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.

Succeed at Every Stage

Start Up

Learn about State Resources to help you start your business.

Learn more

Manage

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

Learn more

Grow

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

Learn more

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

Small Businesses Helped

New Businesses Started

Training Events Completed

Jobs Created

Collective Data from 2018-2023

Local Advisors Are Ready to Help

Get matched with local assistance centers tailored to your small business needs.

Get Started

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.

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…

Shoppe Serendipity

by Ginger Cordoba | March 26, 2024 | Northern California, Retail, Siskiyou County | 0 Comments

Kristina Taylor, Karuk Tribe Member and Owner of Shoppe Serendipity, runs a delightful gallery gift shop in the historic downtown of the far northeast city of Yreka. Yreka, the county seat of Siskiyou County, is a beautiful mountainous town located off the I-5 near the Oregon border. Whether you’re a local, or…

La Rocco’s Pizzeria

by Abdul Afridi | December 22, 2023 | Los Angeles County, Pizzeria, Restaurant, Southern California | 0 Comments

When Paul LaRocco and his family moved La Rocco Pizzeria to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, New York, they aimed to transport diners to 1950’s Little Italy with its thin-crust Neapolitan perfected over the years. Each pie was made on the spot, and if you stopped by, you…

Tomfoolery

by Ginger Cordoba | December 8, 2023 | Butte County, Northern California, Retail | 0 Comments

Mary Hartley and Celeste Cramer bought the store Tomfoolery in 2023, which has been women-owned for 40yrs, since first opening its doors in 1983. They plan to bring in new lines and a fresh look to this long-term Chico business. “You can find all sorts of gifts and gadgets in the store that are playful, foolish, and silly!…

Precision Construction Services

by Editorial Team | April 11, 2023 | Central Valley, Construction, General Contracting, San Luis Obispo County | 0 Comments

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and are vital to the vibrancy of the Central Valley and Central Coast of California. These small businesses not only create jobs and provide essential services but also have a significant impact on the economic growth and …..

Gritz N Wafflez

by Ginger Cordoba | March 15, 2024 | Los Angeles County, Restaurant, Southern California | 0 Comments

After working in restaurants for over 20 years and relocating to Los Angeles from Dallas, Gritz N Waffles owner Jurni Rayne decided it was time to open her own place. But there were challenges in setting the business up for success including navigating Los Angeles County…