Gov. Schwarzenegger Hosts Roundtable with Women Business Executives in Bakersfield, Takes Steps to Further Assist Small Businesses in California

Executive Order S-02-06

Following a roundtable where women business leaders discussed what California can do to increase the numbers of women-owned businesses in the state, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed Executive Order S-02-06, reaffirming his administration’s strong commitment to meet or exceed the goal of 25 percent small business participation in procurement and contracting processes. He also forged an agreement with the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) through a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) to increase the participation of California’s small business community in federal SBA loan, training and outreach programs.

Gov. Schwarzenegger Tours ARRC

"Women-owned small businesses and small businesses in general are the backbone of our economy. That’s why I am signing the executive order today and entering into a joint effort with the federal government," said Gov. Schwarzenegger, who on Wednesday also toured ARRC Technology, a small business in Bakersfield. "We need to ensure that small businesses have all the tools they need to succeed, because if small businesses are successful, then California is successful too."

The SAM joins the state and the SBA with the common mission of helping start, maintain, and expand small businesses in California. The executive order instructs the state’s agencies, departments, boards and commissions to ensure that the State’s procurement and contracting processes are administered in order to meet or exceed the 25 percent small business participation goal. State entities that do not meet the 25 percent goal must submit an Implementation and Corrective Action Plan to the Department of General Services. In addition, the California Small Business Advocate is directed to conduct five regional workshops within the next 12 months focusing on the establishment and growth of small businesses and increased contracting opportunities for them within the state.

California Business Portal

Yesterday, the Governor also launched the California Business Portal (www.calbusiness.ca.gov), a Web site aimed at helping entrepreneurs from all over the world start small businesses in California. The site is a one-stop shop for businesses to access information and resources for starting, growing, financing, expanding and/or relocating a business to California.