There are a number of public and private committees and organizations who offer valuable business assistance, often at no cost. Here are their links, and a brief description of what they can do to help you start, or grow, your business.

Promotion Committee The Fort Bragg Promotion Committee is a volunteer citizen group appointed by members of the Fort Bragg City Council to help stimulate the economy of Fort Bragg. They are allocated 4% of the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT or ‘bed taxes’) to use on behalf of local businesses to increase sales and sales taxes. They also use their TOT budget to advertise and promote the advantages of Fort Bragg for recreation and tourism. They meet the first Thursday of the month, 3:00 at City Hall; their meetings are open to the public and they encourage visitors. The destination marketing web site is: www.fortbragg.com

Economic Development Action Committee (EDAC) This is a Fort Bragg City Council Subcommittee that advises the City regarding economic development, economic localization, planning, and community development in the City. EDAC’s goal is to foster economic development efforts in the City. They meet the second Thursday of the month, 3:00 at Town Hall; their meetings are open to the public, and they encourage business people and others in the community to attend and tell them about opportunities and challenges.

Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce The Chamber of Commerce is a member based organization, serving members from Westport to Gualala. The member benefits they offer include: business referrals, networking opportunities, monthly mixers, printed and electronic newsletters. They also promote the Mendocino Coast to visitors, run the Visitor Center, and act as the Mendocino County film industry liaison. (707) 961-6300.

West Company The West Company offers micro-business entrepreneurs help in starting and running their businesses. They provide free business consulting and training services to both start-ups and existing micro businesses, including business development workshops, consulting services for marketing, business plans, and business loans. (707) 964-7571.

Fort Bragg City Government The City welcomes new businesses and works toward the continued success of existing businesses. The Community Development Department offers a Business Assistance Program, which makes it easy to do business in Fort Bragg. Their representatives help local entrepreneurs with everything from business licenses, market data, special projects, to permitting for signs, zoning, and building permits.(707) 961-2827.

Economic Development & Financing Corporation The Economic Development and Financing Corporation is a Mendocino county-wide business assistance organization. If you are expanding an existing business or bringing a new business to Fort Bragg, they can offer financial & technical assistance, marketing, and help with site selection. (707) 467-5953.

The County of Mendocino Economic Development Business Assistance organization works to obtain local, state and federal resources to provide services to new and expanding businesses. They can assist you with starting or expanding your business; job training and employer services; and links to countywide business resources.(707) 964-5379.

Lodging Business Improvement District The Mendocino County Lodging Association (MCLA) provides a forum to define and promote the general interests of its members and the lodging industry in Mendocino County. They provide and support programs and services that improve member businesses and advance the lodging industry in the County, advocate MCLA member views to other organizations, such as the County Board of Supervisors, city councils, and local Chambers, and communicate with its members about MCLA activities and issues that affect member businesses. They also help fund marketing and events that attract tourists to Mendocino County. (866-637-MCLA).