Section 14836 - Legislative declaration(a) The Legislature hereby declares that it serves a public purpose, and it is of benefit to the state, to promote and facilitate the fullest possible participation by all citizens in the affairs of the State of California in every possible way. It is also essential that opportunity is provided for full participation in our free enterprise system by small business enterprises.(b) Further, it is the declared policy of the Legislature that the state should aid, counsel, assist, and protect, to the maximum extent possible, the interests of small business concerns, including microbusinesses, in order to preserve free competitive enterprise and to ensure that a fair proportion of the total purchases and contracts or subcontracts for property and services for the state.(c) In supporting the success of California small businesses, the state economy is strengthened by the diversity and resiliency of its small businesses and it is essential to ensure all small businesses are able to fully participate in the domestic and global markets, including, but not limited to, businesses owned by women, disabled individuals, people who identify as LGBTQ, immigrants, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.Amended by Stats 2022 ch 730 (AB 2019),s 4, eff. 1/1/2023.Amended by Stats 2001 ch 882 (AB 1084), s 1, eff. 1/1/2002.