California has signed a package of laws aimed at strengthening competition and making it faster for some small businesses to open, improve or operate commercial space.
The September 30, 2026 package includes changes to antitrust enforcement, pop-up business permits, tenant-improvement plan review, commercial financing, technical assistance and certain alcohol-service rules.
California updates its antitrust framework
AB 1776 updates California’s Cartwright Act and gives the Attorney General and district attorneys additional authority to pursue monopolistic conduct. The Governor’s Office describes the measure as a significant expansion of the state’s competition-enforcement tools.
For small businesses, competition law matters when dominant companies can use market power to block access, squeeze suppliers or reduce meaningful choice. How the new authority is used will depend on future enforcement and court interpretation.
Pop-up businesses in vacant storefronts
AB 1679 requires cities to create a permit allowing qualifying pop-up businesses to operate in vacant storefronts for up to 120 days. The policy is intended to reduce barriers for temporary retail concepts while putting unused commercial space back into active use.
Local implementation will still matter, including safety, zoning and other requirements that remain applicable.
Faster tenant-improvement plan review
AB 1693 and AB 2418 address commercial building-plan review. The state says qualifying small-business tenant improvements will receive clearer plan-check timelines, with specified options for third-party review when government review is excessively delayed.
Another provision allows qualified architects or engineers to certify certain building plans for life-safety, health and code compliance under defined conditions.
Commercial financing protections
AB 2116 addresses commercial financing practices. The package is intended to strengthen protections for small businesses dealing with financing products and abusive practices. Business owners should review final statutory and regulatory requirements before relying on a particular protection.
Technical assistance for entrepreneurs
AB 685 supports providers offering free or low-cost confidential consulting and training for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Technical-assistance networks can help with startup planning, financing, permits, procurement and growth.
Cocktails to-go continue
AB 2663 allows restaurants and bars to continue certain cocktails-to-go privileges under California alcohol rules. Businesses must still comply with Alcoholic Beverage Control requirements and any conditions attached to their license.
What business owners should watch
Not every change applies to every business or city immediately. Local governments will need to implement parts of the permitting package, while statewide agencies and prosecutors will determine how other provisions are administered.
California58 will connect these changes to practical Business & Investment guides, local permit information and county/city resources as implementation becomes clearer.
Official source
Governor of California – small business and competition legislation
California Legislative Information
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