Valley Sierra SBDC
The award-winning Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC) promotes the development, growth and success of small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs throughout Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties, thereby enhancing individual, family, community and regional prosperity.
Join us at the Procurement expo and attend our in-person workshops all designed around government contracting!
Cracking the Government Contracting Code:
May 21st, 10:00AM
This workshop is perfect for those who are looking to get into or expand their reach to bigger opportunities in contracting! In this workshop, gain a clear understanding of how small businesses fit into the procurement space, learn best practices for interacting with procurement buyers and better understand the scope and accessibility of government contract opportunities.
Contracting with the State of California:
May 21st, 10:00AM
This is a highly advanced workshop and is designed for those who are already completing large government contracts. In this workshop learn how the state buys and their acquisition methods, common mistakes and tips for success, and understand the state’s solicitation formats and procurement agreements.
Government Buyer Q&A
May 21st, 12:00PM
Do you have questions about contracting? Join us at our panel! Speak directly to representatives from The California Department of General Services, the US Small Business Administration, and PG&E!
Register for the expo and choose your workshops!
Register Here!
We are excited to announce that we have released 2 more videos in our Contract Ready Webinar Series!
Learn how to Market to Government Agencies- This video gives you an overview of what buyers are looking for, and gives you tools and templates to interact with buyers and create an open dialogue.
Certifications- Have you ever wondered what certifications your business was eligible for, or if they would even benefit you? this video dives into eligibility requirements and takes you through the most important certifications you can get.
Check out these videos and the rest of the series!
Check them out!
We are excited to announce that Valley Sierra SBDC is hosting a procurement expo!
Come to learn the ins and outs of doing business with the government and large institutions. Enjoy a morning full of workshops and resources designed to help you elevate your business!
DATE: May 21st, 2026
TIME: 9:00am – 12:45pm
LOCATION: Ceres Community Center, 2701 4th St, Ceres, CA
We are out there and active! Social media is a great way for us to connect with you and hear your feedback directly, so please don’t hesitate to follow, like, or subscribe!
Find us under @valleysierrasbdc on all platforms!
Economic Impact
A Look at the Numbers: In 2025, Valley Sierra SBDC helped create 203 new local jobs and launch 49 new ventures, while unlocking over $6 million in capital investments that support businesses and communities throughout Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties.
Based on totals of businesses supported by the Central California Network SBDC. No multipliers used; results verified annually by third-party review.
$6.1m
Total Capital Infusion
2.6k
JobS Supported
$9.3m
Increase in Sales
49
New Businesses Started
Success Stories:
Columbia Stage Line & Stable
Columbia Stage Line and Stable, located in Columbia State Historic Park, offers visitors a unique journey into California’s Gold Rush era through authentic stagecoach rides. Each ride travels just over a mile along historic routes, guiding guests through scenic dirt roads and former gold mining areas. Columbia Stage Line & Stable allows guests to step