California

Sectors it is courting

• Aerospace and Defense
• Cleantech/Clean Energy
• Automotive
• Healthcare
• Food and Beverage
• Information and Communication Technology
• Marine Technology
• Media and Entertainment
• Agribusiness
• Business and Professional Services

Investment it is seeking from

• Australia
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• Japan
• Mexico
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Singapore
• Sweden
• India

Supply-chain projects it is looking for

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), Biotechnology, Critical Minerals and Materials, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Large Capacity Batteries, Medical Devices, Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Packaging

Incentive programmes

• Grant

  The California Grants Portal hosts all new state-administered grant and loan opportunities offered on a competitive or first-come basis. Learn more at grants.ca.gov

• Tax Credit

  The California Competes Tax Credit is a corporate income tax credit for companies looking to create jobs and investments in California. There will be $400 million in available credits during the 2025 funding rounds. Learn more at business.ca.gov/california-competes-tax-credit The Research and Development Tax Credit (R&D) reduces state income tax due on qualified research expenses while conducting research activity in California. Learn more at ftb.ca.gov/file/business/credits/california-research.html The New Employment Credit (NEC) is an income tax credit for specific new hires, such as veterans and formerly incarcerated individuals, in economically disadvantaged areas. Learn more at ftb.ca.gov/file/business/credits/new-employment-credit/index.html The Homeless Hiring Tax Credit offers employers $2,500 to $10,000 in tax credit per eligible employee based on hours worked. Employers may claim up to $30,000 of credit per taxable year. Learn more at ftb.ca.gov/file/business/credits/homeless-hiring-tax-credit/index.html

• Tax Exemption

  The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) offers a full sales and use tax exclusion to manufacturers that promote alternative energy and advanced transportation in California. Learn more at treasurer.ca.gov/caeatfa There is also a Partial Sales and Use Tax Exemption of 3.9375% available for the purchase of basic manufacturing equipment. Learn more at cdtfa.ca.gov/industry/manufacturing-and-research-and-development-equipment-exemption

• Loan/Loan Participation

  The California Capital Access Program (CalCAP) encourages banks and other financial institutions to make loans to small businesses. With CalCAP portfolio support, a lender may be more comfortable underwriting small business loans of up to $5 million. Learn more at treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap

Technology-sector sub-sectors sought

AgTech (including FoodTech), CleanTech, HealthTech (including MedTech), ICT (including Software / Cybersecurity / AI)

Programmes for international technology startups

All of our incentives are available to international technology startups.

Programmes for international clean-energy projects

Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC): This program provides grants for the advancement of science and technology in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, advanced electricity technologies, energy-related environmental protection, transmission and distribution as well as transportation technologies. Learn more at energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/electric-program-investment-charge-epic-program The CalSEED grant is one of several initiatives funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC) EPIC program to advance energy innovation. CalSEED grants of up to $600,000 are awarded to early-stage clean energy entrepreneurs to accelerate California’s clean energy goals. Learn more at calseed.fund The CalTestBed Initiative is a voucher program that assists clean energy entrepreneurs in gaining access to critical testing facilities. It expedites their pathway to commercialization through connection to a network of partners. Learn more at caltestbed.com The Climate Catalyst Program works to accelerate the speed and scale of climate-solution deployment by mobilizing public and private finance. It is flexible, offering a range of financial instruments to help bridge the financing gap currently preventing advanced technologies from scaling into the marketplace. Learn more at ibank.ca.gov/climate-financing/climate-catalyst-program

Additional services

The GO-Biz International Team serves as the first point of contact for international companies interested in expanding to California. GO-Biz International core services include incentive navigation, site selection, and permitting support. However, they are available for any questions you may have about navigating state resources, finding a region, and growing your company in the Golden State.

Investor account, as submitted

California is home to international businesses from all over the world. Some notable examples can be found at business.ca.gov/advantages/international-trade-and-investment/invest-in-california/international-businesses-in-california

Submitted by the economic development organisation, not independently verified.

Who to contact

• Maria OnoratoForeign Direct Investment Program Managermaria.onorato@gobiz.ca.gov(916) 291-8323

1325 J Street, Suite 1800, Sacramento, CA 95814