Our Impact
Annually, CAMEO’s 300+ members serve about 84,000 very small businesses with training, business and credit assistance, and loans. These firms — largely startups with less than 5 employees — support or create 101,000 new jobs in California.
Small businesses have a multiplier effect on their local economies 2 times that of national chains
These small businesses create a total of $7.5 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
Marcos Murrilo, Tapa the World
Marcos Murrilo came here from Mexico in 1996. His first job in the U.S. was working at Tapa the World restaurant in Sacramento. There, he was the executive chef for 11 years. Marcos created several of the specialty dishes that are still on the menu today.
Monica Martinez, Don Bugito
In 2010, Monica Martinez had a vision for a highly sustainable, insect-based snack company. She wanted to honor the indigenous, pre-Hispanic culinary traditions of Mexico. Over the course of the next decade, Monica got the company off the ground mostly with her own funds. She worked as the sole employee of Don Bugito.
Jennifer Sutherlin, Delta Glass Co.
Delta Glass Co. was founded in 1953 by Nelson Palmer. Kenneth Frost later joined Palmer as a partner in the business. The business was originally located on Main Street, only one block east of their current location.
Michael and Deborah Baldini, Biordi Art Imports
A leading importer of the finest Italian Ceramics from Italy, Biordi Art Imports offers hand-painted dinnerware and home décor from artisans in Italy. Biordi Art Imports has been a historical treasure in San Francisco’s North Beach for 75 years.
Soichi and Raechel Kadoya, Soichi Sushi
Chef Soichi Kadoya was a highly respected fixture in San Diego’s sushi scene. After 25 years of training in Japanese cuisine, he and his wife Raechel were ready to branch out and start their own restaurant.Are You An Entrepreneur or Micro Business Owner Looking for Support?
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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.
September 23, 2021
Rebuilding Better Grant
September 15, 2021
CAMEO’s Loan Loss Reserve Program
September 1, 2021