2026 Solicitations · Now Accepting Applications
Partner With NorCal SBDC
Three ways to work with the Northern California SBDC network.
Find the opportunity that best fits your organization. Review the details and key dates, then apply below.
Questions?
Kristin Johnson, NorCal SBDC Executive Director
707-496-7079
partnerships@norcalsbdc.org
Schedule a Meeting
FAQ
Can my organization apply for both a Full SBDC Center and an SBDC Neighborhood Branch?
Yes. Organizations may submit proposals for both opportunities if they believe they are qualified to fulfill the requirements of each. Each proposal will be evaluated independently based on the criteria outlined in the applicable RFP.
Can multiple organizations collaborate on one proposal?
Yes. Organizations may collaborate in developing a proposal, including contributing funding or other resources. However, each proposal must identify a single lead applicant that will assume responsibility for the proposal and any resulting agreement. For collaborative Neighborhood Branch applications, a single city/county focus must also be identified.
How did you determine the funding amounts for each of the eight service territories?
Base funding amounts were determined using a formula that considered estimated operating costs within each service territory, as well as population. This approach was designed to reflect both the cost of delivering services and the size of the population served.
What is the relationship between the Full SBDC Center and an SBDC Neighborhood Branch?
Each SBDC Neighborhood Branch operates within a Full SBDC Center territory and is supported by that territory’s Leadership Team. Neighborhood Branch funding is dedicated exclusively to services and activities in the specified city/county of the Branch. While Neighborhood Branch funding is administered through the corresponding Full SBDC Center budget, it remains dedicated exclusively to the services and activities of the Neighborhood Branch.
What is the role of Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation (CPHSPF)?
Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation (CPHSPF) hosts the NorCal SBDC under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and serves the 36-county Northern California region addressed by these RFPs. CPHSPF serves as the fiscal host for the entire NorCal SBDC network.
Is a Letter of Intent required?
No. Letters of Intent are strongly encouraged but are not required. Submitting a Letter of Intent helps NorCal SBDC anticipate applicant interest and communicate important updates during the solicitation process.
Is attendance at a Bidders’ Conference required?
No. Participation is optional but strongly encouraged. Bidders’ Conferences provide an opportunity to learn more about the RFPs and ask questions before submitting a proposal. Recordings of the online Bidders’ Conferences will be posted to the NorCal SBDC website on July 27, 2026. Questions and answers from the in-person Bidders’ Conferences will also be posted on August 5, 2026.
Can I apply after the deadline?
No. Applications must be submitted through the StartUpTree application portal by 11:59 PM PDT on September 18, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline or by any method other than StartUpTree will not be accepted.
