Turlock expands small-business support with funding, free classes and more
Turlock offers several resources and programs for both aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners. Here are a few.
Turlock Partnership Incentive Program
The Turlock Partnership Incentive Program offers $3,500 to new eligible businesses opening in Turlock, with the goal of revitalizing vacant storefronts, stimulating business growth and creating jobs.
Eligible businesses must be within city limits and cannot be franchises, nonprofits or corporate chains. Applicants must submit a business plan. No-cost assistance with that is available through the Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center.
Participants are also required to attend a free predevelopment meeting with city staff, maintain simple records and provide quarterly feedback for one year. Applications must be submitted before the licensing and permitting process begins.
Applications may be submitted online or in person at the Development Services Counter on the first floor of City Hall. The program is available while funds last.
Business Assistance Drop-In Program
The city hosts 30-minute, one-on-one business assistance sessions every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No appointment is required.
The sessions are held at the Development Services Department Help Desk on the first floor of City Hall. Participants can receive guidance on starting a business in the city, available grants, market data, no-cost regional resources and connections to business support organizations.
The program is a City of Turlock Economic Development Program.
Fresno State Free Virtual Classes
Beginning Feb. 2, Turlock residents can take free evening virtual courses through Fresno State’s Parent University. Classes are held twice weekly via Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday options.
Course offerings include digital literacy, financial literacy, health and wellness, parenting skills, small business development, professional development and Spanish conversation. Participants receive a Fresno State certificate upon completion.
Registration is available at cge.fresnostate.edu/oced/parent-university.html.
Cottage Food Workshop
Aspiring cottage food entrepreneurs can attend a workshop led by SBDC food and catering business advisor John Gardner on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Carnegie Arts Center.
The workshop will go over requirements, permits and best practices for starting and growing a compliant home-based food business. Registration is available online at bit.ly/cottagefoodturlock.
Small Business Workshops
SBDC business adviser Pablo Gomez will lead two free “Intro to Business” workshops in February for individuals preparing to obtain a business license.
The first session will be held Thursday, Feb. 12, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Turlock City Hall. The second will take place Thursday, Feb. 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 3001 Hotel Drive.
The workshops will cover business planning, marketing, access to capital, business structure and feasibility studies.
Those interested can sign up online at bit.ly/introtobizpart1 and bit.ly/introtobizpart2. Space is limited, so people are encouraged to sign up early.
It is presented by the Valley Sierra SBDC, the city of Turlock and the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.
For more information on Turlock’s business resources, contact Economic Development Director Anthony Sims at ASims@turlock.ca.us and 209-668-6031.
This story was originally published January 28, 2026 at 2:40 PM.
