Small Businesses in California Get Tech Boost: California Small Business Education Foundation

Business Wire, April 2, 2008

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Almost three in ten small businesses today in California still do not use cell phones. Nearly 70 percent of small businesspeople have not utilized conference calling in their business. And nearly 50% use the Internet for business only 10 to 60 minutes per day.

These are just a few of the extraordinary findings in an intensive survey that the California Small Business Education Foundation (CSBEF) conducted among 2,000+ small business owners. Survey responses represented small businesspeople throughout California -- from San Diego to Willits, and more than 75 cities large and small in between.

As a result of this research, the CSBEF today launched The Tech for Small Business website at a ceremony in Sacramento attended by one hundred small business owners, community leaders and public officials.

"Technology empowerment is what this effort is all about," said Betty Jo Toccoli, Chair & CEO of the California Small Business Education Foundation. "The tools we are making available have been specifically designed to meet the particular needs of small business owners in the intensely competitive and constantly creative business climate of California."

The website, www.techforsmallbusiness.org, focuses on networking and a series of ongoing forums that will allow small business owners one resource for gaining knowledge. Over time, the site will grow through forum communication and resources such as an ever-growing list of local technical support providers recommended and used by small business owners themselves. Sections on the web site include solutions to technical problems, training, forums, and resources like blogs, articles, surveys, events, purchasing tips, and local technical support providers.

The specific offerings on the new website were fine-tuned through a dozen focus groups involving business owners from throughout the state. The research and web site launch was made possible by a grant from the AT&T Foundation. "Technology training and access can help small businesses flourish," said Ken McNeely, President, AT&T California. "At AT&T, we appreciate how small businesses make a difference in our lives, in the community and for our economy, so we're especially pleased to support an effort that will help small business owners succeed in today's marketplace."

Teri Takai, Chief Information Officer for the State of California applauded the opportunities for creative expansion that are built into the new website: "Establishing this valuable resource for small business owners represents a commitment by the Small Business Education Foundation to helping small business owners build and grow their knowledge. As more service providers are added and the users needs are refined, it will provide a means for them to learn what technology exists and how best to utilize it for their own business operations."

The California Small Business Education Foundation has formed a Tech Empowerment Advisory Council made up of prominent individuals who will provide guidance to the site and small business forum and blog entries as the site grows. The advisory council includes Rachelle Chong, CPUC Commissioner & formerly FCC; Steve Westly, The Westly Group & eBay founder; Ken McNeely, President, AT&T California; Jose Millan, Vice Chair California Community Colleges; and Teri Takai, Chief Information Officer for the State of California.

Over the next few months small business owners will be participating statewide in several Technology Boot Camps and workshops to help train other small business operators. The Individual educational opportunities for the small business owner and/or their employees will include DVDs, videos, newsletter articles, online college courses, and on-site technology assessments.

About California Small Business Education Foundation:

The purpose of CSBEF is to provide California small businesses, their leadership and affiliated organizations educational programs and resources on issues having an impact on businesses with 500 or fewer employees. CSBEF is organized exclusively for education and research purposes as a 50lc3.

The CSBEF is open to any state, regional or local small business organization. We strive to affiliate our goals and efforts to secure maximum results. This partnering for focus groups, surveys and studies and town hall meetings has given maximum return for all. Our board is organized to represent the diversity of California small businesses. Board members are Gwen Moore, Harold H Martinez, Vivian Shimoyama, Jim Conran and Betty Jo Toccoli.

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