The mission of the Valley Sierra SBDC is to promote the development, growth and success of small businesses by providing high quality business consulting and training throughout Stanislaus, Merced, Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties, thereby enhancing individual, family, community and regional prosperity. Why use the SBDC? Since 2003, the Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has helped thousands of businesses, from pre-ventures and small business start-ups to companies with hundreds of employees, in Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties. We know that there’s a lot to know about operating a business. A company can significantly increase its chance of success with proactive planning and on-going education. In other words, know what you have to do and where you are going with your business. The SBDC offers extensive resources to help you understand the business challenges and help you plan for your future success. Whether a start-up business or an established company, we provide planning, counseling and resources in all areas of operating a business. Expert help is available through one-on-one sessions, workshops & seminars, our extensive website resources, and professional research support. Who is the SBDC? The SBDC is a member of the UC Merced Regional SBDC Network in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and is hosted by the Stanislaus Alliance. Our mission is to assist entrepreneurs and business owners through free business counseling and research and low-cost training. Our services are paid through various grants allowing you to participate in no cost business consulting, a variety of free or low-cost trainings, free research services and much more! The SBDC program has over a 1,000 centers and collectively is the largest provider of business assistance in the nation!Our main office is in Modesto, with satellite offices serving the other counties.