Diving into the entrepreneurial world can be as intimidating and exhilarating as catching that first wave. Think of this list as a surfboard to help navigate the waves.

With any new venture it is important to do research and know where to turn to for help. This list features some of Orange County’s resources for entrepreneurs* who are looking for basic or specific information. From getting a startup off the ground to applying for funding and credit checks, it’s all here.

*The organizations listed are ranked in no particular order.

1. Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers offer no-cost consulting, low-cost training and access to a team of experienced consultants serving over 16 industries. They have a location at the Cove @ UCI Beall Applied Innovation that serves entrepreneurs and startup companies within the Orange County and UCI ecosystem. This specific team specializes in the life sciences, medtech and medical device business sectors.

2. Tech Coast Angels
Tech Coast Angels, which has an office at the Cove, is the largest angel investor group in the United States. The company offers hands-on mentoring, assistance in building management teams and helps with raising venture capital funding. Tech Coast Angels consists of experienced CEOs, senior executives, current and former entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and other professionals.

3. Cove Fund
The Cove Fund is a collection of seed-stage venture capital funds that provides startup funding for promising new Southern California ventures. The Fund is located at the Cove. There are two separate funds offered to early-stage technology and life science companies that demonstrate potential to address large markets with unique products and services, and that can achieve significant value-creating inflection points with their seed funding.

4. The National Association of Women Business Owners
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is a community of women business owners who expand the entrepreneurial and economic empowerment of other women business owners. This members-only organization has a chapter in Orange County and is the only dues-based organization for all women entrepreneurs across all industries. They emphasize community, advocacy and education to their members through annual social events and conferences.

5. U.S. Business Veteran Alliance
The U.S. Business Veteran Alliance helps U.S. veterans certify their business for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise contracts, offers mentorship, avocation and education about the business world. The Orange County branch holds meetings on the third Thursday of the month at the Tierney Center in Tustin.

6. 1 Million Cups
Based on the idea that entrepreneurs discover solutions and community engagement over one million cups of coffee, 1 Million Cups is a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country. Offered in 180 communities across the nation, the organization holds free weekly events for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to a network of peers and founders. The Irvine chapter meets at 8:00 a.m. every Wednesday at the Cove.

7. Startup Grind OC–Irvine Chapter
In partnership with Google for Startups, Startup Grind OC/Irvine offers the Orange County entrepreneurial community a way to connect through various events. Worldwide annual conferences offer opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs from around the world, as well as two different exhibition opportunities for startups to showcase their companies. This includes Grind, for those who have received under $3 million in funding, and Growth, for startups who have received $3 million or more in funding. The 2020 global conference will be held in Silicon Valley in February.

8. Orange County Startup Council
The Orange County Startup Council is a local community service association that connects new technology and software startup companies with partners, customers and investors. They share knowledge and experiences with local entrepreneurs by offering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

9. OCTANe
OCTANe is an organization of the Southern California technology and medtech business ecosystems that connects people, resource and money. Their goal is to bring 55,000 high-paying tech jobs to Southern California by 2030 through their accelerator, LaunchPad SBDC as well as their platform Growth Series. OCTANe hosts programs and events throughout the year, many of which are hosted at the Cove, such as “Coffee at the Cove.”

10. EvoNexus
EvoNexus is a leading incubator for startup companies located in Southern California. With incubators located in Irvine and San Diego, they empower entrepreneurs to turn their idea into funding-ready, commercially viable companies.

Find more resources for startups and entrepreneurs within UCI’s ecosystem and the Orange County community available at Applied Innovation.