What if I don’t have good credit?

You can still explore how to get funding for your small business. This series includes funding options that look beyond credit scores and provides expert guidance to strengthen your financial profile. You’ll also have a chance to build a personalized plan with a loan readiness expert.

Yes — the entire webinar series, including downloadable resources, expert consultations, and lender introductions, is completely free through the Digital Communities Program, which helps business owners understand how to get a small business loan and grow sustainably.

Do I have to attend all webinars?

No — you’re welcome to attend whichever sessions interest you. That said, the full series builds on itself to provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a small business loan and get funding for your business, so attending all can be a big advantage.

Will someone help me 1-on-1?

Yes — you can request a consultation at any time. A financial expert will help you understand your loan options, how to apply for a business loan, and even how to write a business plan for a loan that aligns with your goals. Find out how by attending each session.

Can I still apply to the DCP program or these webinars if I'm not in California?

Anyone can join the webinar series to learn how to get funding for a small business. However, the full DCP program’s marketing services are only available to eligible businesses located in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange, or San Diego counties.

Financial Growth Assessment Tools

Free Marketing Technical Assistance Program

Applications now open for:

April Cohort (Applications Close on 4/30/2026)
May Cohort (Applications Close on 5/31/2026)

Businesses in DCP

33%

▲ avg. increase in revenue

3000%

▲ avg. increase in online views

400%

▲ avg. increase in online engagement

What Is the Digital Communities Program?

The Digital Communities Program (DCP) is a free, California-based initiative helping small businesses strengthen their digital presence, increase revenue, receive educational resources, and grow their business network.

Expert-Led Services

Through expert-led services, education, and community, DCP helps business owners compete, and thrive, in today’s modern economy.

Guidance

Small business owners are expected to do everything, marketing, finance, operations; often without the right tools or guidance.

Equity and Opportunity

The Digital Communities Program exists to change that by improving access, equity, and opportunity.

We help business owners:

Strengthen their digital foundation

Build confidence around finances and certifications

Connect with experts and peers who understand their journey

This program is proudly sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank.

Trust & Sponsorship

A partnership between Wells Fargo and Braven. Focused on strengthening small businesses and closing the digital divide across California.

The social media support and branded assets were very helpful. If you're a business owner with little to no social media experience (or perhaps no interest in this aspect of the business), I highly recommend applying to the Digital Communities Program for assistance. Small business owners have to wear many hats, and getting support in even just one area, like marketing, can make a huge difference.

The program made me think about messaging, provided solid content for SNAP and I was really impressed with the videos and carousels that were created. I absolutely would recommend the Braven Agency. Again, it really makes you think about messaging and how my brand was presented. It made me look like a giant agency and for that I am truly appreciative.

Thank you so much to Braven Agency and your entire team for your thoughtful and dedicated support throughout this project. You were not only exceptionally professional, but also genuinely caring in every interaction. During a time when I was going through a grieving process, your compassion and patience meant more than I can express. I truly appreciated how you took the time to understand my cultural background and weave that understanding into your work—it made all the difference. Everything you have done for me and the Ezra Bejar Art Gallery has been invaluable. Your sensitivity, creativity, and commitment resulted in a marketing experience that felt both personal and empowering. I’m deeply grateful for everything you’ve done.

The program is professional, effective, and helps you understand how to market your business. I appreciated how they clearly defined target demographics and audience segments they matched the exact customer personas I had already developed for my brand. It confirmed I was on the right track and showed they were aligned with my vision.

They supported me in bringing my vision to life with minimal revisions whether it was redesigning the website, managing social media, updating business listings, or optimizing SEO rankings. I wholeheartedly recommend the DCP program my experience was more than satisfactory.

Who Is This Program For?

This program is designed for for-profit small businesses in California that are ready to grow.

You’re eligible if:

Your business is located in California

Your business has been operating on or before March 1, 2023

Annual revenue does not exceed $2.5 million

Your business is currently open, registered, and in good legal standing

If that sounds like you, apply now!

What You Get (At No Cost)

Program Benefits

Business Assessments & Capability Statements

(Available for up to 100 businesses) Gain a clear understanding of your strengths, gaps, and opportunities. Plus a professional capability statement you can use for partnerships and contracts.

Digital Marketing Services

(Up to 40 businesses) Strategy, execution, and improvements designed to help you attract more customers and grow online.

Viral Content Production & Activation

(Up to 20 businesses. LA/OC only) Hands-on content creation and activation to increase visibility and reach.

*Viral content services are reserved for businesses located in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Resources

Certification Workshops

California DGS and SBA / MBE / WBE certifications

Finance & Marketing Resource Libraries

Educational tools to help you build, grow, and plan with confidence.

Cohort Group Chat & Alumni Network

Connect with other business owners for collaboration, referrals, and long-term support.

If your business serves a community, there’s likely a place for you here.

Industries We Support

DCP Welcomes All Industries

We proudly support businesses across a wide range of sectors, including:

Technology Trade Healthcare & Social Assistance Manufacturing Professional Services Real Estate & Finance Entertainment & Hospitality Retail Construction & Transportation And more

Growing Together:

A Shared Commitment to Small Businesses

The Digital Communities Program is built through collaboration.

Our work is made possible by organizations that believe in:

Expanding access to opportunity
Strengthening local economies
Supporting small businesses where it matters most

As the program continues to grow, we remain open to like-minded partners who share a commitment to community impact, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

Whether through resources, expertise, or shared vision, progress happens when institutions and communities move forward together.

If that philosophy resonates, there is always room to continue the conversation.

Ready to Strengthen Your Business?

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

There is no cost to apply. Spots are limited. Apply to the Digital Communities Program

Partners

Join the Movement: Partner with DCP