Free Business Development Services

Consulting & Mentorship

Good advising is part strategy and part support system. Indian Valley Innovation Hub helps Plumas County entrepreneurs connect to experienced advisors—and then helps them apply the guidance in real life, locally, with momentum. Through our partnership with the Sierra SBDC, business owners can access no-cost, confidential advising across key areas like starting and growing a business, business planning, marketing, financial advising, and funding readiness.  We also collaborate closely with Sierra SBDC—supporting outreach through our programming and community networks so more business owners can get connected and supported (especially in rural communities where access is harder). For founders and growth-minded entrepreneurs, we also connect businesses to mentorship and ecosystem support through partners like ChicoSTART, which offers programs that include mentorship, workshops, resources, and co-working/community support.  Whether you’re early-stage or established, our consulting and mentorship support is about making help accessible: warm handoffs to the right experts, clear next steps, and local follow-through so progress doesn’t stall.

Marketing and Branding

We help local businesses and entrepreneurs clarify who they are, who they serve, and how to communicate that clearly—especially in rural and post-disaster communities where visibility matters. Our support is practical and hands-on. We assist with branding, messaging, and visual assets, help businesses tell their story in a way that resonates locally and beyond, and guide them through marketing basics like social media presence, event promotion, and community outreach. We also help businesses prepare materials for websites, vendor markets, pitch decks, and partnerships—often working directly alongside business owners to simplify the process and reduce overwhelm. Our goal is not just polished branding, but marketing that feels accessible, and achievable for real small businesses.

Our Services

Funding

Whether you’re exploring a grant, loan, or government contracting opportunity, the process can feel complicated — especially when requirements pile up (business documentation, compliance steps, financials, insurance, and more). Indian Valley Innovation Hub helps business owners understand what’s required, gather the right information, and take the next best step based on where they are today. We work closely with the Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and ChicoSTART and help fill gaps through local outreach, programming, and one-on-one support — so more business owners get connected to free one-on-one guidance that is familiar with Plumas County business owner’s needs. Our role is to help reduce barriers, increase readiness, and guide businesses step-by-step through what can otherwise feel like an intimidating process.