CalOSBA Near You

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate serves as the voice of small business, representing your views and interests and advocating for equitable access to capital, markets and resources. CalOSBA’s regional teams live and work near you so we can participate in local events and get to know our small business communities from the inside out. We want to meet you, answer your questions and support your events.

Local & Regional Economic Conferences | Ribbon-cuttings | Workshops & Webinars |

Chamber of Commerce Meetings | Lending Events | & More

Request a Speaker

Big Voices for Small Businesses

Our CalOSBA team serves as the voice of the states 4.3 million small businesses! We have a passionate team who is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small business across all of California. Our commitment is to ensure that ALL California small businesses and innovation economy start up’s have the information, content and direct support they need to successfully start, manage, become more resilient and SCALE.

CalOSBA Director Elmy Bermejo and leadership team were proud to support California’s Women’s Business Centers at the inaugural Invest in Her Economic Summit. The event brought together entrepreneurs, resource partners, and leaders dedicated to advancing opportunities for women-owned businesses across California.

Northern California Specialist Jermaine Carter-Gibson was joined by Deputy Director Clair Whitmer and Socal Specialist Stephanie Garcia celebrating the grand opening of Jimenez Sisters Ranch’s new storefront at Frangipani Estate Winery, marking five years of entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth. Founded by sisters Madelyn, Abigail, and Olivia, the business has grown from a small micro-farm into a successful goat milk skincare brand serving customers across the country.

CalOSBA was proud to participate in the 2026 NorCal Procurement Fair in Redding, connecting with small businesses, government agencies, contractors, and resource partners from across Northern California. Team members Diane Lydon, Jamie Winters, and Casanya Ursery were on-site sharing resources and helping entrepreneurs learn more about state contracting opportunities, certifications, and programs that support business growth.

Southern California Specialist Stephanie Garcia representing CalOSBA presenting a check to My Village Innovations on winning $100,000 at the San Diego Angel Conference! Earlier this year, the company also received an award through CalOSBA’s Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Grant, highlighting the impact of investing in founders who are addressing real-world challenges.

The CalOSBA Outsmart Disaster team Susana Ramirez-Munoz & Shruti Narain proud to attend the 2026 Disaster Ready & Resilient I&R Conference, joining partners from across California committed to strengthening disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

The Central California Regional Engagement Specialist Bob Adams, was proud to support small businesses by showcasing valuable resources, sharing cool swag, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect with SCALE partners from across the Central Valley.

CalOSBA’s Micheal Martinez was excited to join local entrepreneurs at the Make AI Work for You Workshop, hosted by Grow with Google in partnership with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center. Held at California Citrus State Historic Park in Riverside, the workshop provided practical insights on how small businesses can leverage AI to streamline operations, enhance marketing efforts, and support growth.

CalOSBA Director Elmy Bermejo joined leaders, policymakers, and advocates in Sacramento for the UCLA LPPI Convening on Women Entrepreneurship & Disaster Resilience in AAPI and Latino Communities. The discussion highlighted the vital role AAPI and Latina women play in disaster preparedness, economic recovery, and community resilience across California.

CalOSBA was honored to participate in and co-host the 2026 California Supplier Diversity Symposium alongside the California Statewide Coalition for Diversity Initiatives and partners. The event brought together agencies, industry leaders, and small businesses from across California to foster connections, share resources, and expand procurement opportunities. Special thanks to Assistant Deputy Isaiah Green for representing CalOSBA on the panel, “Prepared to Compete: Resilience as a Supplier Advantage,” and highlighting the importance of preparedness in long-term

Northern California Team

Diane Lydon

Jermaine Carter-Gibson

Jamie Winters

Shruti Narain

Central California Team

Bob Adams

Isaiah Green

Southern California Team

Stephanie Garcia

Susana Ramirez-Muñoz

Don’t Be Scared, Get Prepared

Outsmart Disaster provides California businesses and nonprofits with the training and resources needed to prepare for and recover from all types of business interruptions.