Yes to Startups

Win $10,000 in 10-Weeks

And Get Help to Grow Your Business in Yuba County, CA

Imagine achieving the business you’ve always wanted, and seeing it thriving because you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed.

Yes to Startups is a free, online training series that that helps entrepreneurs learn the basics of starting and growing a business.

You’ll get step-by-step lessons on how to make a business plan and create a pitch deck (a set of slides to show your business idea). 

If you make it to the next level, you'll get to compete in a two-part pitch competition for a chance to win up to $10,000!

Application deadline is January 10, 2025.

applications open december 2

  • What You’ll Learn & Course Schedule

    • 7-Week Learning Session Overview

      Session 1: Developing Your Business Concept

      Session 2: Keys to Effective Business Planning

      Session 3: Legal Structures and Intellectual Property

      Session 4: Importance of Personal and Business Credit

      Session 5: Understanding Small Business Financial Statements

      Session 6: Cash Flow Management and Financial Projections

      Session 7: Funding Options for Your Small Business

    • Program Schedule


      Note: Course attendance is mandatory, please check the program schedule in advance to ensure you will be able to fully participate if selected. It's a big commitment but worth it!

      January 2025

      • January 22 @ 5:30 PM: Program Kick-Off! Meet up with your classmates and kick off the program. | Location: Government Center 915 8th Street (In Person)
      • January 28 @ 12-1 PM: Virtual Session 1

        February 2025

        • February 4 @ 12-1 PM: Virtual Session 2
        • February 11 @ 12-1 PM: Virtual Session 3
        • February 20 @ 5:30 PM: Let's Take a Breather! Mid-way Meetup & Social Hour (no virtual session this week) | Location: TBD in Marysville (In Person)
        • February 25 @ 12-1 PM: Virtual Session 4

        March 2025

        • March 4 @ 12-1 PM: Virtual Session 5
        • March 11 @ 12-1 PM: Virtual Session 6
        • March 18 @ 12-1 PM: Virtual Session 7

        April 2025

        • April 3 @ 5:30 PM: Practice Pitches | Location: TBD

          ALL pitch rounds will be held in person at the 530 Event Center, 1104 J St, Marysville, CA

          • April 10 @ 8 AM-PM: Pitch Round 1
          • April 11 @ 8 AM-2 PM: Pitch Round 1
          • April 17 @ 5:30 PM: Round 2: Final Pitches!

      Who is Eligible to Participate?

      This program welcomes entrepreneurs from different industries in Yuba County! Here are the requirements:

      1. Must be a Yuba County resident with a homebase business OR have a physical business location in Yuba County, CA.
      2. Must be a for-profit business.
      3. Cannot have received CA Dream Fund monies or participated in prior Yes to Startups Programs.
      4. Must have started or plan to start your businesses after January 1, 2021

      *Applications will be scored; top 30 selected. Notifications by January 14, 2025.

      The Pitch Competition

      At the end of the program, participants will compete in a two-part pitch competition.

      Round 1 is open to everyone who completes the educational portion of the program.

      You’ll pitch your business plan and idea to a local panel of professionals, including business advisors, mission-based lenders, and more.

      You’ll also get one-on-one advising to improve your pitch. 

      If you’re not selected to move on to Round 2, you’ll still receive $1,000 for your efforts!

      Round 2 will invite 10 entrepreneurs to compete. Awards will be given out as follows:

      First Place: $10,000

      Second Place: $7,500

      Third Place: $5,000

      All other participants in Round 2 will receive $2,500 to celebrate their success!



      applications open december 2

      Round 2: Final Pitch Competition 2024

      Yes to Startups First Place Winner Two Talls Sweet Treats , Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Yes to Startups Second Place EmmyLous, Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Yes to Startups Third Place #1 Michael Williams , Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Yes to Startups Third Place #2 Dasi Wymore, Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Yes to Startups Judges Judges, Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Yes to Startups Audience Venue, Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Two Talls Sweet Treats Pitch Two Talls Sweet Treats , Yes To Startups Round 2,
      RG Customs Pitch Vanessa Green , Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Kestrel Aerial Imaging Pitch Benjamin Pratt, Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Dave Chips Pitch Dave Chips, Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Dave’s Chips Pitch Dave's Products, Yes To Startups Round 2,
      Elevated Artistry Pitch LaToya Piazza , Yes To Startups Round 2,