If you are a local business owner, you need to learn about a great local resource called EASTBAY Works.  EASTBAY Works is a network of 13 One-Stop Business and Career Centers located throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties in Northern California.  EASTBAY Works makes the following business services available to business owners free of charge:

• Business Consultations
• Business-to-Business Referrals
• Labor Market Information
• Permit and Licensing Information
• Customized Training for New and Existing Employees
• Conference and Meeting Facilities
• Staffing Assistance

The business services listed above include assistance with filling job vacancies, economic development, HR Services, entrepreneurial and home based business resources, downsizing resources, and rapid response assistance for employers.

To learn more about the business services provided by EASTBAY Works visit http://www.eastbayworks.com/categories.php?id=1 or call Susi O’Bryant of Contra Costa County at (925) 671-4542.

You can also find the One-Stop Career Center near you at 281 Pine Street, Brentwood, CA 94513.  Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm and the office line is (925) 634-2195.

Good to see various organisations stepping up to the plate and helping small businesses. At Business Switch (Australia) we would like to see greater resources allocated to people who help start ups. Or at least a greater focus on the needs of entreprenurial start up businesses.

Eastbay Works sounds like a onestop shop for small business! I noticed it's free also. Looks like a great resource for Northern California.