California: Resources

California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) statewide network provides free or low-cost services to California businesses looking to expand internationally. Services include an export readiness assessment, export finance assistance, and a database covering trade information. Also included on this site is a statewide list of CITD events and training opportunities as well as a collection of downloadable international trade reports.

The site for the California Chamber of Commerce provides news updates on economic matters, along with information on government-business relations. The site also includes information on international activities and trade, as well as a section detailing California's employment laws. 

The Labor and Workforce section of the official California website provides information on many specific labor-related initiatives and works to improve access to employment and training programs, enforce California labor laws to protect workers and create an even playing field for employers, and administer benefits that include workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family leave. Programs on workforce development are provided, as well as labor law information.

The business programs section of the California Secretary of State website contains relevant news, notices, and important customer alerts. A business entities section, which includes forms, samples and fees, filing tips, and FAQs, is also provided.

The Employment Development Department (EDD) of the State of California provides services that connect job seekers with employers. The EDD website includes job search tools, labor market data, training resources, a guide to managing a tax account, and information about unemployment and disability insurance. Statistics are also provided on topics such as industry employment and unemployment rates.

The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is devoted to developing California's economy by providing services to help start and grow a business, export, and conduct foreign investment. Its website is divided into sections that discuss the basics of starting a business, relocating and expanding, and conducting international business. GO-Biz also provides numerous programs which are listed and described in detail on the website with corresponding contact information and forms.

The California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in California with the tools and guidance necessary to become successful. The center provides California entrepreneurs with guidance concerning business plan development, start-up basics, financing, money management, and international trade. The site contains information regarding these specific services as well as a library of business resources.

The California branch of the U.S. Commerical Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce specializes in helping small to medium-sized companies develop and execute exporting strategies. The website includes links to the offices serving Northern, Southern, and Central California with maps of each region, information about the agency's services, a list of trade events, and an exporter's resource database. 

The Northern California World Trade Center (NorCalWTC) helps to facilitate trade for businesses in Northern California by providing education, resources, and connections. The site contains information regarding the center's events and programs. Business people and companies that choose to become members of the center receive discounted rates for events, networking opportunities with the international trade community, and protocol services.