​California Awards $80 million in Tax Credits Projected to Create More Than 4,000 Jobs

Economic recovery continues as companies across the state receive awards

Sacramento, CA – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) today announced $80 million in tax credits that are projected to create more than 4,000 new, full-time jobs in California. The funding, from the California Competes Tax Credit program, will bring more than $1 billion in new investments across the state over the next five years.

“As we continue to move forward to safely and fully reopen our state, incentives like these will help us recover, rebuild and reimagine an economy that works for all Californians,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of GO-Biz. “This program is a critical tool to attract and retain employers who will in turn create good-paying jobs and economic opportunity across the state.”

Relativity Space, an American aerospace manufacturing company headquartered in Long Beach, has committed to create more than 900 jobs in California, with a meaningful investment in jobs and infrastructure in the Central Coast.

“Relativity is excited by California’s support for our continued expansion,” said Caryn Schenewerk, VP Regulatory and Government Affairs at Relativity Space. “The state’s long history of aerospace activities has established a foundation for incredible talent and innovation complimented by a modern, diverse workforce and strong educational systems. As we build an all-American space launch company with massive 3-D printing in our factory of the future, we are creating the jobs of the future and contributing to an equitable economic recovery. Thank you to Governor Newsom and the team at GO-Biz for investing in the innovators who call California home.”

The complete list of approved companies and award amounts is available online along with the video of the committee meeting where award decisions were made.

As part of his 2021-22 State Budget, Governor Newsom proposed sustained investments to preserve California’s competitiveness. The California Jobs Initiative, a $777.5 million proposal, focuses on job creation and retention by, among other proposals, increasing the funding for the California Competes Tax Credit by $90 million to $270 million for fiscal years 2020-21 and 2021-22 and creates a new CalCompetes grant program to support job creation and investments in infrastructure.

Since the start the Newsom Administration, GO-Biz has awarded 115 businesses $442,708,975 in California Competes Tax Credits. In exchange for the credit, these businesses have collectively committed to create 28,905 quality, full-time jobs and make capital investments of $6,513,965,476.

The California Competes Tax Credit was created in 2013 to focus on helping businesses grow and stay in California. GO-Biz evaluates the most competitive applications based on the factors required by statute, including total jobs created, total investment, average wage, economic impact, strategic importance and more. In 2018, the program was extended for an additional five years with at least $180 million in tax credits available for allocation to business each year through 2023.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit the GO-Biz website.

Chris Dombrowski
Chief Deputy Director
Email Chris, HERE
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Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Director Releases Joint Statement with California Labor Secretary on March Employment Numbers

Following the California Employment Development Department’s (EDD) release of the state’s employment data from March the Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), Dee Dee Myers issued the following joint statement with California’s Labor Secretary, Julie A. Su:

“​Today’s jobs report is another marker of how far we’ve come together – and of how much work we still have to do. ​The growth in leisure and hospitality jobs is encouraging given how devastating COVID-19 was to the industry. With vaccine eligibility now expanded to Californians 16 and older, ​our safe reopening and strong recovery will require ​an ongoing commitment to vaccine access and to a safe workplace for everyone, as more and more Californians get back to work. What’s more, it is on us as Californians to continue to do our part, wearing masks and observing other common sense health protocols so that all sectors of our economy can recover and reopen.”

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit the GO-Biz website.

Kaitlin Lewis
Assistant Deputy Director of Communications
Email Kaitlin, HERE 
Phone: (916) 204-2107

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New Small Business Supplier Diversity Initiative Seeks to Build Equitable Economic Recovery

Sacramento, CA – Today, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) announced Source Diverse Source Local, a public-private partnership to strengthen an inclusive procurement and resilient California-based supply chain. The partnership was developed last fall by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of GO-Biz, in collaboration with the Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery (Task Force).

“As we continue in our economic recovery, partnerships like this will leverage California’s enormous buying power to drive local economic growth, support our diverse businesses and improve the resilience of our communities,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of GO-Biz. “The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for California to have a stronger base of manufacturers and suppliers. By working with corporate buyers, we can help meet the needs of California’s supply chain now and in the future.”

Former Task Force members will lead in launching the initiative, including a financial donation from Google. The initiative and programming, which are set to launch this month, will build programming to recruit, support and convene corporations, industry leaders, and diversity stakeholders; develop content; and expand statewide expertise and other key economic voices across California’s public and private supply chains to join the Source Diverse Source Local Pledge. Those Task Force members represent the following companies: Google, Lockheed Martin, Prologis, Southern California Edison, United Airlines, and UPS.

Task Force member Pamela Kan, President of Bishop-Wisecarver and Executive Board Member of the California Manufacturers & Technology Association, will co-lead the initiative alongside CalOSBA. “Last year, California consumed $408 billion in imported goods, many of them commodities that California produces in-state. California has a sophisticated and robust manufacturing industry that employs 9.4% of the state’s workers. We need to focus on building our supply chain for resilience to strengthen our small businesses and the local communities they uphold,” Kan said.

Other partner organizations have also joined the effort, including: Small Business Majority, NextGen Policy, California Small Business Development Center Network, California Women’s Business Center Network, Emerald Cities, Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC-West & WBEC-Pacific), Bishop-Wisecarver, Western Region Minority Supplier Diversity Council (WRMSDC), Southern California Minority Supplier Diversity Council (SCMSDC), California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), Government Operations (GovOps), and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

CalOSBA will develop strategic programming and partnerships to strengthen a network of corporate and government supply chain opportunities. Historic supply chain barriers persist for diverse and small local firms, and by partnering on contractor readiness, Source Diverse Source Local partners will help build a stronger pool of contract ready diverse and local firms.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit the GO-Biz website.

About CalOSBA
The Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) helps support economic growth and innovation by working to ensure that California’s small businesses and entrepreneurs have the information, tools and resources they need to plan, launch, manage and grow their businesses successfully and be resilient. The CalOSBA serves to elevate their voices in state government and to advocate on their behalf to help ensure all aspiring and current small business owners and entrepreneurs are provided with the opportunity to access capital, access markets, and connect to the networks and resources they need to succeed. For more information visit the website.

Kaitlin Lewis
Assistant Deputy Director of Communications
Email Kaitlin, HERE 
Phone: (916) 204-2107

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Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development Director Releases Joint Statement with California Labor Secretary on February Employment Numbers

Following the California Employment Development Department’s (EDD) release of the state’s employment data from February the Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), Dee Dee Myers issued the following joint statement with California’s Labor Secretary, Julie A. Su:

“This month marks the lowest unemployment rate California has seen since the onset of the pandemic last year. Today’s news, along with the Governor’s announcement this week that California is continuing to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, is a milestone in our ongoing recovery. At the same time, the pandemic and associated unemployment have had a disproportionate impact on women and communities of color. Latino and Asian American workers have been hard hit on the front lines as essential workers. African Americans have applied for unemployment benefits at astounding rates, further evidence of the inequities we must address to ensure a strong, equitable recovery. As we all continue to do what we can to protect ourselves and our communities – wearing masks, washing our hands and getting vaccinated – we are committed to a strong, equitable and safe recovery.”

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit the GO-Biz website.

Kaitlin Lewis
Assistant Deputy Director of Communications
Email Kaitlin, HERE
Phone: (916) 204-2107

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Leaders and Advocates Support Governor Newsom’s Appointment of New Small Business Advocate

Sacramento, CA – Following the Newsom Administration’s announcement today that Tara Lynn Gray will lead the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), small business leaders across the state responded in support of the decision.

“Tara is a tireless and effective leader in California’s small business community and the right choice at this pivotal time,” said Ashley Swearengin, CEO of the Central Valley Community Foundation and former mayor of Fresno. “As the State of California continues its recovery, Tara will turn advocacy into action, get results for small businesses, and ensure our diverse small business owners and entrepreneurs are at the table driving towards an equitable and inclusive economic recovery.”

“As California continues in its recovery, it’s crucial that we recognize minority, women, and immigrant small business owners across the state and the need for connection that is authentic,” said Jay King, President/CEO of the California Black Chamber of Commerce. “Tara is a one-of-a-kind advocate making her exceptionally well-positioned for this new role. Her dedication to all of California’s small business owners will ensure that inclusivity and equity absolutely remain the cornerstone of our economic recovery.”

“Our recovery must focus on equitable small business growth,” said Mark Herbert, Managing Director of California for Small Business Majority. “As a longstanding advocate for small businesses across the state, Tara’s insight and commitment to the needs of all of our entrepreneurs is critical as the State continues its important work to preserve all of the small businesses that make our communities home. Today’s announcement is yet another proof point of Governor Newsom’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusivity as we recover together.”

“Small business has always been integral to the success of California’s economy, which is why today is a very special day for small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state,” said Betty Jo Toccoli, President of the California Small Business Association. “Tara will bring a longstanding history of understanding the nuances of small business and advocacy for small businesses to this new role. She is extremely well-qualified for this position and we couldn’t be more ecstatic to collaborate with her to ensure an equitable recovery and sustained growth for California’s small business community.”

“Small businesses are the hardworking hearts of our communities,” said Tate Hill, Executive Director of Access Plus Capital. “As they continue to face the ongoing challenge of recovering from this pandemic, they need an advocate who won’t stop when it comes to providing them all the support possible so they can be the engines of our economy they’re meant to be. Tara is the right person at the right time to help lead the fight to strengthen California’s local small business ecosystem.”

To read the full announcement sharing Tara Lynn Gray’s appointment to serve as CalOSBA’s director, click here.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit the GO-Biz website.

About CalOSBA
The Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) helps support economic growth and innovation by working to ensure that California’s small businesses and entrepreneurs have the information, tools and resources they need to plan, launch, manage and grow their businesses successfully and be resilient. The CalOSBA serves to elevate their voices in state government and to advocate on their behalf to help ensure all aspiring and current small business owners and entrepreneurs are provided with the opportunity to access capital, access markets, and connect to the networks and resources they need to succeed. For more information visit the website.

Kaitlin Lewis
Assistant Deputy Director of Communications
Email Kaitlin, HERE 
Phone: (916) 204-2107

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California Cannabis Equity Grants Program Provides $15 Million in Grant Funding for Local Jurisdictions

Funding advances economic justice for communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition

Sacramento, CA – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), in partnership with the Bureau of Cannabis Control, today announced $15 million in grant funding through the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions. This program seeks to advance economic justice for populations and communities disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition by providing funding to local jurisdictions that are committed to promoting equity in the legal cannabis marketplace and eliminating barriers to entering the regulated cannabis industry.

“Cannabis prohibition and criminalization has had devastating impacts on generations of Californians,” said Nicole Elliott, senior advisor on cannabis to Governor Newsom. “As we work to safely reopen our economy, leading with equity across all sectors will ensure a just recovery and further our commitment to create a truly diverse legal industry. These efforts stand as a testament to our values as a state, and I applaud the work being done by these jurisdictions as they thoughtfully embrace this challenge.”

Individuals convicted of a cannabis offense and their families suffer the long-term consequences of prohibition and criminalization. These individuals have a more difficult time entering the adult-use cannabis industry due, in part, to a lack of access to capital, business space, technical support, and regulatory compliance assistance. Jurisdictions will use this funding to develop their cannabis equity programs and assist their equity program applicants and licensees by providing low/no-interest loans or grants, reduced licensing fees or waived fees, and technical assistance, including one-on-one consulting and training and navigation assistance with cannabis licensing and regulatory requirements.

“The California Cannabis Equity Grant that I received from the City of Oakland was one of the best things to happen to my company. I was able to hire drivers and sales representative,” said Jessie Grundy, CEO of Green Peakz. “California investing in Californians is key to equity work. Thank you to the team at GO-Biz for doing more than just helping us get licenses, but also investing in equity companies being successful.”

At least $11.5 million of the funding, in the form of low/no-interest loans or grants, will be directly allocated to cannabis equity applicants and licensees specifically identified by local jurisdictions as being linked to populations or communities that were negatively or disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and criminalization.

Local Jurisdiction Funding for Cannabis Equity Applicants/Licensees

City of Oakland                                                        $2,434,712.51
City and County of San Francisco                           $2,055,841.43
City of Los Angeles                                                  $2,030,997.42
City of Sacramento                                                  $1,813,612.38
City of Long Beach                                                  $1,267,044.26
City of Fresno                                                          $1,204,934.25
County of Humboldt                                                $1,055,870.22
County of Lake                                                           $888,173.18
City of Palm Springs                                                   $869,540.18
County of Mendocino                                                 $832,274.17

Total                                                                       $14,453,000

Local Jurisdiction Funding for Cannabis Equity Assessment/Program Development

County of San Diego                                                  $75,000
County of Sonoma                                                     $75,000
County of Trinity                                                         $75,000
City of Escondido                                                       $75,000
City of Isleton                                                             $22,000
City of Modesto                                                          $75,000
City of Richmond                                                       $75,000
City of San Diego                                                      $75,000

Total                                                                        $547,000

The grant awards announced today build upon the $40 million in cannabis equity funding awarded by the State of California. To learn more about the program, click here.

About BCC
To subscribe to email alerts to hear about updates as they become available, please visit the Bureau’s website. For information on all three state licensing authorities, please visit the state’s California Cannabis Portal. Follow the Bureau on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for daily news and updates. Those looking to get in touch with the Bureau of Cannabis Control may contact us directly through email.

About GO-Biz
The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) serves as the State of California’s leader for job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and much more. For more information visit the GO-Biz website.

Kaitlin Lewis
Assistant Deputy Director of Communications
Email Kaitlin, HERE 
Phone: (916) 204-2107

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