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PHOTO RELEASE: Small Businesses Connect with California High-Speed Rail at Annual Resources Fair

October 24, 2025

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The California High-Speed Rail Authority welcomed 300 small businesses to its Annual Small Business Diversity and Resources Fair in Burlingame. The event featured face-to-face networking, meetings with prime contractors and a workshop. To date 953 certified small businesses have worked on the project.

BURLINGAME, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) hosted its annual Small Business Diversity and Resources Fair this week, bringing together more than 300 small businesses from across the state at the Burlingame Community Center to network with 40 exhibitors and participate in a workshop on the state procurement process.

Attendees gathered in the expo area of the Authority’s 2025 Small Business Fair in Burlingame.
Vendors and attendees congregate around tables and shake hands in the expo hall with bright and high ceilings at the Small Business Fair in Burlingame.
Attendees hold a one-on-one meeting during the Authority’s 2025 Small Business Fair in Burlingame.
Emily Morrison, Chief of Contract Administration, leads a procurement workshop with dozens of attendees attentive at the 2025 Small Business Fair in Burlingame.
Headshot of Catrina Blair for Faces of HSR

“Small business participation is vital for the California high-speed rail project. Every year, more small businesses join the program, which is a testament to the Authority’s commitment to advancing economic equity in State contracts. This event opens the door for many entrepreneurs to do business with the state and access valuable resources.”

– Catrina Blair, Authority’s Small Business Development and Compliance Chief
In addition to the expo-style resources fair, the event also featured business matchmaking with 18 Authority prime contractors and a procurement workshop led by the Authority’s contracting office.

To date, approximately 953 certified small businesses have participated in the project. The Authority’s goals include 25% Small Business participation (including 3% micro businesses) and 3% for Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises.

High Speed Rail Progress

Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. More than 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with nearly 60 fully completed major structures; nearly 30 more structures are underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

The project continues to advance statewide, with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction ready.

Since construction began, the project has created more than 16,100 good-paying jobs—most filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.

Interviews in Spanish are available upon request. For more information, contact the Authority’s media relations office at: news@hsr.ca.gov.

Se ofrecen entrevistas en Español bajo solicitud. Para obtener más información, contacte a la Oficina de Relaciones con los Medios por correo electrónico: news@hsr.ca.gov.

For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit www.buildhsr.com.

The following link contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings: https://hsra.box.com/v/ca-hsr-media-resources. Files are all available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority

Build More, Faster

High-speed rail is a key part of Governor Newsom’s Build More, Faster agenda, delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating jobs throughout the state. Discover more: Build.ca.gov
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The California High-Speed Rail Authority Speakers Bureau is managed by the Communications Office and provides informational presentations on the High-Speed Rail Program.

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Daniela Contreras
916-719-4976
Daniela.Contreras@hsr.ca.gov

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