Calling all Californians: #ShopSafeShopLocal – that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Made in California!

As an op-ed written by California’s Small Business Advocate Isabel Guzman and Nextdoor CEO Sarah Friar reads, “Local has taken on a new meaning and California’s beloved small businesses need our help now more than ever.”

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 4.1 million small businesses operated in the state, employing 7.2 million people. Since COVID-19 many small businesses have faced financial hardship – contending with closures, decreased revenues and difficulty accessing capital. Yet we continue to hear inspirational stories of the indomitable spirit of California small business owners as they fight to survive and we remain committed to helping all of our diverse small businesses become more resilient and thrive. That’s what we’re talking about today! We are Calling ALL Californians to Shop Safe Shop Local a new campaign from the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery encouraging Californians to support small businesses in their communities as they make modifications to protect public health and help our state’s diverse neighborhoods thrive.

Running through July, the campaign is a call to action to help all California small businesses operate safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their digital footprints. And joining me to talk about this campaign are co-chairs of the Task Force’s Small Business Subcommittee Isabel and Sarah, who are kicked this incredible effort off!