July 14, 2026 | Blog
California’s New Agency Will Focus on Small and Independent Business
California’s work on consumer protection won’t just focus on families making ends meet – the state’s new agency is prioritizing support for small, independent businesses and the entrepreneurs who lead them.
By Secretary Rohit Chopra
On July 1, Governor Newsom announced the launch of the Business & Consumer Services Agency. The new agency consolidates dozens of boards, bureaus, and departments under one umbrella, improving coordination and enforcement across sectors that touch the daily lives of Californians — from financial services and health care to real estate, retail, hospitality, agriculture, and higher education.
The Governor’s announcement outlines key goals for the upcoming year:
- Protect consumers and help entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed
- Crack down on harmful, anticompetitive, and corrupt practices that harm families and honest businesses
- Work to ensure that new technologies benefit all Californians
Over the past twenty-five years, California’s economy has outperformed the rest of the United States on several key metrics. With more than 4.3 million small businesses, these firms have helped to drive jobs and opportunities for Californians across the state. At the same time, many of these local businesses are facing challenges, including coercive practices from larger retailers, suppliers, and vendors. Many small businesses have also been unable to obtain refunds for cost increases they incurred due to unlawful tariffs.
For example, the Agency has heard concerns from franchisees that are subjected to onerous terms and fees imposed by their corporate franchisor. We also know that independent medical professionals, like pharmacists and physicians, have experienced challenges when dealing with larger health care conglomerates. Entrepreneurs and independent businesses also have unique needs when it comes to financing their growth and expansion.
Across its departments, boards, and bureaus, the Business & Consumer Services Agency will work to help small and independent businesses launch, compete, and grow — using the power of the state to enforce regulations that protect small businesses from unnecessary fees, onerous terms and predatory practices.
California will continue to use its powerful toolbox to protect competition and stand up for the small businesses that keep our state economy moving.
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