UC Merced Small Business Development Center - Merced, California

Janet W.

This SBDC, particularly the Clovis branch, would love to get you in so they can add to their numbers to justify their funding that they receive. However, once you are in, heaven help you if you have actual questions and issues that you need help with. I filled out all the intake forms and waited WEEKS to hear back from someone. Then I was assigned to a mentor with absolutely NO relevant experience pertaining to the issues for which I had sought assistance. That was a valuable hour of my time that was spent telling all of the things I already knew and indicated that I DIDN'T need. I have since tried to contact the offices to be reassigned. Again, heaven help you if you are seeking actual help for your business. All of my emails, survey responses, calls and messages have been ignored for the past 3 to 4 months. They leave me on hold so long that my phone hangs up! DON'T look here for any help. None is coming. Good luck elsewhere.

Jennifer B.

The SBDC has been a tremendous help to my sisters and me in our journey to start our small business. We are especially grateful to our amazing representative, Claudia. Her guidance and the wealth of information she provided have been indispensable. We couldn't have made it this far without her support. Thanks to this exceptional service, we’re on the verge of launching our own business.

Ryan H.

The SBDC consulting service saved us money, time, and gave us the confidence to make the leap into entrepreneurship.

We always walked away incredibly impressed with what we had learned, and energized by that knowledge!

Joshua R.

Destiney was amazing. The intake process was super simple and I look forward to working with the mentors!

Wendy S.

My first contact was Destiney. She was very efficient patient and was an amazing listener. I tend to ask questions before someone has even answered the last one! But she didn’t let that affect her work. Instead, she would stop and listen. I would recommend for anyone who needs help with a small business to reach out to SBDC!!

Irene T.

Rhonda Lowe was our SBDC Rep and she had a wealth of knowledge. As a new business owner she advised us on things that we didn’t think of. When we had questions, she had answers! If she didn't have the answer she would research it and come back with details. She has a lot of connections. Our business was featured on ABC30 News thanks to her connections/leads. We opened up with little to no glitches as we were well informed of many business opening details by Rhonda. Even after we opened she checked in with us and was happy to give more advice on how to continue to be successful. There were so many benefits of being a part of SBDC with Rhonda. We fully recommend their services! Thank you SBDC!

Dareny B.

As a small business owner, not knowing every single detail behind the process of starting is very scary. UC Merced SBD has truly been a blessing. Claudia not only has been with us every step of the way but truly loves what she does. Her knowledge and overall dedication to small businesses is not only impressive but very much appreciated. We truly don’t know where we would be without UC Merced SBD

Rita S.

We at the Upcycled Wood Chicks are just beginning our journey with UC Merced Small Business Development Center and are so very excited. Our first conversation with Destiney Iglesias, during our intake session was to say the least amazing. Destiney is professional, engaged, friendly and a wealth of knowledge and information. She promptly assigned our consultant, Rhonda Lowe who within moments reached out to us with a welcome, what to expect in working with her, materials to read and next steps!
We so look forward to a long, successful, partnership with Rhonda and UC Merced Small Business Development Center !