Our Impact
Annually, CAMEO’s 220+ members serve about 21,000 very small businesses with training, business and credit assistance, and loans. These firms — largely startups with less than 5 employees — support or create 37,000 new jobs in California.
Small businesses have a multiplier effect on their local economies 2 times that of national chains
Small businesses create a total of $1.5 billion in economic activity
Over 70% of clients served are low- to moderate-income underserved microbusinessesLearn more about us or view recent news and events.
Why Our Work Matters
Amy Truby, Mt. Shasta Counseling & Neurofeedback
When Amy Truby learned about neurofeedback and its potential to change people's lives for the better, she decided it was time to open her own practice. But she barely knew anything about running a business – especially when it came to taxes and bookkeeping.
Cindy Greaver, Mrs. G’s
Cindy Greaver and her husband, Kent, began Mrs. G’s over twenty years ago when she started making hot pepper jellies as gifts for friends and family. Since then, her heady, homemade confections have caught fire with customers and fans across the country.
Lindsey Ott, Mama Tong
Ever since she can remember, Lindsey Ott has loved babies and everything that has to do with the miracle of childbirth. In her 20s, she studied to become a midwife. Then, she found herself traveling in Hawaii and settled in an organic farm in Maui. There, she started learning about growing plants for sustenance and wellbeing, turning it into her newfound passion.
Lena’s Soul Food, Faces of Entrepreneurship Winner
Lena's Soul Food has become a pillar in its community of East Oakland. Not only does owner Calvin Andrews employ dozens of people, including formerly incarcerated folks, but he also gives back by giving away unsold food to locals in need, many of whom are unhoused.
RVS Technology Group, Faces of Entrepreneurship Winner
When owner Ricardo Rocha was a teenager, he dreamt that he became a business owner. Years later, after immigrating from Mexico and working in the fields, he made his dream come true by opening a small computer service shop in Watsonville.Are You An Entrepreneur or Micro Business Owner Looking for Support?
Apply for a loan through one of our member organizations.
Explore a compilation of resources for micro business owners.
Upcoming CAMEO Events
View our full calendar of micro business events in California ›
Micro Business News
Highlights from our MicroBiz blog, Must Know from CAMEO, and op-eds on the micro business field.
February 27, 2020
All About Advocacy
February 26, 2020
Mobilize Small Business Owners in Support of CRA
February 20, 2020
Conferences, Conferences, Conferences
February 14, 2020
Democratic Presidential Candidates’ Small Business Plans
February 13, 2020