Sacramento, Calif. – In an ongoing effort to improve California’s business climate, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) today announced that the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) committee approved $62.8 million in tax credits for 87 companies expanding and creating jobs in California. The awards will help these companies create a projected 6,400 jobs and generate over $892 million in total investment across California. View the complete list of approved companies and award amounts. 

“The California Competes Tax Credit continues to encourage companies from around the world to locate, expand and add good paying jobs in California,” said Will Koch, GO-Biz Chief Deputy Director. “In just three years, hundreds of companies have made commitments to expand in the state and GO-Biz will continue to host informational workshops throughout the state, as well as work with our regional and local partners, to ensure companies of all sizes know about and apply for these tax credits.”

Chief Deputy Koch convened the committee – which includes Treasurer John Chiang, director of the Department of Finance Michael Cohen, Senate appointee Denise Zapata and Assembly appointee Madeline Janis – at the California Department of Food and Agriculture auditorium in Sacramento. The committee vote was unanimous to approve all 87 tax credit agreements.

In 2013, the California Competes Tax Credit was created by Governor Brown to focus on helping businesses grow and stay in California. This fiscal year, GO-Biz allocated over $200 million in total tax credits. Since 2014, GO-Biz has allocated $555.3 million to 775 companies projected to create 77,178 new jobs and make $14.5 billion in new investments.

About California Competes
The California Competes tax credit is part of the Governor’s Economic Development Initiative (GEDI) which Governor Brown signed legislation to enact in 2013 (AB 93 and SB 90). 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. Companies are exempted from paying state income taxes in the amount awarded.

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, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Sacramento, Calif. – On the heels of Governor Brown’s highly successful trip to China, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), in partnership with the California-China Trade Network, hosted the first ever Select California Investment Summit in Sacramento to connect Chinese investors with California economic development and business leaders looking to bring projects to their regions. California economic development and business representatives pitched their regions and projects as destinations for new foreign direct investment to a group of 22 Chinese investors focused on clean tech, water innovation, sustainable development, zero emission vehicles, and more.

“Chinese investors are looking to California for new opportunities and GO-Biz is actively working to connect them with regional business leaders that want to attract new sustainable development projects to their areas,” said Awinash Bawle, GO-Biz Deputy Director for International Affairs and Business Development. “This summit is a continuation of the Governor’s efforts in China and further proof that California is a world leader in the cultivation of clean technology projects that help address climate change, decarbonize our economy, and accelerate the move towards a zero emission vehicle future.”

The Select California Summit was held at the Leland Stanford Mansion in Sacramento, CA and featured 14 business groups including Bay Area Council, California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, City of Sacramento, Fresno Economic Development Corporation, UC Merced, Shasta Economic Development Corporation and a cohort of zero emission vehicle companies. Throughout the day, each pitched their regions, potential projects, locations and investment opportunities to a delegation of 22 Chinese investors looking to California as their priority market.

“As the nation’s second largest exporter our state continues to benefit greatly from a robust trade agenda. Select CA helps to drive opportunities for trade and investment with California,” added Bawle.

Fan Dai, the Special Advisor to the Governor on China, presented on outcomes from the Governor’s trip to China including the establishment of a California-Beijing Clean Tech Innovation Center, which will work hand-in-hand with the GO-Biz Innovation Hub program to promote clean tech innovation and business development.

Moreover, Visit California hosted an authentic Chinese culinary experience and showcased California’s unique lifestyle – a key determinant in a business’s decision of where to invest.

“Between 2000 and 2016, California secured 415 investment deals valued at $25.5 billion from mainland China investors, much of which went into renewable energy and other sustainability projects,” said Jason Law, GO-Biz Special Advisor for Foreign Investment and Affairs. “Attracting inbound international investment is a key driver of California’s economic growth and success. 631,500 workers in California are employed as a result of global investment.”  

The Chinese delegation will travel to Southern California to participate in the second portion of our Select California investment efforts. They will be hosted by our California-China Trade Office Network Partner, the Los Angeles World Trade Center of the Economic Development Corporation, for a series of meetings showcasing additional projects and destinations for new foreign direct investment.

Next week, GO-Biz will lead a state-wide delegation of ten local and regional economic development organizations from across California to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C.  The annual summit was originally established by President Obama in 2011 to connect state leaders with foreign investment opportunities. This year’s summit features more than 2,500 participants from over 70 international markets. GO-Biz will host a state pavilion to promote individual local assets and highlight the resources and reasons why California is the number one destination for foreign direct investment.

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, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Sacramento, Calif. – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) today announced a series of 28 workshops across California designed to help businesses apply for over $200 million in available California Competes Tax Credits (CCTC).

“Our message to business owners is simple, take advantage of this tax credit and create new job opportunities,” said Kristen Kane, GO-Biz Deputy Director. “The California Competes tax credit has encouraged hundreds of companies to expand in California and add thousands of good paying jobs. This application is free, it’s easy to apply and we want great companies that are expanding to receive these valuable tax credits.”

GO-Biz is awarding over $200 million in tax credits in fiscal year 2017-18. The next CCTC application period starts July 24, 2017.  Businesses interested in applying can register to attend any of the workshops and receive helpful information from GO-Biz staff. GO-Biz has also partnered with several organizations to help promote the workshops and encourage local businesses to attend the events.

This program is open to any business planning to create new full-time jobs in the state, regardless of size or location. Since 2014, GO-Biz has allocated $492.5 million to 688 companies projected to create 70,747 new jobs and $14.4 billion in new investments.

Starting July 24, 2017, access the Online Application.

Members of the CCTC team are available to provide technical application assistance.  An application guide, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), program regulations, and a video explaining how to create an account are available on the California Competes Tax Credit page.

Complete List of Workshops (June 26 – July 20) available on the GO-Biz California Competes Tax Credit page.

Sonoma, CA
June 26, 2017
Details and Registration

Oakland, CA
June 26, 2017
Details and Registration

Fremont, CA
June 27, 2017
Details and Registration

San Jose, CA
June 27, 2017
Details and Registration

San Luis Obispo
June 28, 2017
Details and Registration

Bakersfield, CA
June 28, 2017
Details and Registration

Visalia, CA
June 29, 2017
Details and Registration

Modesto, CA
June 29, 2017
Details and Registration

Sacramento, CA
July 5, 2017
Details and Registration

Redding, CA
July 5, 2017
Details and Registration

Yuba City, CA
July 6, 2017
Details and Registration

Fresno, CA
July 7, 2017
Details and Registration

Camarillo, CA
July 10, 2017
Details and Registration

Simi Valley, CA
July 10, 2017
Details and Registration

San Fernando, CA
July 11, 2017
Details and Registration

Los Angeles, CA
July 11, 2017
Details and Registration

Compton, CA
July 12, 2017
Details and Registration

Long Beach, CA
July 12, 2017
Details and Registration

Fullerton, CA
July 13, 2017
Details and Registration

Santa Ana, CA
July 13, 2017
Details and Registration

Fontana, CA
July 17, 2017
Details and Registration

San Bernardino, CA
July 17, 2017
Details and Registration

Riverside, CA
July 18, 2017
Details and Registration

Moreno Valley, CA
July 18, 2017
Details and Registration

El Centro, CA
July 19, 2017
Details and Registration

Temecula, CA
July 19, 2017
Details and Registration

San Diego, CA
July 20, 2017
Details and Registration

Chula Vista, CA
July 20, 2017
Details and Registration

About California Competes
The CCTC is part of the Governor’s Economic Development Initiative (GEDI) which Governor Brown signed legislation to enact in 2013 (AB 93 and SB 90). 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. Companies are exempted from paying state income taxes in the amount awarded.

If you have any questions regarding the CCTC or application process, please contact our office at (916) 322-4051 or send an Email.

If you would like to receive information about other GO-Biz programs, press releases, newsletters, and events please Register.

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, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Sacramento, CA –  On Saturday, Mayor Steinberg will join representatives from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) and CyberCalifornia to support the 2017 “Sacramento Mayor’s Cyber Cup,” a cyber security competition for high school students. The event will be hosted at Sacramento City College from 12:30p.m. – 4:00p.m.

“Sacramento is developing a 21st century high-wage economy and we want our kids to be first in line for those jobs,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “This competition highlights the exceptional talent of our high school students and prepares them to fill a growing void in an industry that is hungry for smart, skilled, and savvy people to protect the integrity of the cyberworld.”

During the competition, students will compete in timed cybersecurity challenges designed to replicate the many different threats that cybersecurity professionals must confront, from attacks on critical infrastructure to attempted breaches of consumer data on internet-connected devices. These cybersecurity competitions expand access to STEM education and career pathways, while simultaneously helping businesses address gaps in cybersecurity skills.

“We are thrilled to see businesses, educational institutions, and government partners promoting cybersecurity as a valuable career pathway for California students,” said GO-Biz Director, Panorea Avdis. “The Sacramento Mayor’s Cyber Cup will help GO-Biz catalyze a statewide cybersecurity education campaign and we look forward to seeing the winning teams from Sacramento compete at the statewide competition in June.”

The Sacramento Mayor’s Cyber Cup is part of a statewide cybersecurity education campaign organized through the CyberCalifornia coalition. CyberCalifornia is a collection of businesses, state and local government organizations, and educational partners dedicated to reinforcing California’s leadership position in cybersecurity. This educational campaign will culminate with the statewide championship round, hosted by GO-Biz and taking place on June 24 and 25 at the new California Cyber Training Complex in San Luis Obispo.

The top two teams from the Sacramento Mayor’s Cyber Cup will gain automatic entry to the statewide championship, where they will compete on behalf of the Sacramento region. During this championship round, students will participate in both a novel “digital forensics” competition and a competition that replicates the experience of managing the network of a small company.

Contact: Kelly Fong Rivas at KFRivas@CityofSacramento.org or (916) 917-8039

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, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Sacramento, Calif. – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) today officially kicked off the annual California Small Business Month at the State Capitol and Governor Brown recognized the importance of California small businesses in a proclamation. 

“California has over 3.8 million small businesses operating in the state – most of any state in the union,” said Governor Brown in his proclamation. “Our small businesses are respected globally for their innovation and fortitude. This month we reaffirm our commitment to helping California small businesses launch and prosper.”

GO-Biz Director Panorea Avdis was joined by state Small Business Advocate Jesse Torres, Senator Toni Atkins, Assemblymembers Sharon Quirk-Silva, Jim Cooper and Eduardo Garcia, and Community Colleges Vice Chancelor Van Ton-Quinlivan. The crowd of small business owners and business group representatives heard from the state officials about the importance of programs that support small businesses and entrepreneurs.  Director Avdis also announced a new micro-lending program called Jump Start.

“California small businesses drive every facet of the California economy and provide half of all the jobs in the state,” said GO-Biz Director Avdis. “We are proud to announce that later this month the state is launching the new Jump Start program which will make direct loans of $500-$10,000 to small business owners that need financing to get them to the next milestone and continue on a path toward success.”

The Jump Start program which makes direct loans to business owners officially launches on May 9 and is administered by the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) within GO-Biz.

The California Community Colleges partnered with GO-Biz for Small Business Month and announced a series of free events for small business owners to gain valuable information and resources to help them succeed.  

“Our 113 community colleges are in every backyard, said Community Colleges Vice Chancellor, Von Ton-Quinlivan. “We want for many of our students to ‘be their own boss’ by equipping them to build their careers among the 3.8 million small businesses that call California home.”  

Three local small business owners were featured at the event. Jason Poole of Preservation and Co. – based in Sacramento, CA – makes hand crafted and hand packed cocktail mixers and recently received a small business loan guarantee from the IBank. Jared Hill of Aloha Products – based in Livermore, CA – manufactures snow boards, surf boards and apparel and was recently certified as a California Made product by GO-Biz. David Gull of New Helvetia Brewing – based in Sacramento, CA – is a leading craft brewer and recently received a California Competes tax credit from GO-Biz for a planned expansion.

“I am pleased help kick off Small Business Month in California, where the sixth largest economy in the world is fueled by millions of small companies, which in turn are fueled by millions of hardworking women and men who’ve turned their dreams and visions into reality,” said Senator Atkins. “Our state’s small-business owners help make our communities thrive, and they deserve to be honored and celebrated.”

“Small businesses are critical to the strength of local economies and communities. They give opportunities to people with entrepreneurial spirits and the will to work hard, and are the cornerstone of the American Dream,” said Assemblymember Quirk-Silva. “Each May, we take a moment to recognize their contributions as job creators and trailblazers for innovation and diversity.”

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and when small business thrives, California thrives,” said Assemblymember Cooper. “We are home to over 3.8 million small businesses and California owes an enormous debt of gratitude for their contributions to our state. Thank you for making California the world’s sixth largest economy!”

“I am proud to join my colleagues to kick off California Small Business Month. Our golden state holds rank amongst the largest economies in the world and small businesses are the backbone,” exclaimed Assemblymember Garcia. “While we dedicate this time to celebrate our intrepid small business owners we must also step up in support of their endeavors. Together we can work to create a more inclusive economy, increase accessibility to resources and implement equitable policies that will allow both our businesses and communities to thrive.”

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, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

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Sacramento, Calif. – The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is holding a press conference to formally declare the month of May as California Small Business Month. The event will feature the GO-Biz Director, Panorea Avdis; State Small Business Advocate, Jesse Torres; Legislative leaders from across the state. Small Business Month is an annual event that celebrates entrepreneurs nationwide for their contributions to the economy. Each year, California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. declares the month of May as California Small Business Month and recognizes the importance of small businesses and entrepreneurs to the state, which is home 3.8 million small businesses – most in the US. In fact, California small businesses represent 99.8 percent of all businesses in the state.  GO-Biz and our partners are also announcing a series of free events in the month of May for small businesses to gain valuable information and resources to help them succeed.

Monday, May 1, 2017
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
California State Capitol
South Side Steps

Speakers:

• Panorea Avdis, Director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
• Jesse Torres, State Small Business Advocate
• Kevin De Leon, President Pro Tem (Invited)
• Toni Atkins, Senator
• Sharon Quirk-Silva, Assemblymember
• Jim Cooper, Assemblymember
• Eduardo Garcia, Assemblymember
• Van Ton-Quinlivan, Vice Chancellor of the California Community Colleges
• Jason Poole, Founder, Preservation and Co
• David Gull, Founder, New Helvetia Brewing
• Jared Hill, Founder, Aloha Products

Media Availability: 

State officials and company representatives are available for interviews. Please RSVP to Brook.Taylor@gov.ca.gov

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, www.business.ca.gov.

Contact Information
Address:
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95818
Phone: 1-877-345-4633
Email Us

Explore more articles by category:  GO-Biz News  |  CalOSBA News  |  Press Releases |  Opinion Editorials