Is Fresno a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Fresno has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Fresno gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Fresno

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Fresno offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

The early-stage funding landscape for startups in Fresno is developing, with several local entities working to support founders. Notable mentions include Fresno Ventures and CVF Capital Partners as venture capital firms with some focus on early and seed stages, although CVF Capital Partners' initial investment range is higher. Angel networks are also emerging, with the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation forming a new group to connect business owners with investors, partly funded by a grant from the Economic Development Administration. Access Plus Capital offers microloan programs and is involved in initiatives to bridge financial gaps for minority-owned businesses. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including a general lack of funding availability and difficulties for minority-owned businesses in accessing resources and capital. Reports indicate that small business lending in Fresno County ranks below national averages for bank and SBA lending, highlighting a potential seed-stage funding gap, although CDFI lending is comparatively higher. The region also faces broader economic disparities and challenges in building robust financial channels for startups compared to areas like Silicon Valley.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Fresno has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Fresno's startup and innovation culture is growing, with a focus on leveraging its agricultural roots for Agtech and diversifying into other tech sectors. The city has several coworking spaces available, offering flexible options for entrepreneurs. Tech events and networking opportunities exist, including meetups and conferences focused on various tech areas. The ecosystem provides support for early-stage founders through various programs and resources. Organizations like Valley Innovators and Valley Community SBDC offer mentorship, education, and access to resources and networks. The Downtown Business Hub provides long-term training and one-on-one counseling, specifically supporting the start-up and growth of businesses. Fresno State also contributes to the entrepreneurial environment with programs and events like the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Summit and the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. While there are competitive elements like pitch competitions, there's also a focus on personalized support and community building, particularly for underserved entrepreneurs.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Fresno can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Fresno, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Fresno is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Fresno has a developing talent pool for startups, supported by local educational institutions like California State University, Fresno and Fresno City College, which offer programs in areas such as Industrial Technology and career technical education. Bitwise Industries also provides training in digital skills. Industry-specific skills are growing, particularly in tech, with demand for cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, and software development. There's also a focus on agricultural technology, manufacturing, and construction. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a growing tech ecosystem, affordable living costs, and initiatives fostering innovation. Organizations like Bitwise Industries and programs at Fresno State contribute to a skilled workforce and a supportive community for new ventures.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Fresno can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Fresno boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Fresno offers a growing ecosystem for startups with various support systems. Key resources include incubators and accelerators like the WET Center (focused on water, energy, and agtech), The Downtown Business Hub, and The Pi Shop. These provide technical assistance, training, workspaces, mentorship, and access to capital and networking opportunities. Organizations such as the Valley Community SBDC and SCORE Central Valley offer free business mentoring, workshops, and training. Government initiatives also play a role. The City of Fresno has focused on inclusive economic development, aiming to connect underserved businesses with resources through a digital hub. There are also programs providing assistance with loan preparation and access to funding. A recent proposal aims to waive certain startup fees for veteran-owned businesses. These resources collectively help startups navigate challenges and foster growth in the local economy.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Fresno. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Fresno Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Fresno provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Fresno may encounter several challenges. While the cost of living is lower than coastal California, attracting and retaining skilled talent can still be difficult due to competition and potential workforce skill gaps. Navigating the regulatory environment can also pose hurdles, with concerns raised about restrictive measures and challenging permit requirements impacting business growth. Additionally, while the startup ecosystem is growing, securing sufficient venture capital can be a challenge compared to more established tech hubs.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Fresno or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Fresno offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash