Governor Gavin Newsom has called on Californians to support local businesses during Small Business Saturday, emphasizing the importance of small businesses in maintaining neighborhood identity and economic health. The initiative is part of a broader effort to highlight the contributions of small retailers, restaurants, artisans, and service providers during the holiday season.
“Small businesses are central to California’s economic strength and cultural identity. They’re not just storefronts — they’re dreams, risks, and livelihoods. When Californians choose to shop local, we’re investing in our neighbors, in the character of our communities, and in the economic strength that makes California unique. It’s about strengthening the resilience and vibrancy of the places we call home,” Governor Newsom said.
Small businesses make up more than 99.8% of all enterprises in California and employ nearly half of the state’s workforce. Many are minority-owned, representing close to 60% of these companies statewide. These businesses also play a significant role in trade by exporting over $70 billion worth of goods and services each year—more than 42% of California’s total exports.
The state supports its approximately 4.3 million small businesses through various programs managed by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. One such program is SCALE (Success, Capital Access, and Leadership for Entrepreneurs), which provides access to capital, mentorship, and technical assistance through a network targeting underserved communities. Since its inception seven years ago, SCALE has facilitated more than 84,000 jobs created, helped launch 13,900 new ventures, and enabled over $2.9 billion in lending capital.
Another CalOSBA-led effort is Accelerate CA—a program designed to aid high-growth companies across sectors like biomanufacturing and sustainable energy by building a network of hubs throughout California. This year alone saw Accelerate CA award more than $2 million in seed grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for startups incubated at these hubs.
In recognition of Small Business Saturday this week under its theme “Supporting Small Strengthens Us All,” CalOSBA is sharing advice from business advisors within its SCALE network on social media platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn to help small retailers maximize opportunities during the holiday shopping period.
Californians are encouraged this weekend to visit local stores or community markets as part of ongoing efforts to foster creativity, diversity, and opportunity across every region in the state.
