Business Resources
Start, Connect, & Grow
The City of Petaluma and its partners offer many resources to help businesses start, connect, and grow. We advise people to seek assistance as early in the process as possible so that issues can be identified and addressed early.
- Start with our Business Toolkit to help avoid pitfalls, ask the right questions, and find resources.
- If you're new to business ownership, contact the Small Business Development Center.
- If you'll be buying, leasing, or expanding building space, use our Open Counter Tool to check zoning and permit requirements.
- Review the list below for additional resources and contact info.
The Economic Development team is here to help! Contact us at [email protected] or call Nancy Sands, Senior Mgmt Analyst, at 707-778-4484.
BUSINESS SUPPORT & NETWORKING
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD (EDB)
sonomaedb.org
The Sonoma County EDB provides customized support to help local businesses find space and navigate permit requirements; obtain demographic and other market information; hire and train a qualified workforce; access state and federal incentives; and understand regional economic trends.
PETALUMA DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION
petalumadowntown.com
The Petaluma Downtown Association works in partnership with its members, the City, and the business community to protect Petaluma’s historic character, sustain economic vitality, and promote a dynamic and welcoming downtown.
PETALUMA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
petalumachamber.com
The Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce is an association of business and professionals working together with a commitment to support and improve a healthy business community to enhance the quality of life in the greater Petaluma area.
CREATIVE SONOMA
creativesonoma.org
Creative Sonoma offers workshops, networking, financial resources, marketing, and innovative collaborations to support creative businesses and nonprofits in Sonoma County.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
sonomasbdc.org
The Sonoma Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides one-on-one, no-cost business advising and low-cost business workshops.
SCORE
northcoastscore.org
The nonprofit SCORE offers free and confidential mentoring and low-cost workshops to help entrepreneurs succeed. Sonoma County businesses are served by SCORE’s North Coast Chapter 450.
CALIFORNIA GO-BIZ
business.ca.gov
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) offers services related to business attraction,
retention, and expansion; permit streamlining (calgold.ca.gov); site selection; trade development; and small business assistance.
LOAN AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
sba.gov
The SBA offers several loan guarantee programs that can help businesses secure loans issued by SBA-approved lenders and nonprofits.
PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (PACE) FINANCING:
sonomacountyenergy.org
PACE Financing allows property owners to finance energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy generation improvements through a property assessment. Learn about terms and eligibility from the Sonoma County Energy and Sustainability Division, tel: 707-565-6470.
CALIFORNIA GO-BIZ
business.ca.gov
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) offers services related to business attraction, retention, and expansion; permit streamlining (calgold.ca.gov); site selection; trade development; and small business assistance.
EQUIPMENT PURCHASE PARTIAL TAX WAIVER
cdtfa.ca.gov/
This State program offers manufacturing and research and development companies a partial exemption of sales and use tax on equipment purchases and leases.
CDC SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE
cdcloans.com
CDC Small Business Finances is a nonprofit that offers a variety of low-interest financing to fit the needs of small businesses.
CAL RECYCLE LOAN PROGRAM:
calrecycle.ca.gov/rmdz/
This program provides low-interest loans to qualifying businesses and nonprofits that create products from discarded materials or reuse and repurpose waste material.
WORKING SOLUTIONS
workingsolutions.org
Working Solutions is a nonprofit offering microloans of $5,000 to $50,000. It manages a special loan program for Sonoma County based businesses.
NORTH BAY ANGELS
northbayangels.com
The North Bay Angels is the oldest and largest angel investment group north of the Golden Gate. It provides seed capital and advisory assistance to select entrepreneurial companies in the North Bay.
EQUIPMENT PURCHASE PARTIAL TAX WAIVER
cdtfa.ca.gov/
This State program offers manufacturing and research and development companies a partial exemption of sales and use tax on equipment purchases and leases.
GUIDE TO CITY DEPARTMENTS & DIVISIONS
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
707-778-4389
Oversees and inspects building and development to assure compliance with fire safety codes.
BUSINESS SERVICES
- Reviews and inspects development for fire code compliance.
- Enforces public safety policies including weed abatement and hazardous waste rules.
- Issues tent and hazardous waste permits.
PLANNING
707-778-4472
Oversees how land and buildings are developed and used on private property.
BUSINESS SERVICES
- Advises business owners about how properties and buildings can be used, improved, and developed.
- Checks zoning for new or expanding businesses
- Manages processes for Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) and Conditional Use Permit
- Reviews business licenses, home occupation permits, and sign permits
POLICE
707-778-4372
Provides crime prevention, community policing, and code enforcement services.
BUSINESS SERVICES
- Issues event permits, taxi permits, cannabis business permits, and peddler permits.
- Approves ABC licenses.
- Administers background checks for massage therapy businesses.
PUBLIC WORKS & UTILITIES
707-778-4303
Oversees the City’s public improvement requirements and manages water resources, waste water treatment, streets, public transit, flood management, and park maintenance.
BUSINESS SERVICES
- Calculates wastewater impact fees and issues wastewater permits.
- Coordinates commercial/industrial water conservation programs.
- Inspects grease removal devices and other wastewater systems.
- Issues encroachment, tree removal, and hazardous waste permits.
WORKFORCE & TALENT ATTRACTION RESOURCES
CAREER & LIFESTYLE GUIDE
The City of Petaluma's Career & Lifestyle guide showcases Petaluma as a place to grow a career and build a life. Employers can use it as part of the recruitment packet given to top candidates. Available online and in print.
SONOMA COUNTY CONNECTIONS
sonomacountyconnections.org
This talent attraction website is sponsored by the Sonoma County Economic Development Board. It showcases what makes this county such an inspiring place to grow, both personally and professionally.
WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD (WIB)
sonomawib.org
The WIB leads the County’s integrated workforce development efforts. The WIB provides a wide variety of services to employers, job seekers, and youth through its Job Link program. It also conducts research, issues reports, and supports regional workforce development initiatives. Contact Job Link Business Services at (707) 565-8079
SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE (SRJC)
santarosa.edu
SRJC’s workforce offerings include its Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses and internship program; Campus Job Board; and Contract Education Department.
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
ctesonomacounty.org
A nonprofit that works with schools and employers to expand career technical education opportunities in secondary and post-secondary schools.
VETERANS PROGRAMS
SHAWN HANSEN
(707) 576-2014
Employers interested in hiring veterans should contact the local veterans’ employment representative or the Workforce Investment Board.