Our Vision
To catalyze an innovative and entrepreneurial culture at Cal Poly and within the San Luis Obispo community.
Our Success StoriesHelping Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Thrive in San Luis Obispo County
What We Do
The Cal Poly CIE Small Business Development Center (SBDC) promotes the development of technology-focused ventures by providing high quality business assistance to start-ups and established companies.
Leave About Our Advisors
Our team of 30+ business advisors helps entrepreneurs launch companies, create and retain jobs, and attract capital investment.
Location
Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, serving businesses throughout the county.
Contact UsOur Mission
To help create jobs and grow our regional economy by providing entrepreneurs and small businesses with high quality education, consulting, support for innovation, and all of the tools necessary to build successful, sustainable, and scalable businesses.
How We Do It
With a specific focus on high growth and technology business opportunities, the SBDC helps develop businesses by utilizing:
Advising
No cost professional business advising from industry experts in marketing, finance & access to capital, IP, and more.
Office Hours
Each month we bring in local business professionals who specialize in all aspects of business from accounting to marketing.
Learn MoreTraining
Intensive schedule of bootcamps, workshops, & events designed to strengthen business and entrepreneurial skills.
Learn MoreCIE HotHouse
The physical space in downtown SLO where talented entrepreneurs can cowork or incubate, & access SBDC programming.
Learn MoreOur Awesome Staff
Donica Forensich
Economic Development Director
Read MoreDonica oversees staff and programming for the the CIE Incubator and SBDC programs. She brings a wealth of experience as a former corporate and securities attorney, with a passion for helping small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.
Liz Fisher
Assistant director
Read MoreLiz oversees the CIE Incubator and SBDC Programs. She manages day-to-day operations, coordinates center staff, advisors and assists with budget oversight and grant reporting.
Madison Krum
PrOGRAM MANAGER
Read MoreMadison is responsible for managing several SBDC programs including Open Office Hours, all SBDC workshops/events, and email marketing.
Niki Williams
Project coordinator
Read MoreNiki is responsible for marketing, events and administrative tasks regarding the SBDC Outreach Centers and tech vertical programs.
Lynsey Fowler
Admin & Graphic Design Coordinator
Read MoreLynsey is responsible for SBDC new client onboarding, graphic design and social media management.
Reviews & Support from the Community
An incredible experience.
“The Small Business Development Center gives an incredible experience to young people. We know how important that is today as technology is continually evolving to have a place where they can get hired and then go learn new things and then move on and maybe create their own business or go work for somebody else.”
–Dawn Ortiz-Legg, District 3 County Supervisor
A valuable part of our community.
“The Small Business Development Center is an incredible program. I’ve been observing it over the last eight years and they do a great job. I am happy to support this item and to continue to fund what I think is a valuable part of our community.”
–John Peschong, District 1 County Supervisor
Client Success Stories
Interested in becoming a client?
Apply to get personal one-on-one assistance from our expert advisors. Also be sure to attend a workshop or special event, which are always open to the community.
Get Started – Apply