Small businesses in California are drivers of economic opportunity, accounting for 99.9% of all businesses in the state. These businesses operate against an evolving economy and workforce, especially now that many low-wage workers are increasingly seeking better quality jobs from small businesses and through entrepreneurship.

To better understand the relationship between small businesses in California and the low-wage workforce, The James Irvine Foundation provided a grant to Next Street to explore the role small businesses play in creating quality jobs for Californians paid low wages. In March 2023, Next Street released Drivers for Economic Opportunity and Empowerment: Assessing California Small Business Pathways for Low-Wage Workers. The study assessed the assets and gaps of the state’s small business and workforce development supports, reviewing the resources focused on serving historically underserved communities. The report also shared small business and workforce development solutions that have the highest potential to create quality jobs and foster economic mobility for workers paid low wages.