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 start your business.

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Manage

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

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Grow

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

Small Businesses Helped

New Businesses Started

Training Events Completed

Jobs Created

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.

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…

Andrea’s Healthy Kitchen

by Abdul Afridi | December 15, 2023 | Coffee Shop, El Monte, Juice Bar, Los Angeles County, Restaurant, Southern California | 0 Comments

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 from family, Tatiana turned her kitchen into a thriving healthy…

Pacific Ink, Inc.

by Editorial Team | July 14, 2023 | Office and Facility Supplies, Retail, San Diego County, Southern California | 0 Comments

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. They were honored…

Café Metzli

by Editorial Team | April 11, 2023 | Coffee Distribution, Import, Los Angeles County, Southern California | 0 Comments

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 and assistance…

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…

Coastside Baking Co.

by Editorial Team | July 14, 2023 | Bakery, Northern California, Restaurant, San Mateo County | 0 Comments

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 to working in…