GO-Biz stops in Clovis to help out local small business owners

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- Small business owners in the Valley got some assistance today from the Governor's Office.

The Central Valley is home to thousands of small business owners, some who cultivate unique food products and others who peddle their crafts but starting a new business can be a bit scary. "It can be, so you kind of want to reach out and get information from people who have experienced what you're going through," said Madelaine Martinez a small business employee.

Martinez is helping a business partner open a hair salon and retail shop in Fresno and possibly in Clovis. She was one of the dozens that came to the Governor's Office Of Business And Economic Development Summit in Clovis.

The first stop of the GO-Biz tour was in the valley.

"We're bringing together the different units of GO-Biz to talk about the services they provide whether its permits, or special trade, or even just general business partners," said Jesse Torres, California small business advocate.

The Governor's Office says more than 90-percent of the jobs created here in the state are related to small businesses.

There are 3.6 million small business owners. To help them, the office has also created a special web site with the California Business Portal to give owners a one stop shop for questions and answers.

As for Martinez, she says putting in the hard work now will pay off later. "We're really looking forward to the independence of running our day-to-day hours as we see fit. Instead of answering to someone's ideas or standards, we are setting our own ideals and standards." A combination they're looking to bring to their next adventure.

The next summit will be held in San Francisco in December.

Officials with the governor's office say they hope these meetings will help inspire and connect business leaders across the state.