SEASON 6, EPISODE 1
From Barriers to Bridges: California’s Innovation Blueprint for Small Business Success with Tara Lynn Gray
Join host David Ponraj as he dives deep into California’s groundbreaking initiatives for small business development with Tara Lynn Gray, Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). In this eye-opening episode, we explore the state’s innovative technical assistance program and its mission to democratize access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs. From success stories like a San Diego doctor’s journey through faith-based workshops to the transformative potential of mesh networks, discover how California is reimagining small business support. Gray shares her insights on scaling support for solopreneurs, implementing Governor Newsom’s equity-focused executive order, and leveraging SSBCI 2.0 funding to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you’re a small business owner or passionate about economic development, this conversation offers a compelling look at how California is working to bridge the gap between innovation and opportunity.
Learn more about CalOSBA’s work here: https://calosba.ca.gov/about/
About Breaking Down Barriers
This podcast explores the opportunity to build wealth in local, regional, and national economies through entrepreneurship-led economic development. Episodes feature changemakers with innovative approaches to empowering people to start businesses that create wealth for their families and improve outcomes for their communities. Conversations highlight work being done in communities across the U.S. to break down barriers to entrepreneurial opportunity in underserved and underrepresented communities. In this series, we share authentic stories about the impact that entrepreneurship-led economic development has on the local economy and connect a global network of passionate economic developers.
Special thanks to our renowned guests for joining the podcast! Click here to send us ideas. Subscribe in the footer to our newsletter to get updates and news delivered to your inbox!
Breaking Down Barriers is a presentation of Economic Impact Catalyst and is hosted by David Ponraj with production and editing by Jacqui Dietrich and Lauren Bernard with voice talent by Antoine Long. Please rate, review, and subscribe to Breaking Down Barriers, available for free wherever you listen to your podcasts!
