3 About Florin Square
FlorinSquareStaffandAssociates
Tom Donaldson
Building Owner Florin Square
916-600-3029 cell 916-706-1634 office Aaron Boyce Marketing Director 916-215-1831 ab.fscdc@yahoo.com
Samantha Donaldson Administration - Receptionist
Keith Dent Northland Interior Maintenance
Ernest Nibblins Maintenance
Lea Boyce Graphic Designer- Square Biz Magazine AB Workshops/Seminars & Graphic.
Michelle Martin Neal ConstanceArnick Community Services
DONALDSON Properties
Covid Regulations
COVID-19 regulations: Florin Square is open for business and adopting a Social Distancing and Mask Optional Policy!
Welcome to Florin Square
Navigating Success with the Sacramento SBA: Resources for Entrepreneurs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a vital role in empowering entrepreneurs across the nation—and in Sacramento, its local presence is a powerful resource for anyone looking to start, grow, or sustain a small business. Whether you're launching a new venture or need support scaling an existing one, the Sacramento SBADistrict Office and its partners offer a comprehensive suite of tools, training, and funding assistance to help you thrive.
Access to Capital One of the SBA’s most recognized services is helping small businesses secure financing. While the SBAdoes not directly lend money, it partners with approved lenders to guarantee loans that might otherwise be difficult to obtain. Programs like the 7(a) Loan, 504 Loan, and Microloan Program provide funding for working capital, equipment, real estate, or refinancing debt—often with more favorable terms than conventional loans.Additionally, the SBAworks to match entrepreneurs with mission-based lenders and CommunityAdvantage programs that support underserved communities.
Free Business Counseling The Sacramento SBAworks closely with local resource partners such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE Sacramento, Women’s Business Center (WBC), and the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC).These organizations offer free or low-cost one-on-one business advising, workshops, and mentorship in areas like business planning, marketing, financial projections, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. Whether you need to write a business plan or navigate new regulations, expert support is readily available.
Contracting Opportunities If you’re interested in doing business with the federal government, the SBAcan guide you through the process.Their 8(a) Business Development Program, HUBZone Program, and Women-Owned Small Business Certification open the door to lucrative government contracts and set-aside opportunities designed to increase participation among disadvantaged businesses.Training on how to become procurement-ready is also available.
Disaster Relief and Resilience
The SBAis also a first responder when disaster strikes. Whether it’s a wildfire, flood, or economic disruption, the agency provides disaster loans to help businesses recover and rebuild. It also offers guidance on building long-term resilience through emergency planning and continuity strategies.These services are critical for safeguarding Sacramento’s business community in times of crisis.
Events and Networking
The Sacramento SBAhosts regular events including resource fairs, loan clinics, and Small Business Week celebrations, connecting entrepreneurs with lenders, advisors, and fellow business owners.These events offer direct access to knowledge, funding sources, and collaborative opportunities that can spark growth.
For anyone looking to succeed in Sacramento’s vibrant small business community, the SBAoffers a clear roadmap and the tools to make it happen. Visit www.sba.gov/ca/sacramento to explore upcoming events and connect with your local resources.
Aaron Boyce, nationally known public speaker andAuthor of “Seize the Opportunity...and other marketing tips” serves as the Marketing Director of Florin Square and the Executive Director of Florin Square Community Development Corporation (FSCDC). He is available for small business consultations, public speaking training, as well as keynotes, seminars, and workshops. ab.fscdc@yahoo.com. (916) 215-1831.
Resources for Small Business Owners in Sacramento
Sacramento is a thriving hub for entrepreneurship, offering a wealth of resources to help small business owners launch, grow, and scale their ventures. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, the region is home to a network of organizations and programs designed to support business success.
One of the most valuable resources is the Sacramento Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which offers no-cost business consulting, training workshops, and assistance with business plans, marketing strategies, and accessing capital.
The California Capital Women's Business Center also provides targeted services to women entrepreneurs, including financial education, mentorship, and startup guidance.
For those seeking access to funding, local credit unions, CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions), and microloan programs offer alternatives to traditional bank loans. Organizations such as SAFE Credit Union, California Capital, and LiftFund provide financial tools that are more accessible to underserved communities.Additionally, SCORE Sacramento offers free, confidential mentoring from experienced business professionals, along with templates, guides, and webinars.
The Florin Square Community Development Corporation (FSCDC) plays a pivotal role in South Sacramento by offering business workshops, networking events, and exhibit opportunities through events like the Small Business Success Summit and HomebuyerAssistance Expo. FSCDC's plan to start the Business Advancement Center will provide technical assistance, grant navigation, digital marketing help, and access to co-working space.
City initiatives like the City of Sacramento's Economic Development Department also provide grant funding, façade improvement programs, and guidance for small businesses looking to operate within city limits. Entrepreneurs can also take advantage of coworking and maker spaces like Urban Hive, Studio 65, andThe Maker HQ, which offer affordable working environments and a collaborative community.
Sacramento's vibrant ecosystem is strengthened by regional chambers of commerce, including the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber, California Black Chamber, and Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, which offer advocacy, networking, and promotional opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
With the right support and strategy, small business owners in Sacramento have every opportunity to thrive. Tap into these local resources to grow your network, boost visibility, and position your business for lasting success.
Business
Designed by Melissa O’Campo
BEACH:OurTargetedAreasofSupport
BusinessandEconomicDevelopment
Education
ArtsandCulture
CommunityDevelopment
HealthandWellness
Mission Statement
Florin Square Community Development Corpora on is dedicated to providing assistance, informa on, and resources to our community that improves the quality of life in the areas of Business and Economic Development, Educa on, Arts and Culture, Community Development, and Health and Wellness (BEACH) while using a model of dignity, integrity, and unity.
FSCDC is currently seeking TWO qualified BOARD MEMBERS for a two year term. EmailAaron Boyce to receive more information and the application link.
JoinFSCDCin2025
3rdAnnualHomebuyersAssistanceExpo PostoneduntilSept/October
3rd Wednesday,May21st.
AnnualJob,Information,andResourceFair
AnnualSmallBusinessSuccessSummit 5th Saturday,July26th.
AnnualSurviveandThriveCancerAwareness 9th Saturday,October25th.
AaronBoycepresentstheAll-TalentShowcase(WinnerTakesAll) AugustorSeptemberTBA
Contact
DevelopingYour Brand: From Fonts to First Impressions
For small business owners, especially in competitive markets like Sacramento, your brand is more than just a logo - it’s the identity, voice, and visual fingerprint that tells the world who you are, what you offer, and why people should care.Astrong, consistent brand can help you build trust, attract loyal customers, and differentiate yourself from the crowd.
Start with your logo, fonts, and colors. These are the core visual elements that people will remember most.Awelldesigned logo should be simple, versatile, and meaningful - something that works equally well on your business cards, website, social media, and signage.Your choice of fonts should match your brand’s personality: modern and clean fonts communicate professionalism, while bold or script fonts may suggest creativity or elegance.Your brand colors also carry psychological meaning: blue builds trust, red evokes excitement, green implies growth or wellness, and black suggests sophistication. Choose 2 - 3 complementary colors and use them consistently.
Beyond visuals, your brand voice and tone communicate your values.Are you friendly and approachable, or polished and corporate?Your messaging style should remain consistent across your website, emails, social posts, and ads.Adefined brand voice helps your audience feel connected and makes your content instantly recognizable.
Aclear and catchy tagline or slogan helps reinforce your identity and mission. It should be short and memorable, summing up what makes your business unique.Think of it as your one-liner introduction that sticks with people long after they see your brand.
Also consider your imagery style. Whether you’re using lifestyle photography, graphics, or product images, keep your aesthetic cohesive. Choose a filter, lighting style, or photo composition that becomes visually identifiable as part of your brand.
To manage all of these elements, create a brand style guide.This document outlines logo rules, color codes, font choices, tone, and imagery standards. It helps everyone who works on your brand—from designers to interns - stay consistent.
Most importantly, apply your branding across all platforms—print materials, digital media, packaging, events, and customer service interactions. Consistency breeds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.
Your brand is your story, personality, and promise all wrapped into one. It should make people feel something, remember you, and want to come back. Build it thoughtfully, and it becomes your most powerful business asset.
Build Business Credit to Grow with Confidence
For small business owners in Sacramento and beyond, building business credit is more than a financial tool—it’s a strategic asset.A strong business credit profile separates your personal and business finances, enhances your credibility, and helps you access better funding opportunities, vendor terms, and partnerships.
What is Business Credit? Business credit reflects how well your company manages its financial obligations. It’s tracked by commercial credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business. Unlike personal credit, business credit scores can influence your company’s ability to qualify for loans, secure leases, or even win contracts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Business Credit
FormalizeYour Business Structure Start by forming a legal entity such as an LLC or corporation. Obtain an EIN from the IRS and register your business with the state of California.
Open a Business BankAccount Keep business finances separate from personal funds. Use your business bank account for all operations, purchases, and deposits.
EstablishTrade Lines Work with vendors that offer net terms (e.g., Net-30 or Net-60) and report payment history to the credit bureaus.
Timely payments on these accounts help build your business credit.
Apply for a Business Credit Card Choose a credit card under your company’s name. Use it for regular purchases and pay it off monthly to demonstrate financial responsibility.
Get a D-U-N-S Number Request a free D-UN-S number from Dun & Bradstreet.This unique identifier is essential for establishing your credit profile and is required for many government contracts.
Monitor and MaintainYour Credit Regularly check your business credit reports for errors or discrepancies. Stay current with payments, maintain low balances, and avoid overextending credit.
Why It Matters Good business credit can unlock access to capital, improve cash flow, and offer leverage in negotiating with vendors and lenders. It allows your business to qualify for larger loans and better insurance rates, and it reduces reliance on personal guarantees.
In a competitive environment, building credit can be the difference between surviving and thriving. With a clear plan and responsible habits, your business can grow stronger and more financially resilient year after year.
REGISTER NOW!
5th Annual Small Business Success Summit:
Tools, Training, and Connections to Help You Get Things Done
The 5thAnnual Small Business Success Summit, presented by the Florin Square Community Development Corporation (FSCDC), is set for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Florin Square, 2251 Florin Road, Sacramento, CA.This high-energy event is designed for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners who are serious about growth. With a theme of “GetThings Done,” the summit features expert-led workshops, valuable networking, and award recognition—all in one day
Co-presented by the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, California Black Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Metro Chamber, SBDC, and California Capital, and generously sponsored by SMUD, JPMorgan Chase, SAFE Credit Union, KDEE Radio, Vidlo, and the Sacramento Observer, the summit delivers both inspiration and practical value.
The day begins with a Business Networking Breakfast from 8:30AM to 10:30AM, including a special keynote speaker and early opportunities to connect with business leaders, lenders, and advisors. From 11:00AM to 3:00 PM, attendees can participate in seven hands-on workshops, all designed to help you leave with usable tools and resources:
1. Mastering Social MediaAds – Learn to build compelling ads, target the right audience, and boost online reach.
2. Brand Identity Bootcamp – Refine your brand with expert guidance on color palettes, fonts, logos, and storytelling.
3. Preparing a Simplified Financial Projection – Gain confidence creating a financial snapshot to guide your business decisions or pitch to investors.
4. Writing withAI – Use artificial intelligence to draft emails, marketing content, and proposals that save time and increase impact.
5. Finding RFPs and Bids – Discover where to find contract opportunities and how to submit winning proposals.
6. Mini Business Plan Workshop – Walk away with a brief but powerful plan tailored for funding, growth, or launch.
7. Women in Business Panel – Hear from powerhouse female entrepreneurs on overcoming barriers, building wealth, and creating impact.
One highlight of the event is the presentation of the Dana Maeshia Small BusinessAward, honoring a business owner who excels in both entrepreneurship and community service.The award includes a $500 cash prize and $1,000 in consulting support.Applications are due by July 14 at , and www.fscdc.org applicants must have a paid summit ticket to qualify
Tickets are $25 in advance and $40 at the door. Register now at to www.fscdc.org reserve your spot.
If you're ready to elevate your business with real-world strategies and valuable connections, don't miss the Small Business Success Summit—where small business gets big results.
Mastering Social MediaAds: AGuide for Small Business Success
In today’s digital-first world, mastering social media advertising is no longer optional—it’s essential for small business growth. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram,TikTok, and LinkedIn offer powerful advertising tools that allow business owners to reach their ideal customers without a massive marketing budget. With the right strategy, even a few dollars a day can deliver measurable results.
KnowYourAudience The first step in creating effective social media ads is understanding who you’re trying to reach. Define your target audience by age, location, interests, behaviors, and buying habits. Each platform provides audience targeting tools, allowing you to create ads that are shown to the right people at the right time.
Choose the Right Platform Each social platform serves a different purpose. Facebook and Instagram are ideal for visual products and local promotions, while LinkedIn is better for B2B marketing and professional services.TikTok is great for storytelling, trends, and younger audiences. Choose the platforms where your ideal customers are most active.
Use Strong Visuals and Clear Copy Your ad should stand out in a crowded feed. Use eyecatching images, videos, or animations paired with short, engaging copy. Focus on one clear message per ad, and always include a call to action (CTA) such as “Shop Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Learn More.”A/B test different headlines and visuals to see what performs best.
Set a Budget and Monitor Results Start small - $5 to $10 per day can go a long way with welltargeted ads. Use platform analytics to track metrics like click-through rate (CTR), engagement, and conversions. Pause ads that underperform, and invest more in those that drive results.
Retarget and Build Loyalty Retargeting allows you to show ads to people who’ve visited your website or engaged with previous posts.This reinforces your message and increases the chances of conversion.Additionally, consider using ads to grow your email list or promote special offers to loyal customers.
Stay Consistent and Learn OverTime Social media advertising is both an art and a science. Stay updated on algorithm changes and new features.Analyze your data, adjust strategies, and keep testing. Over time, your efforts will compound, creating a strong brand presence and delivering real ROI.
With consistency, creativity, and data-driven decisions, any small business can master social media ads and turn clicks into customers.
13 Community
Greetings, Florin Square businesses & Square Biz readers:
As your representative at the City of Sacramento, I make it my mission to take care of the people, institutions, and neighborhoods that make up our city.This year, our office has been on a mission to beautify Florin Road, improve pedestrian safety, and ensure that local neighborhood needs are met.
The Florin Road Pavement Rehabilitation Project will rejuvenate the road and improve safety in one of Sacramento's top five high-injury corridors through upgraded infrastructure like new asphalt paving,ADA-compliant curb ramps, updated signal poles and pedestrian crossing signals, and new bicycle lanes.
We are also improving the infrastructure near Luther Burbank High School and the Florin Road Light Rail Station to increase safety for students and transit riders alike—helping people walk, bike, or take transit more easily
In other news, our district has recently celebrated the installation of a fully restored and modernized scoreboard at theAirport Little League Field!Thanks to support from the City and the Sacramento River Cats, we've been able to bring a fun experience to our little league players and fans. Moments like this make me feel so much pride in our city and remind me of how impactful our community can be.
I could not have accomplished any of this without the support of you – the people and businesses that make our District the incredible place it is.Thank you.As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to my team at district5@cityofsacramento.org or at (916) 808-7005.
Sincerely,
Caity Maple
Sacramento City Councilmember, District Five
