Yes to Startups: Helping Yuba County Entrepreneurs Launch and Grow

A three-year business accelerator, in partnership with California Capital FDC and Sacramento Valley SBDC, continuing in 2027.

Yes to Startups is Yuba County’s business accelerator for early-stage entrepreneurs. Developed with the Sacramento Valley SBDC, the program combines business training, no-cost advising, and a competitive pitch process to help participants build businesses that can last and scale.

Participants complete a seven-week business boot camp covering financial planning, operations, and go-to-market strategy. Along the way, they receive one-on-one advising and mentorship and connect with the rest of their cohort. The program culminates in a public, two-part pitch competition with up to $10,000 in seed funding.

Over three cohorts, Yes to Startups has graduated more than 40 entrepreneurs and helped launch six new businesses in food, childcare, and services. The program has supported the creation or retention of 21 jobs, and participants have collectively secured more than half a million dollars in loans, equity, and grants. They’ve also gained visibility through newsletters, social media, and public pitch showcases.

Each year showcases entrepreneurship in Yuba County that spans food and beverage, agriculture and value-added products, child care, recreation, and service-based businesses; from home-based startups to established businesses investing in expansion.

“We would recommend this program to any small business looking for an edge and insight to take them to the next level.”
Anthony Meyer, The Butte Sauce Company

Yes to Startups is open to for-profit entrepreneurs who live in Yuba County or operate a physical business here. Your business can be brand new, still in the planning stage, or up to three years old.

Say yes to your goals. Say yes to your business. Say yes to Startups.