The California Starters Coalition is a new statewide initiative powered by Right to Start. Its mission is to make entrepreneurship a civic priority in California by breaking down barriers that prevent people from starting and growing businesses.
The Coalition brings together entrepreneurs, advocates, educators, investors, and organizations to work toward a more inclusive and dynamic economy. By advancing better policies, amplifying entrepreneurial voices, and fostering stronger connections, the Coalition aims to:
- Create more homegrown jobs
- Build stronger communities
- Reduce inequality and poverty
- Expand opportunities for every Californian
How to Get Involved
Membership is open to anyone who wants to support entrepreneurship in California including entrepreneur support organizations, community groups, educators, investors, and individual founders.
As a member, you can:
- Join monthly virtual or in-person meetings
- Collaborate on statewide advocacy and policy efforts
- Connect with a statewide network of peers and ecosystem allies
- Help shape a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs
Join the California Starters Coalition to help remove barriers, grow our state’s economy, and open doors for the next generation of California founders.
About Right to Start
Right to Start is a national nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to expanding entrepreneurial opportunity for everyone regardless of race, place, or background.
Right to Start drives change through three key strategies:
- Change minds: Elevating the voices of entrepreneurs through media and storytelling
- Change policies: Advocating for pro-entrepreneur policies with civic leaders and lawmakers
- Change communities: Mobilizing citizens to support entrepreneurship locally
The organization was founded by Victor Hwang, who authored We Are All Starters: A Manifesto to Renew Ourselves and Our Nation.
Right to Start believes that when everyone has the right to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, prosperity spreads through homegrown jobs, higher incomes, stronger communities, less poverty, and more opportunity for all.
Attend the Coalition Launch Event
To officially launch this new statewide effort, the California Starters Coalition is hosting a kickoff event in Sacramento:
Date: Thursday, October 2
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Connect Labs by Wexford, Sacramento, California
Cost: Free — membership not required to attend
RSVP Here
The event will feature a keynote by Victor Hwang, Founder and CEO of Right to Start, and remarks from civic and state leaders including representatives from CalOSBA (California Office of the Small Business Advocate).
You’ll learn more about the Coalition’s mission and have the chance to network with entrepreneurs, ecosystem leaders, and changemakers from across the state.
Why It Matters
Entrepreneurship is one of the strongest tools we have to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and strengthen communities. Yet too many aspiring founders face systemic barriers from restrictive policies to lack of access to resources.
The California Starters Coalition exists to change that. Your involvement can help create a more equitable, opportunity-rich future for everyone in our state.
Wrap-Up
The launch of the California Starters Coalition is just the beginning. By joining the Coalition and attending its kickoff event, you can help build a California where everyone has the right to start and grow a business. Be part of this movement to drive lasting change.
Interested in learning about more programs that support entrepreneurs? Join our newsletter here to stay updated on opportunities and resources.
