California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)

Small Businesses Drive California’s Economy

Learn more about how small businesses power the economic engine responsible for half of California’s jobs.

Your Business Resources and Learning Center

Find Your Local Business Advisor

Outsmart Disaster and Prepare for the Worst

Drought Relief for California’s Small Agricultural Businesses

What Is The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)?

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) supports economic growth by providing resources and support to the state’s 4.1 million small businesses, including non-profits and startups. Our mission is to help all California small business-owners find and navigate resources, programs and regulations so they can start, manage, grow, become more resilient, and thrive. By ensuring equitable access to capital, markets and networks, we aim to help Democratize Access to Capital, Diversify the Innovation Economy and Drive Economic Mobility through Entrepreneurship.

Our Network Provides Consulting and Training to Support Small Businesses from Bright Idea to Successful Exit

Six Years of Real Results for California:

Small Businesses Helped

New Businesses Started

Jobs Created & Supported

New Contracts Landed

$2.6B

Lending Capital Approved

Get Help For Your Business

$2.8B

Equity Raised

$2.6B

Lending Capital Approved

$2.8B

Equity Raised

Get Help For Your Business

Collective Data from 2018-2024

SCALE Network in Action: Success Stories

Learn how these business-owners in a community near you took advantage of our small business support services to overcome their business challenges and grow their opportunities.

Mt. Shasta Counseling & Neurofeedback

by Editorial Team | April 22, 2024 | Health and Wellness Industry, Northern California, Shasta County | 0 Comments

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 services to children, families…

Tomfoolery

by Editorial Team | 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…

Serotonin Creative Consultancy

by Editorial Team | April 22, 2024 | B2B, Central California, Consulting/Marketing, Stanislaus County | 0 Comments

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…

Tapa The World

by Ginger Cordoba | July 17, 2024 | Northern California, Restaurant, Sacramento County | 0 Comments

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. When the previous owner…

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…

Triassic Vinyards

by Editorial Team | April 11, 2023 | Agricultural, Central California, Kern County, Winery | 0 Comments

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, business consultation, and technical…

Browse All Success Stories