Welcome To
Our Mission
ChicoSTART’s mission is to empower – entrepreneurs, startups and businesses with resources, training and community support needed to start, grow and thrive throughout Northern California.
ChicoSTART = Fueling innovation. Building community. Driving success.
We’d love to connect with you!
Located in Chico
430 Broadway Street
Counties Served
Butte, Nevada, Trinity, Lake, Plumas, Yuba, Sierra, Tehama, Siskiyous, Modoc, Glenn, Shasta, Del Norte, Lassen, Humboldt, Colusa, Mendocino
Contact Info
530-924-5100
What Innovation
Means to Us
Innovation in California represents the spirit of possibility—uniting people, ideas, and industries to shape a more sustainable, equitable future.
Meet Our Director
Eva Shepherd-Nicoll is Executive Director of ChicoSTART. A recognized leader in building Northern California’s innovation ecosystem, she champions startups, students, and small businesses across more than 20 rural and underserved counties. Eva drives programs that connect founders with mentoring, capital, and community resources, while also teaching and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her work spans regional economic development, inclusive innovation, and building resilient ecosystems that foster opportunity and growth.
Eva Shepherd-Nicoll, Executive Director
4 CalOSBA awarded Innovation Grants,
with more on the way
$75k
Solir Energy Solutions
Solir Energy Solutions, LLC is an early-stage climate technology company specializing in passive energy-saving materials for the built environment.
$50k
Red Line Safety
Red Line Safety is a veteran and firefighter-founded technology company headquartered in California, focused on advancing life-saving wearable and communication technologies for the fire service and all-hazard responders.
$50k
Plumas Wood Fiber LLC
The primary objective of Plumas Wood Fiber (PWF) is to commercialize excess forest biomass by processing it into a potting product (wood fiber substrate) for the wholesale commercial horticultural industry as a substitute for peat moss.
$25k
Ponderosa.ai Inc.
Looks for Lease Technology is a comprehensive platform for Retailers & Brands to integrate into a Rental business model.
Industry Sectors Our Hub Serves
Agtech
Food Systems
Clean Energy/Zero-Emission Vehicles
Climate Resilience
Information Technology
Health and Wellness
Creative Industries
Signature Programs We Offer
Accelerate CA Inclusive Innovation Hub
GrowTECH FEST
TAP Program Partner
SEED 2.5
Special SBTAEP Zev Research
The VINE
1 Million Cups
Grow With Google
Partners for Capital Access
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Venture Capital
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Angels
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NorCal SBDC Finance Center
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Bank partnerships and related partners
.
Partners in Our Resource Network
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Cal Poly Humboldt
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CSU Sacramento
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CSU Monterey
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CSU Fresno
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UC Merced
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NFNRC
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Butte College
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College of Siskiyous
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Mendocino College
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Shasta College
Initiative Partners or Other Ecosystem Partners:
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BTV
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AgSTART
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LabSTART
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CleanStart
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Portlabs
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Multiple Chambers
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Non Profits
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Valley Vision
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Sierra Business Council
Physical Footprint:
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BTV
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Advancing Modoc
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Granite City Coworking
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Ridgestart
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City of Corning
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Indian Valley
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Innovation Hub
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Siskiyou Works
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Glenn Grows
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No Hands Co-working
Our Signature Events
GrowTECH FEST, Grow With Google Partner Workshops, 1 Million Cups Chico, Accelerated by Workshops for ChicoSTART IHUB designated counties, Strategic and Innovative Workshop Series, Quick Fire Speaker Series, Startup Pitch Workshop and Challenge, Quarterly GrowTECH Hangs.
Stay Connected
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95814
Contact CalOSBA
Speaker Request Form
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95814
Contact CalOSBA
Speaker Request Form
Stay informed. Subscribe:
CalOSBA Small Business News
State Funding Programs
CA Grants Portal
