Small Business Success Stories
CalOSBA’s network of small business support centers support entrepreneurs across California to start, manage, and grow their businesses by guiding owners to training and grant opportunities, helping them identify and obtain financing, and pointing them to new market opportunities. Check out some of the owners who have taken advantage of these no-cost/low-cost services to deliver positive impact for their businesses. Ready to follow their lead? Find a small business support center near you.
Ricky’s Farms
Ricardo “Ricky” Ortiz grew up in the family strawberry-growing business, learning perseverance and hard work from his father. Ricky began taking on a leadership role, and by 2019, he fully stepped into the helm as the face of Ricky’s Farms…
Bubble Robotics
Patricia Apostol & Jean Crosetti met through a shared ambition to apply aerospace-grade tech to ocean challenges. “Bubble Robotics is building the autonomous workforce for the ocean,”…
PHresh Juice Bar
Phelipe Davila, an avid runner passionate about physical and mental health, wanted to provide fresh-pressed juices and healthy grab-and-go meals to his community in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles. After 13 years…
Karish Industries
Karish Industries is a small, employee-owned distributor that has offered copper/aluminum wire, fiber optic cable, and other electrical parts to Alameda County and beyond since 2009…
Declutter Organize Breathe
Kaleigh Tuso’s journey into entrepreneurship began through an unexpected source of inspiration, the overwhelming task of planning her wedding. Her natural talent for organization was reignited during this wedding planning process…
Emprendedor@s Program Graduation
Asociación de Emprendedor@s (AdE), the Chapman University Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, and U.S. Bank recognized 23 Orange County entrepreneurs who graduated from the second cohort…
Pacific Playa Realty
Pacific Playa Realty, founded by Munif Ali, is more than just a real estate agency in Los Angeles. It is a vital part of the community, focused on building relationships and serving neighborhoods. However, when the pandemic hit, Munif and…
BAPA’S Market
The inspiration behind BAPA’s Market came from the observed need for a local natural food-bodega in the Meriam Park neighborhood. As a homeowner and business professional in the area, Ashley Juhl-Darlington recognized the lack of accessibility…
Need2Say
Need2Say founder Oscar Garcia was inspired by his father, a hardworking immigrant who spent decades laboring in the U.S. without ever learning English. As an ESL instructor, Oscar saw firsthand…
The Pie Mamas
For founder Anna Covarrubias, baking has always been part of her family’s way of expressing love. Raised in a household full of cooks, she was inspired by her mother’s recipes and the joy of sharing food. After starting with small orders…
CG Coatings
Gerardo Chavez, President of CG Coatings, founded this company to become a business owner and serve the communities he had already been working in. CG Coatings had already worked on a contract with Travis Air Force Base’s Aviation Museum…
ReBlood RX
When Dr. Carlos Munoz and former Army Captain, Christopher Caballero, founded ReBlood Rx they had a bold vision: to develop hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers that could save lives in medical emergencies…
B AWESUM
When life threw its toughest challenges at Melanie Glass, she turned inward—and then to art. As a Creative and Mixed Media Abstract Artist, Melanie found more than just expression in paint…
Pit River Greenhouse Project
The Pit River Tribal Council has embarked on a transformative journey toward food sovereignty. In the heart of Modoc County, California, where vast landscapes stretch between small communities and access to fresh produce…
Super Foam
CEO Zef Neemuchwala, and his founding team of Lead Research Chemist, David Hernandez, and Lead Automation Engineer, Jatomis Stevensen, are set to revolutionize the materials technology industry…
Sweet Bean Coffee House
For Ronda Moore-Gambone and her daughter, Sarah Goings, owning a coffee shop was a long-held dream that always seemed just out of reach. Their shared passion for coffee was deeply rooted in personal experiences…
Amor Backyard Farm
Evelyn Young Spath had completed the KIEH Incubator and walked away with insights on a path to complete her business plan, expanded financial literacy, a solid foundation on what is needed…
Dulce Organic Farms
Antonia Vega Gonzalez, and her husband, Jose Juan Pulido Garcia, spent more than two decades as farm laborers in California’s strawberry fields, developing experience in every aspect of production while nurturing an entrepreneurial vision…
The Siskiyou Economic Development Council
The Siskiyou Economic Development Council (SEDC), through its Shasta-Cascade Innovation Hub (IHub), is empowering the entrepreneurs driving innovation and growth…
Jonathan’s Fish & Chips
For decades, Ms. Phyllis has been known across the Bay Area for her mouthwatering fish and chips and Creole-inspired cuisine. But beyond her signature dishes, her drive and dedication to her craft have made Jonathan’s Fish & Chips…
Al Chile…está bien bueno!
Laura and Ailin Tenorio, sisters from Mexico, used to make gelatin, cakes and flan (Mexican custard) to sell at school when they were little. “It’s funny how we both did the same thing, even though we didn’t grow up together”…
Pink Cloud
When Jason Varughese founded Pink Cloud, he envisioned creating a platform to help others navigate sobriety as he had done himself. Little did he know that his journey of resilience and innovation would prepare him for one of the biggest…
Honeybee Speech
Founder Melissa Perez recognized a significant gap in local services and felt compelled to meet the growing need for pediatric speech therapy in the Imperial Valley. Melissa’s inspiration to start her own business came from her time…
Espes 2 Go
Miguel Quevedo grew up immersed in the restaurant industry, working alongside his family at La Esperanza, a beloved local restaurant established by his grandparents in 1976. The restaurant’s name which translates to hope, became a…
Queen Bean
When Queen Bean Coffee, a beloved and historic coffee destination in downtown Modesto, became available for purchase, Ruhi and Sam seized the opportunity to acquire it. Their decision was driven by a desire to preserve…
From The Land
From The Land is a trailblazing organization focused on sustainable agriculture co-founded by Dr. Gina Oliver and Richard Hutchison. The pair recently celebrated the launch of Littlest Big Farm…
Moya Spice
Inspired by her passion for cooking Mexican cuisine and a strong desire to share the authentic flavors of her Mexican heritage, Monica began sharing her homemade recipes on Instagram. Her loyal followers appreciated not only her cooking…
Partner Highlight – Los Angeles LGBT Center
Nick Panepinto, Director of Culinary Training and Operations, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center oversees their state-of-the-art Culinary Training Program. This 300-hour vocational culinary program enrolls…
The WinterBadger Collection
Rob Badger and Nita Winter, award-winning conservation photographers and owners of The WinterBadger Collection, have spent over two decades capturing California’s wildflower landscapes…
Lawson’s Landing
Lawson’s Landing is a family-owned fishing, boating and campground resort located at the mouth of Tomales Bay, California. Since its founding in 1929, the Lawson family has worked to preserve this unique coastal property while ensuring it…
The Level Up Store
Watch this video showcasing the press conference announcing how The Level Up Store owner Ron Gibson’s chance encounter with Congresswoman Maxine Waters led to being connected with CalOSBA partner Macedonia Community…
The Face Company
Polina and Anton Nikolaev settled their family in Orange County with the goal of living out their American dream. After spending time on the east coast, the family decided to make the move out west and to go all in on their aspirations…
E. Vasquez & Associates
Esmeralda Borrayo Vasquez, Founder and CEO, has always had a passion for numbers and helping people. Her career began at a credit union, where she worked as a senior teller. Through her dedication to meeting client needs…
Masala Blend
Mamta Gupta wanted to honor her roots through the creation of Masala Blend. Her dream for the business was to locally handcraft spice blends of her family’s traditional recipes. “The seed of Masala Blend took roots while I was attending graduate school…
Sierra Mountain Center
Emma’s connection to the mountains runs deep. From childhood hikes and backpacking adventures to discovering rock climbing and backcountry skiing in college, As the proud new owner of Sierra Mountain Center, she’s dedicated to…
Redding Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Evelyn Townsell together with her business partner, husband and RVT Jonathan Fleming are the proud new owners of Redding Veterinary Clinic. Their shared love for veterinary medicine and a desire to keep more veterinary practices independently…
Circosphere LLC
Business Owner Kristen Parks originally launched Circosphere to provide better work opportunities and higher pay for herself as a working artist. She leveraged her extensive experience in community organizing and program management…
Inland Empire Small Business Development Center
The Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, a program of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at CSUSB…
Sierra Mobile Glass
Diana Hartley was motivated to start her business, Sierra Mobile Glass, and she wanted to take advantage of the resources offered for entrepreneurs by the the Small Business Development Center. The expert business advisors at the Sierra SBDC…
Evolve TCF
Watch this video testimonial where Ronesha Jackson, Founder and Chief Leadership Officer of Evolve Training Coaching Facilitation (EvolveTCF), shares her experience…
Teranga Foods
Nominated as the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center Entrepreneur of the year, Nafy Flatley brings the bold flavors of Senegal to San Francisco, sharing her culture with every dish she creates. Her work connects communities and creates a…
Mocha Magic Cafe & Bakeshop
When Maria Apodaca’s employer of 20 years was sold, she found herself in a predicament that is familiar to many. She decided it was time to turn her dream of owning her own business into a reality. Maria says small business owners should…
K&S Therapeutic Services, Inc.
Yeshiva Davis wanted to grow her Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practice K&S Therapeutic Services. In a time when many online therapy platforms try to turn this highly skilled profession into gig work, some therapists…
3CORE, Inc
On November 30th, in celebration of Small Business Saturday, our North State partner 3CORE mentored and sponsored youth entrepreneurs at the micro-business marketplace in Chico in conjunction with…
TRIC Robotics
Founder, Adam Stager, and his team were inspired to start TRIC Robotics with the goal of creating a more predictable and sustainable future for agriculture by helping farmers collect data on crop health and…
Lopes Family Farms
Bruce and Christopher Lopes realized they needed to pivot from their old business model to something that could sustain the family long into the future because the rising costs of farming, unpredictable weather and wildly fluctuating…
NEXT Life Sciences
Founder L.R Fox and the team at NEXT Life Sciences decided to address one of the most glaring inequities between men and women. By solving this issue, they could also address the 121 million unintended,…
Pitching for the Win with Ascender Systems
This is a special video success story following up with the father and son founders behind Ascender Systems who won the grand prize in last month’s ACE Pitch Competition…
Styling for Success at Addressed Apparel
Jazz Kelley decided she wanted to be her own boss. She also wanted to leverage her own creative stylish gift to help other women leverage fashion to build their own style, confidence and self-care. So, she opened an online…
G.L Bruno Named Veteran Business of the Year
In just three years under the leadership of veterans Leo Duran and Michael C. Bogna, G.L. Bruno Construction has solidified its reputation as a company committed to excellence…
Championing Childcare for All with Pattycake Babysitting Services
Brenda Patty is the founder and owner of Pattycake Babysitting Services, a company established in March 2015. Her decision to enter the babysitting services business…
Givo Ice Cream
Giselle Palomo Garcia demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit early by founding three ice cream businesses in Michoacán, Mexico. When Giselle came to Orange County, she wanted to bring her business acumen with her, but she wasn’t sure how to start in…
Tapa The World
Marcos Murrilo came here from Mexico in 1996. His first job in the U.S. was working at Tapa the World restaurant in Sacramento, where he was the executive chef for 11 years, creating several of the specialty dishes that are still on the menu today…
InsureCal Insurance Agency
InsureCal Insurance Agency, based in Turlock, California, was founded in 2015 by Colbie McRae. With a successful background as a strong sales producer by the age of 24, Colbie saw a unique opportunity to leverage…
Safety by George, LLC
There are many dangers in the common workplace and safety is a primary concern for employers and employees alike. The Department of Industrial Relations oversees the California Occupational Safety…
Integrated Perspectives Consulting
April Durrant, a 3rd generation veteran having served on active duty in the medical field, worked an assignment with the Defense Intelligence Agency and was deployed after 9/11. After a long career in the military…
Jersey Scoops
Foggy Bottoms Boys Farm is a 6th generation organic dairy farm located in the Eel River Valley on the Northern Coast of Humboldt County. Thomas and Cody Nicholson Stratton, farmers and owners, believe strongly in sourcing local and delivering…
Schat’s Bakery & Cafe
The Schat’s family has been baking for over 100 years! Zach, owner of Schat’s Bakery and Café in Ukiah, CA, is the son of a Holland born Baker where this family tradition started way back in 1893. Zach’s father immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island and created a…
Serotonin Creative Consultancy
Embarking on the entrepreneurial path is an exhilarating journey filled with boundless dreams and aspirations. However, beneath the surface of this excitement lie the formidable challenges that accompany the process of starting and growing…
Shoppe Serendipity
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…
Gritz N Wafflez
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…
Mt. Shasta Counseling & Neurofeedback
Mt. Shasta Counseling & Neurofeedback is a welcoming space located in the forested town of Mt. Shasta. Over the past 15 years, small business owner Amy Truby LMFT, has provided counseling…
Beber Almondmilk
Beber was born in 2012, when founder, Arielle Danan, took her yearlong experience from organic farming abroad and applied it to almonds in her hometown of Northern California. Over the past ten years, Beber has grown from a humble start…
La Rocco’s Pizzeria
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…
Andrea’s Healthy Kitchen
Tatiana Pacheco had been laid off and decided to take control of her financial future. She saw a need for healthier food options in her local community and decided to make a difference. Initially seeded with a loan…
Whiz Kids
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…
Hella Nuts
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…
Tomfoolery
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…
Coastside Baking Co.
Salomon moved to Halfmoon Bay from Santiago Apóstol Oaxaca, Mexico, in 2005. He came to Half Moon Bay looking for a better future for himself and his family and found his first job as a farmworker. Being new to the country, Salomon was open…
Conchitas Bakery
Annie DeGrazia, a culinary entrepreneur and mastermind behind the popular Conchitas Truck, has taken her passion for Mexican cuisine to new heights with the opening of Conchitas Bakery. DeGrazia’s journey from a food truck owner to a successful bakery…
Pacific Ink, Inc.
Pacific Ink, Inc. launched their small business in 2000. Fast forward twenty-three years to now – they are the winners of the 2023 U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) San Diego District Women-Owned Small Business of the Year award…
Correa Logistics
Correa Logistics is a small business based out of Santa Rosa, California. They develop and market innovative medical products and services to multiple industry sectors around the world. Their mission is to…
GK Promos
When Gerardo Zaragoza, Chief Executive Officer, and Kathy Gutierrez, Co-President, opened GK Promos, their main challenges were needing more income to sustain themselves and the business…
Natural Behavioral Solutions
Natural Behavioral Solutions is an Applied Behavioral Analytical (ABA) company which uses naturalistic approaches to learning in order to teach children and adults ages 1 through 22 years-old with…
Precision Construction Services
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…
Sculpt
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…
Triassic Vinyards
One of the most important reasons to work with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is the ability to access and use their resources, networks, and expertise. SBDCs offer their members access to funding, market analysis…
Café Metzli
Lupita Sanchez was born and raised in Mexico and has a passion for specialty coffee. She started her social impact Mexican coffee import and distribution business in 2021 in Los Angeles. She reached out to CalOSBA looking for small business guidance…
From the Land
From the Land is a sustainable ag tech innovation company in Yucaipa, California in the Inland Empire. The company was established by Dr. Gina Oliver and Richard Hutchison in late 2019. Dr. Gina Oliver is a first-generation college graduate…
Sanctum Tequila
Father Lorenzo Lebrija, founder of Sanctum Tequila, received a $10,000 Dream Fund grant from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) to grow the nonprofit organization. Sanctum Tequila was born from Father Lebrija’s volunteer…
Buzzbox
Rod Vandenbos had an idea for a cocktail line, so he took his idea to the Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC Network for assistance to get the idea off the ground. From this idea, buzzbox was born. Rod focused on sustainable business practices…
SOL Learning Institute
CalOSBA had an opportunity to catch up with Travis Duckworth, the director of SOL Learning Institute, which has a year-round, skill-based enrichment program designed to introduce young adults to the three pillars…
Breakers Breakfast, Lunch & Brunch
Robby Bancroft and his father Steve, Co-Owners of Breakers Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch, received small business guidance from the Northern California SBDC Network to help them rebound after they opened…
North Pacific Adventure
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…
Tres Fuegos Cocina
Check out this success story from the San Diego & Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) featuring Diana Tapiz of Tres Fuegos Cocina, a Mexican and Japanese fusion restaurant. Diana successfully completed the California…
Art de Luz
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…
Wow Lash and Brow Studio
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…
Omega Party Zone
Many small businesses looking to launch their products or services to communities they want to serve often encounter difficulties during that delicate time. Understanding the myriad of challenges…
Carmel Honey Company
Jake Reisdorf, Founder/Owner/Beekeeper, is turning his passion for honey into a sweet success! His business, Carmel Honey Company, was born out of a “real world” 5th grade homework project when he created a mock website about bees…
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