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SCR 169

Relative to Women's Small Business Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Designates October 2026 as Women’s Small Business Month to recognize the impact of women-owned small businesses in California; no new laws or funding.

Referred to Com. on RLS.
#women'ssmallbusinessmonth
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Bill Summary · SCR 169

Summary of SCR 169 (2025-2026) – Relative to Women’s Small Business Month

1) Purpose and Intent

  • SCR 169 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced by Senator Gonzalez.
  • The measure designates October 2026 as “Women’s Small Business Month” in California.
  • It invites and encourages all California citizens to recognize the economic importance of women’s small businesses.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official Designation: October 2026 is proclaimed as Women’s Small Business Month by both houses of the California Legislature (as a concurrent resolution).
  • Purpose of designation: To acknowledge and highlight the role and impact of women-owned small businesses in California’s economy.
  • No new statutory requirements, funding, or regulatory changes are imposed. The resolution is ceremonial and symbolic.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Beneficiaries: Women-owned small businesses and women entrepreneurs in California, and the broader public who are encouraged to recognize their contributions.
  • Governmental impact: No direct costs or administrative obligations are specified in the text of the measure. It serves to publicly acknowledge the importance of women’s small businesses.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced on April 29, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to the Assembly and Senate Rules committees (RLS – Rules Committee) for consideration.
  • Effective date: The designation would take effect in October 2026, aligning with the annual observance of Women’s Small Business Month.
  • Legislative nature: As a concurrent resolution, it does not create new law or funding; it is a formal expression of the Legislature’s sentiment and public notice.

5) Context and Background (Digest Highlights)

  • The Digest provides statistical context on women-owned businesses at the national level (e.g., 13 million women-owned U.S. businesses employing over 10 million people generating about $1.9 trillion in revenue as of 2022) and notes the significant role of women, and especially women of color, in entrepreneurship.
  • It references barriers frequently faced by women small business owners (access to capital, networks, mentorship, balancing business and family life).
  • It notes previous milestones like the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 (to emphasize historical significance of women’s access to credit) and aligns the October observance with that legacy.

6) Practical Impact

  • This is a ceremonial recognition tool intended to raise awareness of the importance of women’s small businesses in California.
  • It may inform public programming, educational outreach, or stakeholder events during October 2026, but it does not enact policy changes, authorize spending, or create regulatory requirements.

If you’d like, I can add a comparative brief with similar observances in other states or compile potential public-facing messaging to accompany the designation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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