Resource Center

Whether you’ve just started thinking about opening your own business, are in the process of running your business and establishing yourself, or have a few years of business experience but want to grow what you’ve got, YBA can help you. There are also independent organizations with training and support ready to help you.  As we find new resources, we will add more links.

LEGAL SERVICES

Legal Services for Entrepreneurs (LSE) is an economic justice project of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area.  LSE provides free legal services to low-income individuals who want to start or develop for-profit businesses, and for-profit businesses committed to economic development in low-income communities.  LSE recognizes that a business’s long-term viability may be jeopardized when it forgoes legal assistance on fundamental matters including employment, zoning, terms of a commercial lease, intellectual property protection, and other business concerns.  By assisting with these legal issues, LSE helps entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses that invest back into the community, create local jobs, and provide goods and services to local residents.

TRAINING PROGRAMS: Information for Aspiring Young Entrepreneurs and Community Partners

Kauffman’s FasTrac Training for Entrepreneurs.  As a leading advocate for small business and entrepreneurship, the Kauffman Foundation has a variety of resources that Young Entrepreneurs and our Community Partners may find helpful.

FastTrac programs serve existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in non-academic environments.  In addition, college students in their academic environment earn credit for completing courses using FastTrac materials.  FastTrac has served more than 300,000 entrepreneurs since 1993.

FastTrac programs are delivered by a variety of affiliate organizations, including some Community Partners of Youth Business America.  The FastTrac Curriculum that correlates the most closely to what Youth Business America believes will help candidates for its program prepare for success is FastTrac’ New Venture Program.  Other courses offered by FastTrac will help budding entrepreneurs at different stages of development prepare and explore their passion for starting or building their own business.

By helping entrepreneurs succeed, FastTrac programs contribute to building and sustaining strong, vibrant communities and economies.

GENERAL RESOURCES FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS AND MENTORS

Oakland Business Assistance Center (BAC) is a one-stop information and referral center for businesses in Oakland.  The physical center right next to City Hall at 270 Frank H Ogawa offers full time staff to help business owners navigate the City government and provide referrals to local organizations, county, and state agencies, and other resources to start, operate, and grow businesses in Oakland.

Entrepreneurship is another website developed by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation with topics of interest for both Mentors and Young Entrepreneurs,