CSU BAKERSFIELD SBDC
The CSU Bakersfield Small Business Development Center (SBDC) promotes the development, growth and success of small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties.
| Would you help us by answering some questions? We recognize the financial challenges many small businesses face in today’s economic climate, especially when it involves access to capital. We are asking you to participate in this yearâs Small Business Credit Survey. While it is a confidential nationwide survey administered by the Federal Reserve Banks, our SBDC is a local partner in this effort with an opportunity to receive local data when we meet a minimum threshold of 50 completed surveys. We plan to hold two Capital Summits in 2026. One will be in Kern County and the other in the Eastern Sierra. Taking the survey and helping us meet our goal of 50 completed questionnaires will provide important data to assist us in selecting the most pertinent topics and speakers for both summits. The survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete. You can access it by clicking on this link Fed Reserve Credit Survey 2025 You donât need to provide any personal information. The deadline to participate is November 14th. Thank you for your time and help. |
| Kelly Bearden, Director CSU Bakersfield Small Business Development Center |
âSmall businesses have long been regarded as the âengineâ of the nationâs economy,â writes SBDC Director Kelly Bearden in this Community Voices article that first published in the Opinion Section of The Bakersfield Californian newspaper on May 10, 2025.
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On this weekâs free webinar, host and SBDC director, Kelly Bearden will be joined by Kern County Assistant Administrative Officer Stacy Kuwahara, and Chief Workforce Development Officer Brandon Evans to discuss a variety of resources available to help small businesses.
Kuwahara will give an update on the Kern Biz Façade Improvement Grant, and an overview of the online Kern Economic Development Dashboard that includes a property search tool, various state, local and national incentives for businesses, and quarterly updates of local job-related information.
Evans will provide details of the free on-the-job training program available to businesses through Employersâ Training Resource, and ETRâs ability to help pay for job candidates to go through the training.
âWebinar Wednesdayâ will be onlineâŻWednesday, Sept. 10 from noon to 1 p.m.
Bearden will begin the webinar with a look at strategies to start, grow and expand existing businesses.
Questions from attendees will be taken.
This marks the 358th episode of the âWebinar Wednesdayâ business series that provides news and information helpful to employers and business owners.
The CSU Bakersfield SBDC provides free one-on-one help to small business owners. New and existing businesses can go to https://csubsbdc.com/ for more information or to sign up to meet with a business advisor at no cost.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTEREconomic Impact
A Look at the Numbers: In 2024, the CSUB SBDC helped create 134 new local jobs and launch 40 new ventures, while unlocking nearly $XX million in capital investments that support businesses and communities throughout Inyo, Kern, and Mono Counties.
Based on totals of businesses supported by the Central California Network SBDC. No multipliers used; results verified annually by third-party review.
$9.9m
Total Capital Infusion
1.1k
JobS Supported
484
Clients Served
40
New Businesses Started
Success Stories:
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Saint Florian Leather Company EagleRidge IndustriesÂ
Saint Florian is a family-owned online business that does authentic custom leather projects and repairs. Their focus includes a dedication to first responders and a commitment to family. Daniel, his wife, Trish, son, Lucas, and daughters, Emily and Jessi make up the entire team. They have several heavy-duty machines and do repair work on items…