Call: (916) 322-0694

The Small Business unit at GoBIZ provides information and assistance to small businesses including forums, webinars, interagency meetings, and technical assistance. Learn more here. 

University of California Davis Office of Research

Call: (530) 754-7679

UC Davis, a renowned public research university, is located just 30 minutes north of Solano County. It is well-known around the world for research that leads to new technologies and innovations that ultimately enter the world market through startup companies. Contact the Office of Corporate Relations to explore business resources and opportunities to partner with UC Davis to develop or license technologies. The Venture Catalyst Program facilitates the translation of University research and technology by driving the development of new ventures based on UC Davis intellectual property. It provides the business community an opportunity to connect with startups. The school offers licensing opportunities for many innovations and new technologies. Learn more here.

Regulatory

Solano County Department of Resource Management

Call: (707) 784-6765

Also see the Government page for city contacts and taxes. Learn more here. 

Permit Streamlining

Call: (877) 345-4633

Specialists at the GoBIZ Permit Assistance unit can help you determine and access the licenses, certificates, or permits you may need to do business in California. As a start, check CalGOLD for information on specific jurisdictions in California. Learn more here. 

Board of Equalization

Call: (800) 400-7115

The BOE administers California’s sales and use, fuel, alcohol, tobacco, and other tax programs. Online application and filing services makes it easy for businesses to obtain information, file forms, pay and monitor the status of returns. Learn more here. 

California Franchise Tax Board

Call: (800) 852-5711

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) collects state personal income taxes, bank and corporate taxes for the State of California. The FTB makes full use of technology to make it easy for employers to obtain information and forms; file, pay and monitor the status of returns. Learn more here. 

Employment Development Department

Call EDD: 

EDD is also the agency that manages the state’s Unemployment and Disability insurance, Paid Family Leave program, and Payroll Taxes.  EDD can also help you with recruiting the skilled talent you need. See more information on the Hiring & Training page. Learn more here. 

California Secretary of State

Call: (916) 653-6814

The California Secretary of State Business Programs Division administers the state-required business and corporate filings. The office also manages several programs including the Uniform Commercial Code, and the Trademarks and Service Marks registry. Learn more here.