California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)

?? Reminder for Small Construction Firms ?? ?? The Caltrans Mentor-Protégé Program Webinar is tomorrow, March 13th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ?? ?? Why Attend? ??Learn how to navigate state contracting ??Connect with industry mentors ??Discover funding opportunities for small contractors Hosted by: - Bob Adams: California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) - Bonny N.: Caltrans - Sachin Shah: Lendistry - Abbigail Brown: CPM Logistics, LLC Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, this webinar is packed with valuable insights to help your business succeed. Don't miss out on this chance to level up your business. ?? Register Now: https://bit.ly/4k8aI4C?

Apply now! The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF), a Grant Program for Nonprofit Live Arts is now OPEN for applications. This $12.5 million grant will reimburse small nonprofit arts organizations for employee payroll expenses—helping to ensure that performers, musicians, technical staff, and more continue to get paid as they bring art to communities statewide. Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) is funded by the State of California and administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). Eligibility criteria apply. https://lnkd.in/gq_P_6we CA For The Arts

Rebuilding after a wildfire is tough, but you don't have to do it alone. Outsmart Disaster is here to support small businesses navigate next steps and available resources towards a path to recovery. For any business or nonprofit affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires, use our website as a one-stop-shop for information including:? - Information on Recovery Centers - Grants - Contracting opportunities? - Recovery planning? - Other resources?? Our team is here to support you and your business. https://lnkd.in/gYzkyrYJ?

“Businesses like The Level Up Store are great reminders of why California is committed to investing in entrepreneurs through our SCALE program,” said Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, director of the California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). “When small businesses have the resources they need to grow, they create jobs, build wealth, and strengthen our communities. California remains focused on closing gaps and removing barriers so that every small business owner can reach their full economic potential.”

February is #BlackHistoryMonth and CalOSBA didn't want to miss the opportunity to celebrate and recognize African-American small business owners who overcame adversity and trailblazed their own path to success. Ronesha Jackson Stanton, Founder and Chief Leadership Officer of Evolve Training | Coaching | Facilitation (EvolveTCF), provides tailored leadership development, capacity building, and organizational growth services for mission-driven organizations. After working in restaurants for over 20 years and relocating to Los Angeles, Gritz N Waffles owner Jurni Rayne decided it was time to open her own place. Gritz N Wafflez Restaurant has received rave reviews from patrons and was voted Best Brunch in Los Angeles. Yeshiva Davis of K&S Therapeutic Services, Inc, has found success by augmenting her business with contract supervision and employment of early-career therapists.?Yeshiva says, “My biggest achievement is happy therapists.” Jazz Kelley decided she 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 women’s apparel store, Addressed Apparel, to bring a chic style to professional women. Brenda Patty, founder and owner of Pattycake Babysitting Services, has over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. Her decision to enter the babysitting services business was driven by a recognized need for childcare in the community, serving both civilian and military families. Nafy Flatley, owner of Teranga Foods, brings the bold flavors of Senegal to San Francisco, sharing her culture with every dish she creates. Her work connects communities and creates a sense of belonging, grounded in her roots. To read more of their success stories, visit https://lnkd.in/gygf5MHR #smallbusiness #blackownedbusiness #entrepreneurship

Aún está a tiempo de registrarse y acompa?arnos hoy a las 4 p.m.

?? Calling all California Small Business Owners ?? The California Office of Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) is partnering with the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) and the CalChamber Small Business Policy Council to offer a FREE, easy-to-follow webinar series on crucial labor and employment laws. Stay ahead of legal challenges and avoid penalties by staying informed about the latest updates on employee rights and employer responsibilities. From hiring practices to wage laws and employee leave policies, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss the February webinar: New Employment Laws for 2025—your guide to navigating key changes. Ensure your business is compliant and ready for the year ahead. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/dHJTYu6Q Mark your calendars and join us on March 21st for our next Labor and Employment Training webinar.?

?? Attention Small Construction Firms ??? Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Join us for an exclusive webinar on the CalTrans Mentor-Protégé Program and learn how to navigate state contracting, connect with industry mentors, and uncover new opportunities for growth. What You'll Learn:? ? How the Caltrans Mentor-Protégé Program works and how to get involved? ? Insights from Lendistry on securing funding for small contractors ??? Date: Thursday, March 13 ? Time: 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. Hosted by: - Bob Adams: California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) - Bonny N.: Caltrans - Bruno Ceccarelli: Lendistry - Abbigail Brown: CPM Logistics, LLC Whether you're new to public construction contracts or aiming to expand, this webinar is packed with valuable insights to help you succeed. ?? Register Now: https://bit.ly/4k8aI4C Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock growth. ??

Fire-Impacted Small Businesses in the LA Region: Don't Miss This Deadline ?? The deadline to file for a U.S. Small Business Administration Business Physical Disaster Loan is MARCH 10, 2025. Taking on debt, even a low-interest loan like these, can be a daunting business decision. But you can wait to accept the loan until later in the process. The SBA encourages you to get in the queue before the deadline and preserve your access to this federal relief funding. Applying for an SBA loan does not prevent you from applying for other financing opportunities. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gubUsA9i?

CalOSBA’s New Grant is Coming Soon to Support California’s Arts Community ?? Funded by the State of California and administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, this $12.5 million grant will reimburse small nonprofit arts organizations for employee payroll expenses—helping to ensure that performers, musicians, technical staff, and more continue to get paid as they bring art to communities statewide. ?? Applications open March 10, 2025 Visit our website for more information: https://lnkd.in/guXABp65 If you're interested in learning about the application process or eligibility criteria, CA For The Arts will be hosting 2 more webinars this week that will cover all aspects of the program and will equip you with what steps you can take now to prepare to apply. At CalOSBA, we're committed to empowering small businesses and ensuring that the arts sector continues to play a vital role in California's economy. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements.