Microenterprise Support Program

Microenterprises are very small businesses with fewer than five employees. Microenterprises play an important role in Marin’s economy – over 70% of businesses in Marin are considered microenterprises. Microenterprise businesses are often family owned, home based, or mobile businesses that have a lower bar to business ownership than traditional brick-and mortar businesses. 

In 2025, the Marin County Office of Equity launched the Microenterprise Support Program (MSP) to help entrepreneurs in Marin turn their talents, passion, and hard work into businesses that support the Marin Economy and build wealth for their families. The MSP is a partnership of business advisors and trusted community based organizations to make business advising and support accessible to communities in all parts of the county. Funding for the MSP comes from the 2022-25 Marin County Race Equity Action Plan. 

Learn more about business and labor characteristics in Marin.

The Microenterprise Support Program is a collaboration between the Marin County Office of Equity, Division of Economic Vitality, and numerous community organizations. These partnerships help bring expert business advising to communities who might otherwise have barriers to access business support services. These partners include:

• Marin Small Business Development Center
• Canal Alliance
• West Marin Fund
• Marin County Free Library
• Marin Health and Human Services
• Marin Cities, Towns, and Chambers of Commerce

Learn more about upcoming MSP events in your community

For information about upcoming Microenterprise Support Program events, workshops, and business support opportunities, contact one of our community partners:

• San Rafael
  Canal Neighborhood of San Rafael
  Phone: 415-454-2640
• West Marin
  West Marin Fund 
  Phone: 415-663-9733
• Marin City and Novato: 
  Office of Equity 
  Phone: 415-473-6361

Interested in turning your business idea into reality?

Applications are now open for the next Start Up West Marin cohort, a free entrepreneurship training program designed to help aspiring business owners build the skills, confidence, and business plans needed to launch and grow a successful business.

Participants receive:

• Business training and workshops
• One-on-one coaching and technical assistance
• Support developing a business plan
• Information about available startup resources

This upcoming cohort will be offered in English and is part of a continuing effort to expand economic opportunity and support local entrepreneurship throughout West Marin.

Questions about the program?

To learn how you can support this program or other efforts to support local hiring, youth career pathways, and a resilient local business ecosystem contact: Ashley Malyszka, Development and Engagement Manager

Apoyo a negocios

Únase cada mes para conversar con expertos en negocios que responderán a sus preguntas. Estas sesiones están diseñadas para adaptarse a sus necesidades y ayudarle a iniciar o hacer crecer su negocio.

Calendario de talleres 2026

• 10 junio: Estrategia de ventas, servicio al cliente y aumento de ingresos
• 8 julio: Creación de un presupuesto y seguimiento de gastos e ingresos
• 12 agosto: Licencias comerciales y pasos obligatorios para iniciar un negocio
• 9 septiembre: Aplicaciones de Google
• 14 octubre: Marketing: cómo promocionar tu negocio
• 11 noviembre: Canva para promocionar tu negocio

Información general

• Horario: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Lugar: En persona, San Rafael
• Costo: Gratuito (financiado por una beca del Condado de Marin)

Regístrese aquí

Coming Summer 2026

New Microenterprise Support Program opportunities are being developed for Marin City residents and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Program details and application information will be announced soon. Stay tuned for upcoming workshops, business training, and resources designed to support local entrepreneurs.

Check back for updates.

The Marin County Microenterprise Support Program continues to create pathways to entrepreneurship and economic opportunity across the county.

Learn more about program outcomes, participant stories, and community impact in our First-Year Progress Report.

Read the First-Year Progress Report