NorCal Veterans Business Outreach Center
Veteran business services for Northern California.
About
NorCal VBOC provides entrepreneurial development services to veterans, service members, and military spouses in Northern California (all counties north of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino).
The NorCal Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) is a specialized Small Business Administration resource dedicated to helping veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses launch and grow successful businesses throughout Northern California. Serving all counties north of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino, this center provides comprehensive entrepreneurial development services tailored specifically to the veteran community. VBOC stands for Veterans Business Outreach Center, a federal program designed to recognize that veterans bring unique skills, discipline, and leadership experience to entrepreneurship. The center offers free business counseling, mentoring from experienced business advisors, training workshops on business fundamentals, assistance with business planning and market research, guidance on accessing capital and SBA loan programs, and resources for federal contracting opportunities. Whether you're a veteran exploring your first business venture, a service member planning your transition to civilian entrepreneurship, or a military spouse building your own enterprise, NorCal VBOC provides the expert guidance and supportive community you need. The center understands the specific challenges and advantages of veteran entrepreneurs, offering culturally competent advice grounded in real-world business experience and deep knowledge of SBA programs designed to support military-connected entrepreneurs.
Services Offered
Program Type
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Cost
Free
Services
Free one-on-one mentoring, business plan development, financial planning, market research, SBA loan guidance, business workshops, federal contracting assistance, veteran business certifications
Best For
Veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses starting or growing businesses in Northern California
Focus Areas
Impact Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does NorCal Veterans Business Outreach Center provide?
NorCal VBOC offers a full range of free entrepreneurial development services including one-on-one business mentoring and counseling, comprehensive business plan development and review, market research and competitive analysis, financial planning and projections assistance, guidance on accessing SBA loans and other funding sources, workshops and training on business topics, federal contracting and procurement guidance, and resources specific to veteran-owned business certifications. Services are delivered by experienced business professionals who understand both business fundamentals and the veteran experience.
Is NorCal Veterans Business Outreach Center free to use?
Yes, all services provided by NorCal Veterans Business Outreach Center are completely free. As an SBA-funded resource center, the VBOC program is designed to remove financial barriers to business education and mentoring. There are no fees for counseling sessions, workshops, business plan reviews, or any other core services. This allows veterans and military spouses to access expert business guidance without out-of-pocket costs.
Who can use NorCal Veterans Business Outreach Center?
NorCal VBOC primarily serves veterans (including disabled veterans), active-duty service members, veterans transitioning to civilian entrepreneurship, and military spouses. You must have a service connection to access VBOC services. The center serves the entire Northern California region, covering all counties north of Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties, making services accessible whether you're planning a startup or scaling an existing business.
How do I get started with NorCal Veterans Business Outreach Center?
To begin, contact NorCal Veterans Business Outreach Center in Sacramento, CA to schedule an initial consultation. You can typically reach out via phone or email to request a first meeting with a business advisor. During your initial session, you'll discuss your business goals, current situation, and specific challenges. Your advisor will then recommend relevant services and resources, connect you with ongoing mentoring, and guide you toward SBA programs that fit your needs. There's no application process or approval required—veterans and military spouses can begin receiving services immediately.
Last updated: February 27, 2026