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.
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Our team of 35+ 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
Judy Mahan
Senior Economic Development Director
Read MoreJudy runs the CIE Incubator and SBDC programs. She holds a J.D. from the University of Paris X Law School and an LLM in International Tax Law at Golden Gate University.
Damon Watkins
Director of Finance and Operations
Read MoreWith over 20 years of financial and management experience, Damon oversees the financial, accounting and daily operations of the CIE. Damon was born in England and raised in South Africa and moved to the USA 20 years ago.
Liz Fisher
Assistant director
Read MoreLiz is in charge of operations, coordinates center staff, consultants 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
Lucky to have this incredible resource.
“We are so lucky to have this incredible resource for any business, anybody that’s looking to have a business, or anybody that needs support with their business.”
–Dawn Ortiz-Legg, District 3 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