About Small Business California

Small businesses are the backbone of California’s economy. They provide flexibility and quick response to social and economic changes. Small Businesses create a pool of entrepreneurial experimentation from which successful firms emerge. And, small businesses provide economic opportunity for women and minorities.

Our Mission

Small Business California is a proactive, non-partisan business advocacy organization whose only agenda is the well being of California small businesses.  Working for all California small businesses for a better business environment.  SB-Cal is responsive to the needs of California small business owners.

Our Vision

SB-Cal is the go-to organization for translating California small business concerns into meaningful government action.  When SB-Cal speaks, our government listens and acts.

Our Board of Directors

Hank Ryan, Executive Director          

A founder of several successful small businesses, Hank Ryan is a leader in developing end user energy policy. He is currently a consulting policy advocate for the San Francisco Small Business Advocates, San Francisco Small Business Network and the Center for Small Business and the Environment. He represents CA small business interests as an Intervener in the California Public Utility Commission Energy Efficiency proceedings. Mr. Ryan is the principal of Efficiency Data & Development, an energy efficiency consulting firm.

With 26 years of experience in end user energy efficiency Mr. Ryan has developed programs and implemented projects throughout the United States and in 1990, an "Eco-Sister City" project in Milanowek, Poland. Mr. Ryan is the founder of Small Town Shops, a 34 year old successful clothing and gift store he opened in 1971.  He was also, beginning in 1985, the founder and operator of Cafe de Olla, a full service restaurant which received the Connecticut Magazine "Best New Restaurant" award for Litchfield County in 1988.   expanded bio (web) (Word)

Scott Hauge, President

Scott Hauge is president and owner of CAL Insurance & Associates, Inc. located in San Francisco. CAL Insurance specializes in providing insurance for small to medium sized businesses. The company was founded in 1927 and currently has 30 employees.

Mr. Hauge has been a leading advocate in paving the way for small and medium sized businesses. He has introduced government legislation that has affected business on local, state and national levels. He is considered one of the insurance industry’s leaders in setting guidelines and has received numerous awards and countless commendations for his efforts. Most recently Mr. Hauge was named Small Business Advocate of the Year 2007 by the National Small Business Association (NSBA). bio

Tom Martin, Vice-President

Tom Martin is the owner of People Management Professionals, a human resources and safety consulting firm. He has more than 28 years of experience in all phases of human resources and has nine years of experience as a legislative analyst.

Mr. Martin is a Board member and past-secretary of the Small Manufacturers Association of California. He has assisted in the drafting of legislation and has testified at numerous legislative hearings. He authors a monthly newsletter on legislation effecting manufacturers, human resources and the potential impact on California’s employers.

Frances Laskey, Secretary   

Frances Laskey is the Director of Human Resources and IT Manager for Berkeley Policy Associates, a small, employee owned company that conducts social policy research for governments, businesses and foundations.

Ms. Laskey is the past chair of the East Bay Employer Advisory council and is the president of the California Employer Advisory Council. She has given presentations at local and national events on issues connected with employee ownership. bio

SB-Cal Board Officers

Stephen Cornell

Stephen Cornell is owner of Brownies Hardware, a retail hardware store in San Francisco.  The store was started in 1905 and Stephen has been the owner since 1974.

Has been active in small business activities for almost 30 years. Has been the president of and still remains active on the boards of the following organizations: Polk District Merchants, the Council of District Merchants, and the Small Business Network. Has been on the board of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce .  He was on the Small Business Commission under two San Francisco Mayors. Presently he is the chairperson of The Small Business Advocates.

Laura Harris

Laura Harris currently works in Business Services for Riverside County Economic Development Agency/Workforce Development.  She has been with Riverside County for 21 years starting her career with the Department of Public Social Services.  She has enjoyed various positions within the GAIN Program and as the Liaison to the Workforce Development Board. As a representative of Riverside County, Laura actively involves herself with the local community business organizations.   Laura is the President of the California Employer Advisory Council (CEAC) and also served on the CEAC Board for 9 years in various capacities.  As CEAC President, she represents the organization by serving on the  Small Business Employer Advisory Committee, EDD Tax Branch, Labor Market Information Division Advisory Group, and the Governor’s Small Business Advocate Advisory Board.  She is the current Treasurer for the Riverside EAC and has also held positions as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson for this organization. 

 Mark Klaiman

Mark  Klaiman is the owner of Pet Camp, an overnight and day care facility for dogs and cats, with 2 campgrounds in San Francisco.  Mark is active in the small business and Bayview/Hunters Point communities.  He is a member of the Bayview Rotary and a member and past secretary of the Bayview Merchants Association.  He serves on the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advisory Council.  Mark was Vice-Chair of the San Francisco Back Streets Business Advisory Board and remains extremely involved in issues impacting “industrial” businesses in San Francisco.   Mark is also involved in the pet world and is a member of the Board of Directors of Friends of Animal Care and Control.

Ginne Mistal

For 23 years, Ginne Mistal owned Bechelli Cleaners, with two locations in Redding, California and one in Mount Shasta, California. The company employed fifteen people. Ms. Mistal recently sold the company, however she is still active professionally in real estate and insurance.

Ms. Mistal has extensive experience as an advocate for small businesses and has served on numerous local, state and national boards and committees. She has received numerous awards for her efforts.

Christopher White

Christopher White is the Chief Technology Officer and Founder of Active Spectrum, Inc., a technology company in San Carlos, California. He received his PhD from the California Institute of Technology in 2005. Active Spectrum is an innovator in chemical instrumentation and microwave technology, and participates extensively in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The Micro-ESR on-line oil condition sensor developed by Active Spectrum was recognized in 2009 with an R&D 100 Award as one of the 100 most significant new products of the year. Christopher is very involved in advocating for the role of small business in Federal contracting.