The Office of Small Business Advocate (OSBA) is established in statute to advocate the causes of small business and provide small business owners with information needed to succeed in the California marketplace.

OSBA staff responds to individual requests for help and information statewide from small businesses and when necessary, refers them to local business and employer service providers and partners. OSBA staff also serves on various interdepartmental and intergovernmental working groups and task forces to represent small business interests.

Serve as the principal advocate for California small business owners, providing services that include advisory participation in the consideration of all legislation and administrative regulations that affect statewide small businesses;

• Represent the views and interests of small businesses before other state agencies and departments;
• Enlist the cooperation and assistance of public and private agencies, business organizations, industry associations, and other government partners in disseminating information about programs and services available to small businesses;
• Work with experts and authorities in the fields of access to capital, such as small business investment groups, venture capital investment firms, and commercial banking, as well as surety bonding practitioners and liability insurance providers;
• Assist state agencies and departments increase certified Small Business Enterprises (SBE) and Disabled Veteran Business enterprise (DVBE) participation in state-funded contracting opportunities;
• Investigate grievances and facilitate resolution to small businesses issues related to the state procurement and procurement process; and
• Assist California small business owners, through a comprehensive referral route, identify low- and no-cost technical assistance, such as business and employer services, access to capital, certification, and state, local and federal procurement opportunities.