SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, 11 California governmental agencies, 25 small business organizations and 85 California State Legislators come together to recognize small business owners from across the state for their hard work and success. This annual event honors a few of the millions of small businesses that serve as the economic engine of California. Small businesses are engrained in California’s communities and economy, contributing to 75% of California’s Gross State Product and over half of the state’s private sector jobs.
California Small Business Day™ is a special day for small business owners to connect with government agencies, elected officials and businesses that can help them succeed and grow. In addition to a morning exhibition where small businesses learn about new and existing state and private sector programs, California Small Business Day™ 2017 includes speeches from California State Senate President pro Tem Kevin de León, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Senate Minority Leader Patricia Bates and Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones on the importance of small business. Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom will deliver the keynote speech.
“Today is about recognizing and celebrating small business’ contribution to California’s economy,” said Betty Jo Toccoli, President of the California Small Business Association. “We are excited to engage in a dialogue with California’s leading policy makers about sustaining growth for the small business community.”
The day’s highlight is an award luncheon, where legislators from the California State Legislature present a “Small Business of the Year” award to a small business owner from their district.
California Small Business Day™ concludes with a networking reception, where small business owners connect with one another. During the reception, small business owners also have the opportunity to go on a guided tour of the State Capitol.
California Small Business Day™ was created by House Resolution 57 in 2000. Volunteer small business organizations throughout the state come together to host the event in Sacramento each year.