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 these certifications: Small Business, Small Business for the Purpose of Public Works (SB-PW) and/or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE). Certified businesses have access to training and resources.
Supplier Clearinghouse Certification
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) maintains its own 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, and persons with disabilities. Certification provides access to resources and bid information.
California Department of Transportation (CalTrans)
CalTrans is likewise committed to state small business participation goals. It recognizes state and federal small business certifications to provide better opportunities to compete in the state-funded price quotation processes. Such contracts may include Information Technology (IT) and non-IT commodities, commercial services, Architectural and Engineering (A&E) and some Public Works procurements.
Federal Certifications
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
The federal government uses special programs to help small businesses win at least at 23% of federal contracting dollars each year. The GSA does not offer its own certification process but provides general information and training on how to successfully do business with the federal government:
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA helps small businesses win a fair share of federal contracts and get business mentoring and education. The SBA also points you to these federal certifications and more:
- Small Business
- Small Disadvantaged Business
- Woman-Owned Small Business
- Veteran Small Business
Manufacturing Incentives
To maintain California’s dominance in manufacturing, the State of California offers incentives and services designed specifically to help manufacturers improve their operational and financial performance. These include the California Competes Tax Credit, the Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Manufacturing, and the Advanced Transportation and Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption.
ZEV Funding Opportunities
California and local governments offer a variety of incentives, financing options, and grants to help property owners, businesses, and California residents transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and install ZEV infrastructure with a skilled workforce. Click below for a list of resources that can help.
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 provide entrepreneurs with no-cost one-on-one-consulting and low-cost training services in dozens of languages. Through our partnership with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting, you can build a relationship with an expert advisor who can assist with all stages of your business including startup business plans, access to financing, growth strategy, resiliency plans, e-commerce, marketing, and more.
California Office of the Small Business Advocate
1325 J Street, Suite 1800
Sacramento, CA 95814
Speaker Request Form
Stay informed. Subscribe:
CalOSBA Newsletter
State Funding Programs
CA Grants Portal
