California Resources for Manufacturers
Learn about the certifications, incentives and small business support programs that can strengthen your California manufacturing business
Certifications
Incentives
Other State Resources
Small Business Advisors
State Certifications
Small Business Certification
California is committed to small business participation goals for state contracts posted to Cal eProcure. The Department of General Services’ Procurement Division offers certifications including Small Business, Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works (SB-PW), and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE). Certified businesses have access to training and resources.
Supplier Clearinghouse Certification
The California Public Utilities Commission maintains Diverse Supplier certification to encourage utilities, electric service providers, community choice aggregators, and other covered entities to do business with companies owned by women, racial minorities, disabled veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. Certification provides access to resources and bid information.
California Department of Transportation (CalTrans)
Caltrans recognizes state and federal small business certifications to provide better opportunities to compete in state-funded price quotation processes. Contracts may include IT and non-IT commodities, commercial services, architectural and engineering services, and some public works procurements.
Federal Certifications
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
The federal government uses programs to help small businesses compete for federal contracting opportunities. GSA provides general information and training on how to do business with the federal government.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA helps small businesses compete for federal contracts and access mentoring and education. Federal certifications may include Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, and Veteran Small Business.
Manufacturing Incentives
California offers incentives and services designed to help manufacturers improve operational and financial performance. These may include the California Competes Tax Credit, the Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Manufacturing, and other manufacturing-related programs.
ZEV Funding Opportunities
California and local governments offer incentives, financing options, and grants to help property owners, businesses, and residents transition to zero-emission vehicles and install ZEV infrastructure.
Other State Resources
California Government Operations Agency (GovOps)
The California Government Operations Agency (GovOps) is responsible for administering state operations including procurement, information technology, and human resources.
Cal eProcure
Cal eProcure is an online portal that gives businesses access to state bidding, contracting and certification resources in one location.
California Department of Insurance (CDI)
The Insurance Diversity Initiative (Initiative) focuses on advancing diversity, equity, and transparency within California’s $340 billion insurance industry.
Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
The Department of Health Care Access and Information administer the Hospital Supplier Diversity Reporting program designed to collect and post hospital supplier diversity reports explaining the hospital’s supplier diversity statement and procurement efforts regarding certified minority, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), and disabled veteran business enterprise.
Small Business Advisors
California’s network of small business support centers provides entrepreneurs with no-cost one-on-one consulting and low-cost training services in many languages. Advisors can assist with startup planning, access to financing, growth strategy, resiliency planning, e-commerce, marketing, and more.
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95814
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