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.
- Commercial/Small Business Program: https://www.bayren.org/business
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.
- Government Codes/Standards: https://www.bayren.org/government
- Contractor Programs: https://www.bayren.org/workforce
- Multifamily Programs: https://www.bayren.org/multifamily
- Homeowners: https://www.bayren.org/homeowners
- Real Estate Professionals: https://www.bayren.org/bayren-events-training
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
- Building and Safety: plan reviews, online permits, inspections, code enforcement
- Environmental Health: hazardous materials, solid waste, water system, consumer protection
- Planning Services: zoning, development permit, use permits, environmental review, etc.
- Public Works: roadways, surveying, land development, permitting
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:
- (800) 300-5616 – Unemployment Insurance
- (800) 480-3287 – Disability
- (877) 238-4373 – Paid Family Leave
- (888) 745-3886 – Payroll Taxes
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.