Agency: Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)

The California Competes Tax Credit is the state's premier business attraction and expansion incentive. This negotiated tax credit program evaluates applications based on the number of jobs created, wages offered, investment amount, and strategic value to California's economy. Awards are highly competitive, with businesses proposing significant job creation and capital investment receiving priority consideration. The program has awarded over $1.5 billion in tax credits since its inception, supporting hundreds of company expansions and relocations to California.

Agency: California Energy Commission

CalSEED is California's flagship clean energy startup program, providing crucial early-stage funding to entrepreneurs developing breakthrough energy technologies. The program specifically targets the "valley of death" funding gap between research and commercialization. Successful recipients receive not only funding but also access to the CalSEED network of mentors, investors, and industry partners. Many CalSEED alumni have gone on to raise significant venture capital and achieve commercial success.

Agency: California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank)

The IBank Small Business Loan Guarantee Program helps California small businesses access capital they might not otherwise qualify for by reducing the risk to lenders. By guaranteeing up to 80% of the loan amount, IBank enables banks and credit unions to approve financing for businesses that don't meet traditional lending criteria. This program has facilitated over $8 billion in small business lending since its creation, supporting job creation and economic growth throughout the state.