Governor Gavin Newsom Declares May 2025 as "Small Business Month"

Strategic Insights -

Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed May 2025 as "Small Business Month" in California, recognizing the state's more than 4.2 million small businesses as the backbone of the economy. Small businesses in California account for 99.9% of total businesses in the state and employ nearly half of the state's private sector workforce. The proclamation highlights the state's commitment to nurturing small businesses and creating an inclusive innovation economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • California has the most small businesses of any state, with over 4.2 million businesses, accounting for 99.9% of total businesses in the state.
  • Small businesses in California employ nearly half of the state's private sector workforce.
  • California leads the nation in business startups, with over 60,000 small businesses exporting to countries around the world.
  • The state's small businesses produce more patents per capita and conduct more research and development than any other state in the nation.
  • California exceeds the national rate of manufacturing output by 83% since the late 1990s.
  • The state's Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hubs aim to expand and diversify the innovation economy by improving access to resources in underserved communities.
  • Governor Newsom has pledged to protect California's small businesses by stopping unlawful tariffs that are hurting American businesses and families.

Statistics:

  • California has more than 4.2 million small businesses.
  • Small businesses in California account for 99.9% of total businesses in the state.
  • Nearly half of the state's private sector workforce is employed by small businesses in California.
  • California leads the nation in business startups.
  • Over 60,000 small businesses in California export to countries around the world.
  • California produces more patents per capita and conducts more research and development than any other state in the nation.
  • The state exceeds the national rate of manufacturing output by 83% since the late 1990s.
  • The Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hubs aim to support emerging tech sectors and create high-quality jobs in underserved communities.

Sources:

  • PROCLAMATION California State Governor's Office, May 15, 2025
  • AB 2019, California State Legislature
  • Small Business Technical Assistance Program, California State Government
  • Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hubs, California State Government