Agency Advocates

Find State Resources About Local Contracting Assistance

California funds a network of small business technical assistance centers that provide no-cost one-on-one consulting and low-cost training services to small businesses and entrepreneurs with all stages, including but not limited to:

Startup business plans
Access financing (i.e., loans and grants)
Enter new markets
Strengthen operations and build resiliency
… and more

With over 30 languages available, find your local center and connect with an advisor today.

Find a Center

State Buyers

The Department of General Services (DGS) serves as business manager for the state of California. DGS manages state procurement projects and provides online services to businesses seeking procurement opportunities and certification.

Procurement Division (PD)
The Certification and Outreach Branch supports the State of California’s small business (SB) and disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) firms through outreach, education, advocacy and certification services. This branch processes certification applications, addresses certification inquiries, conducts outreach to businesses, and supports buyers throughout the state to work with SBs and DVBEs.

Phone: 800-559-5529
Website: dgs.ca.gov

Cal eProcure

The Cal eProcure system is the State of California’s home for state procurement and certification programs. Through this system business owners can learn how to sell to the State, search bid opportunities, get certified as a Small Business (SB) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), and find training and resources.

Visit Cal eProcure

Find SB/DVBE Advocates

The DGS Procurement Division maintains the Small Business (SB) / Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Advocate Directory. This directory allows small businesses interested in procurement opportunities with a specific State of California agency or department to locate the advocate that can connect them to potential opportunities.

The State of California agencies, boards, departments, and panels that have SB/DVBE Advocates can be found in the SB/DVBE Advocate Directory below. The directory can help you find and connect with the advocate for the agency you would like to work with to learn more about their department’s procurement needs and future contracting opportunities.

**Some agencies have chosen to have a SB/DVBE First Policy. Click here to learn more about that designation.

Find Your SB/DVBE Advocate

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Caltrans commits to an overall Small Business contracting goal of 25 percent and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise goal of 5 percent. Businesses interested in contracting opportunities with Caltrans can contact the Division of Procurement and Contracts for more information and visit the Department of General Services Cal eProcure program to obtain business certification.

Division of Procurement and Contracts (DPAC)
The Division of Procurement and Contracts is responsible for assisting Caltrans districts and programs with the procurement of information technology (IT) and non-IT commodities, service contracts, architectural and engineering (A&E) contracts, minor public works contracts, the CAL-Card Administration and Compliance Program, property control, and compliance reporting.

Phone: 916-227-6000
Website: dot.ca.gov