Small Business Retail Theft Solutions Grant Program.

Assembly Member Schiavo's proposal to create a Small Business Retail Theft Solutions Grant Program within California's Office of the Small Business Advocate aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses for preventing and recovering from retail theft incidents. The program would operate alongside the office's existing small business support initiatives, including its Technical Assistance Program.

The legislation directs the Office of the Small Business Advocate to coordinate with local, regional, federal, and state entities, both public and private, that support California's small business community. Upon receiving legislative funding, the office would distribute grants to help small businesses enhance their capacity to prevent theft and recover from losses. The bill establishes the basic framework for the grant program while leaving specific funding amounts and administrative procedures to be determined through the appropriations process and subsequent rulemaking.

The measure builds upon the current role of the Small Business Advocate, who serves as the principal representative for small business interests in California and oversees programs providing consulting services and training through technical assistance centers. This new grant program would add direct financial support specifically targeted at addressing retail theft challenges faced by small business owners.