Our Impact
Annually, CAMEO’s 220+ members serve about 34,000 very small businesses with training, business and credit assistance, and loans. These firms — largely startups with less than 5 employees — support or create 51,000 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
Renata Maculans, Renata’s Creperie
Renata Maculans started her dream business in a truck. Her idea was to offer people in her town inexpensive, nutritious food that was also interesting and tasty. She went to the North Coast SBDC in 2000 for initial assistance in concept development and bookkeeping setup.
Jeff Phillips and Sherry Soleski, Comet Corn
Comet Corn is a popcorn manufacturer producing flavored, organic bagged popcorn. They also vend the product at music and community festivals around Northern California. Jeff Phillips and Sherry Soleski have created a product that appeals to the foodie-centric nature of the area.
Lamees Dahbour, Mama Lamees
Most Americans have sampled hummus, that creamy Middle Eastern blend that is the perfect complement for vegetables and crackers. Well, the Bay Area is now excitedly trying new items like musakhan: pita bread with onions, almonds, and sumac.
Cosimo Allegretta, FoodJets
FoodJets is a local franchise web and app-based platform that allows you to order food from local restaurants. You can track your delivery driver and enjoy your delicious piping hot food without delays from other orders. FoodJets delivers one order at a time.
Patricia Van Der Beek, CreArt Preschool
Originally from Brazil, Patricia Van Der Beek came to the US to make her childhood dream of starting a preschool a reality. She worked three jobs to put herself through a Master's program in early childhood education. Then she won a scholarship that allowed her to complete a business management certificate at UC Berkeley. In 2015, with the help of the Marin SBDC, she was able to open CreArt Preschool.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.
January 20, 2021
President Biden’s Priorities for Small Business
January 14, 2021
CA Relief Grant Program Updates | PPP Round 2 Updates
January 11, 2021
Governor Proposes $575 Million in Emergency Funding for Small Business Relief Grants
January 8, 2021