Small Business Week Spotlight: Welcoming In a More Inclusive California
During National Small Business Week, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is spotlighting the inaugural class of businesses that have successfully completed “Welcome In,” a first-of-its-kind statewide pilot program to recognize and support businesses that take steps to foster safe and inclusive environments for customers and staff.
Businesses across California can still apply to participate and get access to tailored legal trainings and technical assistance.
“California is one of the largest economies in the world,” said CRD Director Kevin Kish. “And we’re proud of the businesses all across our state that are doing their part to help people feel welcome in their stores. We all benefit when customers and staff are treated with respect. This Small Business Week, you can celebrate by checking out local businesses that are going above and beyond through the Welcome In program. Congratulations to our first class of Welcome In businesses.”
What Is Welcome In?
Welcome In is a chance for California businesses to work with the state to cultivate safe and inclusive spaces. The program was created as part of a statewide response to rising reports of hate and discrimination in California and across the country in recent years, including reports of verbal harassment and intimidation at public places like grocery stores or restaurants.
These acts of hate don’t just affect individuals; they can impact entire communities. According to recent data from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, roughly a third of Californians who experienced hate were targeted while at a business. Launched as a result of the passage of Assembly Bill 2448, Welcome In aims to give businesses and their staff the tools they need to better respond to hate and discrimination and help ensure all customers and staff feel welcome.
Where Are You Welcome In?
Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, everyone is welcome at business open to the public in California regardless of who they are or where they come from. But some California business have gone above and beyond by participating in Welcome In and completing trainings, adopting policies, and engaging with their communities. The businesses in the inaugural class of Welcome In include:
The Onyx Theatre (Nevada City, Nevada County): A community-centered cinema showcasing bold independent films and diverse voices, creating a welcoming alternative to traditional cinema experiences.
Vita Cane (Alhambra, Los Angeles County): Part of a chain of stores, Vita Cane in Alhambra offers refreshing sugarcanes juices and acai bowls, while creating a welcome and inclusive space for the community.
Gustine Traveling Library (Gustine, Merced County): Serving Central Valley youth for nearly a decade, distributing over 300,000 free books and school supplies, as well as providing tutoring and food distribution for families in need.
Bee the Change Foundation (San Diego, San Diego County): An arts-driven nonprofit empowering communities, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering meaningful change and inclusivity.
Additional businesses in the inaugural class of Welcome In are Underdog Bookstore (Monrovia), Morris & Morris (Arcadia), and Sanctions Barbershop (Arcadia).
Know Your Rights
If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination, CRD may be able to assist you through its complaint process. The department also factsheets and resources about civil rights protections, including with respect to civil rights at businesses. To get help after an act of hate, reach out to CA vs Hate.
Get Involved
You can learn more about the Welcome In program by going to https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/welcome-in/. Creating welcoming spaces isn’t just good for business—it strengthens communities across California.
