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
Sally Gerbo, Gerbo Designs
Sally Gerbo founded Gerbo Designs, a boutique branding firm, in 2007. The company provides brand strategies, web design, and marketing materials for businesses. Sally's passion, creative vision, exceptional detail, and innovative design help her clients build strong brands.
Bonnie Arnwine, National Autism Resources
National Autism Resources was founded by Bonnie Arnwine. It is an e-commerce business featuring products and services for caretakers of people on the autism spectrum. With a son on the spectrum and an award-winning book - Starting Sensory Integration Therapy - Bonnie felt confident that there was a need for her business. Still, she went to the Contra Costa SBDC in 2008 for help determining if her business concept was feasible.
Pierre and Jenn Davis, Ade Dream
Ade Dream is a labor of love for husband-and-wife team Pierre and Jenn Davis. They started the business in 2014, a year after their first child, Pierce, was born. Pierre’s sister made some baby accessories for the new parents using traditional African fabric from Pierre’s home country, The Gambia. Jenn constantly received compliments and requests for one whenever she was out with her unique diaper bags and backpack.
John Diskin and Rita Capponi, Grand Central Palm Springs
When John Diskin and Rita M. Capponi moved to Palm Springs with dreams of opening a restaurant, they didn’t imagine the two-year journey they’d take to making that dream a reality. Finally, on November 15, 2018, John and Rita were ready to share Grand Central Palm Springs with the community.
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.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 ›
November 21, 2019
Webinar – How to Know if Crowdfunding is Right for Your Clients
Micro Business News
Highlights from our MicroBiz blog, Must Know from CAMEO, and op-eds on the micro business field.
November 20, 2019
Take Action: Recess Alert November 2019
November 14, 2019
Introducing the Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Toolkit
November 7, 2019