Our mission is to grow a healthy, vibrant, thriving environment for all entrepreneurs and start-up businesses by advancing the work of our statewide member network. Annually, CAMEO members serve about 21,000 very small businesses with training, business and credit assistance and loans. These firms – largely start-ups with less than five employees – support or create 37,000 new jobs in California. And generate a total of $1.3 billion in economic activity. Additionally, **Federal taxes paid increased 35% over a five-year period. **Local small businesses have a multiplier effect on their local economies that is twice that of big national chains. ---Source: Annual Member Survey CAMEO is California’s statewide micro-business network made up of over 220 organizations, agencies, and individuals dedicated to furthering Micro-Business development in California. We expand resources and build capacity for our member organizations that provide entrepreneurs with small and micro-business financing such as loans and credit, technical assistance and business management training. We also educate the public on the economic impacts of micro-business through public awareness campaigns and advocate at the local, state and federal level for public policies that support the growth of micro-business, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. CAMEO members work with every day entrepreneurs to harness their innovative ideas and creativity and empower them to become their own bosses. Microbusinesses are everywhere in California - the organic tomato farmer at the Saturday market, the childcare center at work, the technology service firm who fixes your computer when it crashes, your favorite neighborhood restaurant, or the new sophisticated ice cream truck.