Small Business Resource Fair Recap

The City of Napa's Economic Development Division, in partnership with several business-support organizations and the Napa Valley College, hosted the Napa Small Business Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 15. The event brought together nearly 200 community members for a morning of networking, learning and connection centered on highlighting available resources and strengthening Napa's small business community.

The program, emceed by Economic Development Manager Neal Harrison, included opening remarks by Mayor Scott Sedgley and a Small Business Stories Panel moderated by Napa Chamber CEO Jeri Hansen. Following the program, attendees visited nearly 20 exhibitors in the lobby, all organizations offering services and resources to help local entrepreneurs grow and succeed.

"People like to come to a small business because they're recognized, they're known, they know the service they're going to get - that's what's so important about building community," Mayor Sedgley shared during his remarks. "Sure, we have a Home Depot, but my heart is with Zeller's Hardware - that's just the way I like to shop."

Among the exhibitors were the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), PG&E, Napa County Auditor-Appraiser's Office and programs from the California State Treasurer's Office (CalCAP, GoGreen and CalSavers). Representatives provided one-on-one guidance in areas such as:

• Access to capital and financial services
• Business coaching, marketing and promotion support
• Energy, utilities and sustainability guidance
• Taxation, permitting and site-selection advice
• Workforce development and employee training support

Fun Fact! All three members of the Small Business Stories panel had either received or were receiving services and training from the SBDC.

The idea for the resource fair emerged from the City's Workforce & Business Alliance, a bi-monthly convening led by the Economic Development team. The Alliance brings together local organizations such as the SBDC, the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay (WANB), the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others to share updates, exchange resources and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen Napa's business ecosystem.

Through the Business Concierge service, the Economic Development Division often hears that many business owners or folks interested in starting a business aren't aware of the range of support available to them. The Resource Fair was designed to change that, making it easier for entrepreneurs in Napa to discover the right partners all in one place.

Following the positive response from attendees and exhibitors alike, the Economic Development team plans to host the Napa Small Business Resource Fair again in 2026.