Helping All of California’s Small Businesses, Startups, and Entrepreneurs

Start, Manage, & Grow

What Is The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) supports economic growth and innovation and ensures that ALL California small businesses and innovative startups have the information and direct support they need to better navigate resources, programs and regulations. CalOSBA serves as the voice of small business, representing their views and interests across the state and advocating for equitable access to capital, markets, and networks so that all California small businesses successfully start, manage, grow and become more resilient. Click here for an overview of CalOSBA’s programs. Click here to contact a Regional Advisor or Small Business Local Engagement Specialist within your region.

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Learn about State Resources to help you manage your existing business better.

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Learn about State Resources to help you grow and scale your business.

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Our Network Helps Small Businesses, Startups, and Entrepreneurs Across All Industries and Demographics

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New Businesses Started

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Collective Data from 2018-2023

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Small Business Success Stories from California’s Small Business Center Network

CalOSBA’s small business support partners and grant programs provide California’s small businesses with no-cost or low-cost 1:1 consulting and training to help them get started, manage, and grow. Learn how business-owners in a community near you took advantage of these services to improve the outlook for their businesses.

Hella Nuts

by Abdul Afridi | December 14, 2023 | Alameda County, Northern California, Oakland, Restaurant, Vegan Foods | 0 Comments

Kami and Mieko Scott founders of Hella Nuts started their plant-based journey in 2018. Their goal was to come up with vegan options that had no chemicals, fillers, or soy. Nothing but all natural ingredients. As a black-owned and women-owned business, Hella Nuts aims to…

Wow Lash and Brow Studio

by Editorial Team | January 5, 2023 | Central Valley, Cosmetology, Personal Services, Stanislaus County | 0 Comments

Anyone who has ever decided to open their own small business understands that the path to making that dream a reality can sometimes be a little fuzzy, and even downright challenging. At CalOSBA, it is our mission to ensure that entrepreneurs…

Art de Luz

by Editorial Team | January 5, 2023 | Art Gallery, Gifts, Retail, San Diego County, Southern California | 0 Comments

Luz Maria Clayton reached out to the International Rescue Committee Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance and technical assistance to develop her business. Together, with the SBDC’s expertise and Luz’s drive to build this business from the ground up…

Whiz Kids

by Abdul Afridi | December 14, 2023 | Central Valley, Retail, San Luis Obispo County, Toy Store | 0 Comments

In the picturesque town of San Luis Obispo, California, a small but mighty business named Whiz Kids has become the talk of the town. Founded and led by Lesa Smith, this women-owned business has not only captured the hearts of locals but has also conquered the challenges…

Sculpt

by Editorial Team | April 11, 2023 | Central Valley, Cosmetology, Monterey County, Personal Services | 0 Comments

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are essential resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners in California. These centers provide a wide range of services, including one-on-one consulting, workshops and training programs, access to funding resources…

North Pacific Adventure

by Editorial Team | January 6, 2023 | Adventure Tours, Mendocino County, Northern California, Tourism | 0 Comments

For an exciting water activity, consider North Pacific Adventure, which offers sea cave kayaking, kayak fishing, whale watching, and surfing tours in Mendocino County. Billy Arana owner of North Pacific Adventure received small business guidance from the to the…