CALIFORNIA
BUSINESS
ADVOCACY
ACADEMY

The California Business Advocacy Academy (CBAA) is a statewide 6-month professional development program to elevate chamber-led advocacy and build a cohesive, educated network of grassroots leaders across California ready to advocate for a stronger business climate.

Program Goals:

  • Equip local chamber executives and staff with policy and advocacy skills
  • Strengthen grassroots infrastructure statewide
  • Foster peer-to-peer learning and regional collaboration
  • Increase visibility of chamber-led policy leadership across California
  • Align advocacy messaging and priorities between local and state levels

Tuition

$550

CalChamber Members

$850

Non-Members

Registration Deadline October 7, 2026

Locations

Sessions 1 and 8

CalChamber Office
1215 K Street, Suite 1400
Sacramento, CA 95814

Sessions 1 & 6 must be attended in person; a virtual option will not be available. 

Sessions 2 thru 7 will be virtual.

All sessions must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. 

Lucy Lopez

Lucy Lopez 
President & CEO
Hayward Chamber of Commerce

“Attending the CalChamber Advocacy Academy was a turning point for me as a Chamber CEO. It didn’t just teach me policy — it helped me find my voice and confidence as an advocate, and a more effective leader for the community I serve. I now find myself eagerly stepping into policy conversations and becoming more intentional about connecting local issues to the bigger picture. I am inspired by my cohort and grateful for the educators who challenged and equipped us. Thank you, CalChamber!”

Accommodations

Embassy Suites by Hilton
Sacramento Riverfront Promenade 

100 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814

The Embassy Suites Sacramento is offering our cohort special group rates for our kick-off and graduation.
Reserve your room early by following the links below

Rates include full breakfast

October 21 - The hotel room block deadline has passed.
If you require accommodations for the night of October 21, please contact events@calchamber.com for assistance

March 17 - Rate: $289 - includes breakfast
Hotel Reservation Deadline: February 24, 2027