Small Business Majority is enacting a comprehensive state policy agenda to ensure entrepreneurship is recognized as the lifeforce of a thriving and inclusive economy in California. Our state’s 4.1 million small businesses employ 7.5 million people, which amounts to nearly half of the private workforce.
As a first generation immigrant who grew up in a community and household of blue collar entrepreneurs, Lori Shao always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Her parents’ grit and perseverance always inspired her, especially because immigrants often face unique challenges with starting small businesses. Some immigrant entrepreneurs must navigate language barriers and cultural divides, along with difficulty accessing the capital needed to launch and grow a business.
On February 13, 2024, California Policy Director Bianca Blomquist testified before the Assembly Committee On Jobs, Economic Development and The Economy and Budget Subcommittee No. 5 to demonstrate the importance of equitable distribution of SSBCI dollars, and encourage the state’s continued investment in diverse technical assistance resources.
With a master’s degree in computer science, another master’s degree in information systems and an interdisciplinary PhD, Lisa Kaczmarczyk never planned on becoming an entrepreneur. After working in the tech industry as a developer, she transitioned into academia as a university faculty member teaching computer science where she also gained experience obtaining grants from the National Science Foundation. Lisa thought she would be doing this type of work forever.
On September 27, Small Business Majority joined the Responsible Business Lending Coalition in filing an amicus brief, alongside Public Counsel, U.C. Berkeley Center for Consumer Law & Economic Justice, California Association for Microenterprise Opportunity, and the Office of Kat Taylor, before the Central District of California in support of a California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) regulation requiring sales-based financing providers to disclosure their APRs and other costs to small business borrowers.
Catherean Mitchell is a prominent business and community leader known for her unwavering commitment to mission-driven endeavors. As the founder of Mitchells Logistics LLC, Catherean has ventured into freight arrangements, bridging shippers with dependable carriers. Her emphasis on compliance, training, and skill development within her team ensures the delivery of top-notch services.
The Final Sauce is a specialty condiment company founded in 2012 by sisters Princess and Brownie Sims. Their signature barbecue sauce was developed from a recipe their aunt used when she worked for a famous local barbecue restaurant many years ago. Brownie was able to replicate the sauce to create a version that incorporates their history, mission and family nostalgia. The Final Sauces has a total of 30 products to include barbecue sauces, spice rubs, marinades and vinaigrettes.
Michele Jimenez is the co-founder of Jimenez Sisters Ranch LLC, an all natural skincare company that produces handcrafted artisan goat milk soaps and body products. All of the body products are handcrafted in small batches made with organic goat milk from the goats on her family’s dairy goat farm. The Jimenez Sisters Ranch was initially created as a show name in which Michele’s daughters would compete and show their dairy goats.
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