Resources
The California African American Chamber of Commerce provides valuable information and resources to help African American owned businesses secure funding from a variety of sources, including grants and loans.
- Grants: The chamber offers information on grant opportunities available to African American businesses in California. The chamber can assist businesses in identifying grant opportunities and provide guidance on how to apply for them.
- Mentorship: The chamber provides mentorship programs for African American entrepreneurs and business owners. The chamber connects business owners with successful business leaders, who can offer guidance and support.
- Business Strategy: The chamber offers workshops on business strategy for African American businesses. These workshops cover topics like goal setting, creating a business plan, and developing a competitive advantage.
- Loans: The chamber provides information on loans available to African American businesses in California. The chamber can assist businesses in identifying lending opportunities and provide guidance on how to apply for them.
Networking: The chamber provides networking opportunities for African American entrepreneurs and business owners. The chamber organizes events where business owners can meet and connect with peers in their industry.
- Financial Management: The chamber offers financial management workshops for African American businesses. These workshops cover topics like budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
Opportunities to Grow | Shared by Our Partners
PG&E Bid Opportunity RFP 236048 Marine Construction Services
Title: Marine Construction Services
Timeline: Register interest on August 22, 2025, 8:00 a.m. PDT
Respond with interest no later than September 11, 2025, 4:00 p.m. PDT
Website: Bid Opportunities (pge.com)
Description: PG&E will be conducting an RFP for Marine Construction Services for Power Generation (Hydro) and Gas Transmission and Transmission work in the Bay Delta Area.
How to Respond: Express interest by registering for the Wood Mackenzie event by, August 22, 2025 and no later than September 11, 2025, at: https://www.poweradvocate.com/pR.do?okey=236048&pubEvent=true
If Additional Questions, Contact: via Wood Mackenzie link provided above.
PG&E Bid Opportunity RFI 236117 External Proctoring Services
External Proctoring Services
Timeline: Register interest no later than August 29, 2025, 3:00 p.m. PT
RFI tentative release date: RFI tentatively scheduled to release September 8, 2025
Formal RFI responses are due September 26, 2025, 3:00 p.m. PT
Website: Bid Opportunities (pge.com)
Description: As a Proctor, you will be responsible for overseeing the administration of exams, ensuring compliance with all testing protocols, and providing a secure and conducive environment for test-takers.
How to Respond: Express interest by registering for the Wood Mackenzie event by, August 29, 2025.
For questions, email SupplierDiversityTeam@pge.com | www.poweradvocate.com/pR.do?okey=236117&pubEvent=true
Supplier Diversity Program - California Public Utilities Commission
Small & Diverse Business Expo
Separate registration is required for each event
REGISTER FOR THE SMALL AND DIVERSE BUSINESS EXPO
October 7, 2025 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Carson Event Center 801 Carson St. Carson, CA 90745 23rd
Annual GO 156 Supplier Diversity En Banc
Separate registration is required for each event
REGISTER FOR THE EN BANC
October 8, 2025 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Carson Event Center 801 Carson St. Carson, CA 90745.
Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric
Customer Battery Infrastructure Program
Timeline: Register interest no later than September 16, 2025, 3:00 p.m. PDT
RFI tentative release date: August 20, 2025, 8:00 a.m. PDT
Formal RFI responses are due September 17, 2025, 3:00 p.m. PDT
Website: Bid Opportunities (www.pge.com)
Description: PG&E plans to develop a program for utility-owned and operated back-up power equipment, benefiting both impacted customers and non-participants and seeks technical solutions from the market.
How to Respond: Express interest by registering for the Wood Mackenzie event, by September 16th, 2025, at 3:00 PM PST by clicking the link: www.poweradvocate.com/pR.do?okey=235291&pubEvent=true
If Additional Questions, Contact: via Wood Mackenzie link provided above.
For questions, email SupplierDiversityTeam@pge.com.
Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric
Statewide All-Electric Non-Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Program
Timeline: Register interest no later than October 10, 2025, 3:00 p.m. PDT
RFP tentative release date: August 29, 2025, 9:00 a.m. PDT
Formal RFP responses are due October 10, 2025, 3:00 p.m. PDT
Website: Bid Opportunities (www.pge.com)
Description: PG&E is acting on behalf of the California Investor-Owned Utilities, Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, to contract a statewide all-electric non-residential HVAC program that aims to influence and increase installer-driven demand and align with Market Support segment sub-objectives outlined in D.23-06-055. The program must be delivered statewide across all Investor-Owned Utilities territories uniformly. The proposed program must have innovative approaches to accelerate all-electric HVAC technology market adoption in the non-residential sector prioritizing the small/midsize buildings.
How to Respond: Express interest by registering for the Wood Mackenzie event, by 3:00 PM PT on October 10, 2025, at: www.poweradvocate.com/pR.do?okey=235653&pubEvent=true
If Additional Questions, Contact: via Wood Mackenzie link provided above.
For questions, email SupplierDiversityTeam@pge.com.
Government Contracting and Procurement Opportunities
- BidNet Direct – California Bids and Government Contracts
Gain access to bidding opportunities, RFPs, and contract awards from California’s state and local government agencies all in one place.
www.bidnetdirect.com/california - RAMPLA.org – Regional Alliance Marketplace for Procurement
Explore procurement listings from agencies across the Los Angeles region, including bids related to commodities, construction, and service contracts.
www.rampla.org/s/ - California Department of General Services (DGS) – Procurement Division
This division oversees California’s public purchasing process and offers guidance on state contracting, including access to bid postings via Cal eProcure.
www.dgs.ca.gov/pd - SAM.gov – Federal Contract Listings
A central database for federal contracting opportunities across all U.S. government agencies—ideal for businesses looking to expand beyond state-level work.
sam.gov/opportunities - California Water Association – CPUC Supplier Diversity Program
Learn about efforts to improve supplier diversity in utility contracting, supporting businesses owned by women, minorities, and veterans
calwaterassn.com/supplierdiversity/about-the-cpuc-utility-supplier-diversity-program/ - California Statewide Supplier Diversity Program (DGS)
Promotes equal access for small and diverse businesses to participate in California’s state procurement processes.
www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/Statewide-Supplier-Diversity-Program/Statewide-Supplier-Diversity-Program - California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) – Supplier Diversity Program
Helps diverse firms gain contracting opportunities with California’s investor-owned utilities and other energy providers.
www.cpuc.ca.gov/supplierdiversity/ California Office of the Small Business Advocate – Grants and Financing for Small Businesses and Non-Profits
Serves as a central resource for small businesses and non-profits to find state-administered funding, including grants, loans, and other financial assistance.
www.calosba.ca.gov/for-small-businesses-and-non-profits/funding-opportunities-for-small-businesses-and-nonprofits/
Business Registration, Licensing, and Compliance Services
- SF.gov – Registering a California Business
Overview of how to register your LLC, Corporation, or other business entity through the California Secretary of State.
www.sf.gov/information–california-state-business-registration - U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Business Registration Guidance
A step-by-step guide for new businesses on how to register at the federal and state levels, with insights on documentation and agents.
www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/register-your-business - Wolters Kluwer – CT Corporation’s Licensing Help
Outlines state, city, and county-level licensing needs for California businesses, including industry-specific permits.
www.wolterskluwer.com/en/solutions/ct-corporation/california-business-license - LegalZoom – California Business Licensing Overview
Covers licensing steps at local and state levels, with tips on compliance and necessary permits for new businesses.
www.legalzoom.com/articles/how-to-get-a-business-license-in-california
Small Business Support, Loans, and Training
- California Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
Locate your local SBDC office for no-cost business advising, entrepreneurial training, and start-up support.
www.californiasbdc.org/find-your-sbdc/ - California Loan Match (IBank)
Find financing options through a platform that connects small businesses with vetted lenders, including CDFIs.
www.caloanmatch.org/ - Lendio – Business Loans in California
Compare various loan types—including SBA loans, equipment financing, and credit lines—and connect with potential lenders.
www.lendio.com/locations/california - California Dream Fund (CalOSBA)
Offers microgrants of up to $10,000 for eligible new businesses that complete a certified entrepreneurship training program.
cadreamfund.com/ - LegalZoom – Small Business Grants in California
Explore a curated list of grants available to small businesses, including federal, state, private, and sector-specific options.
www.legalzoom.com/articles/small-business-grants-california - Los Angeles Pacific College – Small Business Training
Provides a free training program for California small business owners on digital marketing, bookkeeping, and tax prep.
www.lapacific.edu/small-business-owners/ - SBA Learning Platform
Free online courses and resources for business planning, growth, and management—including programs for veteran, underserved, and high-growth entrepreneurs.
www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform - Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Essential for construction-related businesses—CSLB handles licensing, standards, and compliance for California contractors.
www.cslb.ca.gov/
Small Business Finance, Funding & Loan Guarantees
Grants and Financing for Small Businesses and Non-Profits – California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)
CalOSBA Grant Funding CalOSBA administers grant programs for small businesses, non-profits, and eligible community organizations that support and promote entrepreneurship. CalOSBA-administered programs can also be located through the California Grants Portal.
www.calosba.ca.gov- NorCal SBDC Finance Center
The Northern California Small Business Development Center offers free one-on-one advising and financial tools to help small businesses become loan-ready, pursue grants, and secure funding for startups or technology-based ventures.
www.norcalsbdc.org/sbdc-finance-center/ - IBank – Small Business Finance Center
Administered by California’s Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank), this program includes loan guarantees to help small businesses obtain capital and grow, particularly when traditional financing may be out of reach.
www.ibank.ca.gov/small-business/loan-guarantees/ - California Loan Match – Powered by IBank
A matchmaking tool that connects business owners with vetted lenders, including CDFIs, to find financing solutions tailored to their needs.
www.caloanmatch.org/ - Lendio – California Small Business Loans
A lending marketplace that allows businesses to compare and apply for various loan types—including SBA loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing—through its nationwide network of lenders.
www.lendio.com/locations/california - California Dream Fund – Microgrant Program
This initiative by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) offers startup grants of up to $10,000 for eligible entrepreneurs who complete an approved business training program.
cadreamfund.com/ - LegalZoom – Top Grants for California Small Businesses
A detailed guide to a variety of grant opportunities across public, private, and industry sectors available to small businesses in California.
www.legalzoom.com/articles/small-business-grants-california
Workforce Development & Scholarships
- Edison International Lineworker Scholarship
This scholarship program supports individuals training to become electrical lineworkers. Offered by Edison International, it aims to increase workforce readiness in the utility industry through educational funding.
www.edison.com/community/lineworker-scholarship