—Policy · Coalitions · Voice
CAACC and CAAAF: Advocacy in Action
We give small and mid-sized businesses a voice in the policy conversations that shape our economy — from workforce and education to infrastructure and regulatory reform.
—Legislative Priorities
Where we focus our advocacy
CAACC leads direct policy engagement by representing the interests of Black-owned and small businesses before elected officials, government agencies, and coalition partners. CAAAF strengthens this work through education, research, leadership development, workforce programs, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.
Together, the organizations create a continuous connection between community needs, business development, and public policy. CAAAF equips entrepreneurs and communities with knowledge and resources, while CAACC elevates their experiences and priorities in the policy decisions shaping California’s economy. This collaborative approach transforms business insight into meaningful advocacy, expanded opportunity, and measurable economic impact.
Workforce Development
CAAAF advocates for policies and investments that strengthen California’s workforce and expand access to high-quality career opportunities. We support increased apprenticeship funding, stronger partnerships between educational institutions and employers, and streamlined pathways to industry certifications and skilled trades. Our focus is on removing barriers to employment, connecting underserved communities to high-demand industries, and creating sustainable career pathways that promote economic mobility and generational wealth.
Small Business Growth
Small businesses are the backbone of California’s economy and essential to building stronger communities and generational wealth. CAAAF advocates for policies that reduce regulatory burdens, streamline permitting, promote fair taxation, and expand access to capital and contracting opportunities. We are committed to ensuring African American, minority-, and women-owned businesses have the resources, representation, and equitable opportunities needed to grow, compete, and thrive.
Infrastructure & Economic Development
CAAAF advocates for strategic investments in transportation, broadband connectivity, energy infrastructure, and modernized utilities that strengthen California’s economy. We support policies that close infrastructure gaps, improve access to essential services, and create opportunities for African American businesses and underserved communities. Our focus is on promoting equitable infrastructure development, expanding contracting opportunities, and ensuring that economic growth and investment benefit communities throughout California.
Education & Innovation
CAAAF advocates for educational policies and investments that prepare the next generation for success in an evolving economy. We support early childhood education, STEM programs, career and technical education, and expanded access to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. Our efforts also focus on strengthening innovation ecosystems, supporting entrepreneurship, and connecting African American students, startups, and underserved communities with the resources, skills, and opportunities needed to compete, innovate, and thrive in California’s economy.
Equitable Economic Development
CAAAF advocates for inclusive economic development policies that drive investment, create jobs, and expand opportunities in historically underserved communities throughout California. We support strategies that attract businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, revitalize neighborhoods, and ensure equitable access to economic resources. We are committed to advancing sustainable growth, reducing economic disparities, and creating pathways to long-term prosperity and generational wealth for African American communities and businesses across the state.
—How We Work
Building coalitions, not just positions
Our advocacy approach is rooted in coalition-building. We don’t just publish position papers — we bring together businesses, trade associations, educators, and community organizations to speak with a unified voice.
Research
Every position we take is backed by data and real input from the businesses we represent.
Convene
We host roundtables, listening sessions, and briefings that connect policymakers with the people most affected by their decisions.
Act
We testify, submit comment letters, and mobilize our network to ensure the business voice is heard when it matters most.
—Take Action
Join our advocacy network
Business owners, employees, and community members all have a role to play in shaping the policies that affect our economy.
Sign Up for Alerts
Get notified when there’s an opportunity to make your voice heard on a pending policy issue.
Endorse a Position
Or add your organization’s name to our advocacy letters and coalition statements.
—Make Your Voice Heard
Advocacy works best when we speak together.
Add your voice to future advocacy updates and opportunities.