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
Liza Spiridon, Cali Strong Candles
During California’s recent wildfires, Registered Vet Technician Liza Spiridon was living on the Central Coast but knew people in the communities impacted. She decided that she needed to use her skills to help, so she got involved by donating her time helping animals to safety and assisting the people who had lost their homes and businesses.
Rosa Guerrero, California Vegan Food Company
Rosa Guerrero Contreras had a dream of launching her own plant-based food business for the last five years. What started as a hobby soon became a passion, but Rosa wasn’t quite sure of how to convert that passion into a business. Last spring, Rosa joined Centro’s Basic Entrepreneurship Program to launch California Vegan Food Company (CVFC).
Susan Difuntorm, Smiles & More Photo Booth
Susan Difuntorm is a retired Air Force veteran of 23 years, recent State of California retiree, a mother, grandmother, and a dear friend to many. This fun-loving grandma has had a camera in her hands since she can remember. She combined her love for taking photos with her desire to start a business of her own and created Smiles & More Photo Booth.
Tim Obert & Clint Potter, Seven Stills Brewery
Seven Stills Brewery began as a bootstrapped business in a garage, making whiskeys from craft beers. Tim Obert and Clint Potter, who became friends at UC Santa Cruz, started brewing and distilling for fun at Clint's parents' house in Novato.
Karim Kaderali, Santa Barbara Axxess
Santa Barbara Axxess was founded by Karim Kaderali and a friend in Santa Barbara, California in 1999. By creating an upscale local Membership Program that was unique and trackable, they figured out how to bring local businesses the right local customers. Shortly after launch, they received a startup loan from WEV to print the physical books for their members.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.
September 19, 2019
CalSavers Webinar Today and 25th Anniversary Celebration
September 12, 2019
25th Anniversary Celebration and CalSavers Webinar
September 5, 2019