Business Resources

Whether you’re starting, growing, or relocating your business in Greater Palm Springs, this page connects you with essential programs, expert guidance, and valuable financing opportunities designed to help your enterprise thrive. Below you’ll find trusted local, regional, and state partners, offering everything from mentorship and advisory services to gap financing solutions and business planning support. Explore the resources below to find the tools and support you need to achieve your business goals in Riverside County and Greater Palm Springs.

INCENTIVES AND BUSINESS SUPPORT

The State of California offers an extensive suite of tools to support business expansion, innovation, and sustainability — from targeted tax credits and energy-efficiency incentives to workforce training programs and financing solutions. Whether you’re launching a new venture, relocating operations, or scaling an existing enterprise, these state-backed resources are designed to accelerate economic growth while aligning with California’s commitment to equity, environmental responsibility, and long-term prosperity.

California Go Biz, officially known as the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, is a business development organization dedicated to promoting economic growth throughout the state. It offers a variety of resources to support businesses at every stage, including tax credits, grants, financing assistance, and help with permit acquisition for operating businesses.

Go Biz also supports site selection by helping businesses find suitable operation locations and provides export assistance to guide businesses in expanding internationally. Its dedicated programs promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation through the following resources.

Go Biz Resources	Link
CA Competes Credit The California Competes Tax Credit offers businesses competitive tax credits to encourage expansion and job creation in California.	https://business.ca.gov/california-competes-tax-credit/
CA Advanced Transportation and Manufacturing Sales & Use Tax Exemption This exemption provides sales and use tax relief for manufacturers and certain businesses involved in advanced transportation technologies.	https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/caeatfa/ste/index.asp
Research & Development Tax Credit California offers a credit to encourage businesses to invest in research and development activities to foster innovation.	https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/credits/california-research.html
CA Film & TV Tax Credit The California Film & TV Tax Credit Program offers financial incentives for qualifying productions filmed in the state.	https://film.ca.gov/tax-credit/
Additional CA Tax Credits California offers a variety of tax credits to support businesses in sectors ranging from agriculture to technology.	https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/credits/index.html

California Governors office of business

For more information, and/or to connect with a representative, please visit California Go-Biz at: California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)

The State of California also offers a wide variety of additional resources to support business at every level, including:

Additional California Business Resources	Link
CA Department of Food & Agriculture Grants The CDFA provides grants for agricultural projects, supporting research and sustainability efforts in California's farming industry.	https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants/
Pollution Control Financing This program helps businesses finance pollution control equipment to reduce their environmental impact.	https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/faq.asp
Go Green Business Energy Financing Provides loans to businesses for energy-efficient upgrades and green technologies in California.	https://www.gogreenfinancing.com/energy-efficiency-business-loans-california/
Industrial Development Bonds These bonds are available to finance manufacturing projects that create or retain jobs in California.	https://www.ibank.ca.gov/bonds/industrial-development-bonds/
Employment Training Panel The Employment Training Panel offers funding to companies to train workers in specific skill areas to enhance job creation.	https://etp.ca.gov/
Zero Emission Vehicles Funding Funding resources are available to businesses involved in zero-emission vehicle projects to support sustainable transportation.	https://business.ca.gov/industries/zero-emission-vehicles/zev-funding-resources/
Economic Development Rate Program This program offers discounted electricity rates to businesses that create new jobs and help stimulate the California economy.	https://gobiz.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new

CEDA

CEDA logo

Established by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED), California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA), helps fill financing gaps by issuing bonds that support business growth. CEDA specializes in Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs) for small and mid-sized manufacturers, as well as 501(c)(3) bonds for nonprofits. These tools support expansion, relocation, and refinancing efforts for organizations such as private schools, health clinics, and community centers.

https://ceda.caled.org/

The following resources are designed to help you access capital, build skills, grow your team, and connect with the broader business community.

FEDERAL RESOURCES

Federal Resources	Link
USDA Farm Service Agency: The USDA Farm Service Agency offers various loan programs to support farmers, agricultural businesses, and ranchers to launch, maintain, or expand their business.	https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/farm-loan-programs
U.S. SBA – Veteran’s Business Outreach Center The SBA’s Veteran’s Business Outreach Center provides a variety of resources to veterans, active service members, and military spouses in support of starting or expanding a small business.	https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vboc
U.S. SBA – Women’s Business Center The SBA’s Women’s Business Centers offer training, counseling, and resources for women entrepreneurs.	https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/womens-business-centers
U.S. SBA - Thrive SBA Thrive is an online learning platform designed to provide small business owners with skills and knowledge to help their businesses succeed.	https://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform/sba-thrive

The State of California also offers a wide variety of additional resources to support business at every level, including:

State of California Resources

State of California Resources	Link
IBank: IBank offers loan guarantees to assist small businesses with challenges accessing capital.	https://www.ibank.ca.gov/small-business/loan-guarantees/
IBank Jump Start Micro Loans IBank provides micro loans to small businesses in underserved communities.	https://www.ibank.ca.gov/small-business/jump-start-loans/
CA Capital Access The Capital Access Program helps small businesses secure loans by incentivizing participating financial institutions.	https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/
CA Small Business Resource Listing A comprehensive list of resources for California small businesses, including planning, licensing & permitting, labor, and taxes.	https://www.sco.ca.gov/resources_for_california_small_businesses.html

Regional Resources

Resource	Link
Riverside County Hiring Incentives: Riverside County offers various hiring incentives, including on-the-job training and employer connection programs to help businesses expand their workforce.	https://rivcoworkforce.org/train-your-workforce
Employer Connect Employer Connect helps businesses build stronger connections with job seekers and local employers.	https://rivcodistrict5.org/employer-connect
Riverside County THRIVE Riverside County THRIVE supports local small businesses with the application process for potential grant opportunities.	https://ociesmallbusiness.org/riverside-county-thrive/
Small Business Development Center The Small Business Development Center provides counseling, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses – all free of charge.	https://ociesmallbusiness.org/
Caravanserai Project The Caravanserai Project provides assistance to marginalized and underserved communities in launching and growing businesses and non-profit organizations.	https://caravanseraiproject.org
SCORE The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) is a nonprofit organization that offers consultation to businesses by experts offering free guidance in a variety of areas. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, SCORE provides practical, real-world advice to help you reach your goals.	https://www.score.org/
Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center: The Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center supports and empowers women entrepreneurs and small business owners through all aspects of development and expansion.	https://www.cvwbc.org/
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting local businesses throughout the Greater Coachella Valley region.	https://gcvcc.org/
Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce promotes local business interests and community engagement within the Palm Desert area.	https://www.pdacc.org/
Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the interests of local businesses throughout the Palm Springs community.	https://pschamber.org/
Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce supports and advocates for local businesses and community prosperity in the Rancho Mirage area.	https://www.ranchomiragechamber.org/

California Grants Portal

The California Grants Portal is a state resource maintained by the California State Library. The portal provides information on grant opportunities that are searchable by category, applicant type, and timeframe.

For more information, please visit the California Grants Portal at: https://www.grants.ca.gov/

For more information about economic development in Greater Palm Springs, please contact:
Sean Smith
Director of Economic Development
sean@LiveWorkGPS.com | 760.969.1308