| From left to right: Vlad Minasyan (SCAD President), Dr. Armond Aghakhanain (SCAD Founder, Honorary Chair), Jack Kayajian (SCAD VP), Claire Whitmer, Deputy Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), Armen Ter-Petrosyan (SCAD Chair of Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee) |
| Southern California Armenian Democrats Meet with Governor Newsom’s Office of the Small Business Advocate to Strengthen Support for Armenian-Owned Businesses Sacramento, CA — August 6, 2026 — The Southern California Armenian Democrats (SCAD) recently met with Claire Whitmer, Deputy Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), an office within Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), to discuss opportunities to strengthen collaboration and expand resources available to Armenian-owned businesses and entrepreneurs throughout California. The meeting focused on identifying meaningful ways the Armenian American business community can partner with CalOSBA to increase awareness of state programs, improve access to capital and technical assistance, promote workforce development, and support the continued growth and success of small businesses.Representatives from SCAD and Deputy Director Whitmer also discussed organizing a series of educational town hall meetings and community outreach events that would connect Armenian entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs directly with state resources and experts. These forums would provide valuable information on grants, financing opportunities, procurement programs, regulatory assistance, and other services designed to help California’s small businesses thrive. “We appreciate Deputy Director Claire Whitmer for taking the time to meet with our organization and discuss meaningful ways to better serve the Armenian American business community,” said Armen Ter-Petrosyan, Chair of SCAD’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. “Small businesses are the backbone of California’s economy, and it is essential that our community has direct access to the resources, programs, and opportunities available through the State of California. We look forward to partnering with CalOSBA to host educational town halls and strengthen these important connections.”Deputy Director Whitmer emphasized CalOSBA’s commitment to ensuring that California’s diverse business communities are aware of and able to benefit from the many programs and services offered by the state. The Southern California Armenian Democrats remain committed to advocating for policies that promote economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and equitable access to government resources. The organization looks forward to working closely with CalOSBA and Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration to empower Armenian American entrepreneurs and foster continued economic growth throughout California. |
