Applications Open for California Competes Tax Credits and Grants

GO-Biz is now accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) and California Competes Grant (CCG). $140 million in tax credits and $120 million in grants are available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding quality, full-time jobs in California that might not otherwise be created by the business or any other business. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, January 24, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) and the online application website will automatically close once this deadline has passed. The online application can be accessed here.   
 
In addition, an updated application guide, FAQs, and program regulations are available here.

Businesses interested in learning more about California Competes can participate in an upcoming, free application webinars:

• January 13, 2022
• January 18, 2022

If you have any questions regarding the California Competes program or application process, please call (916) 322-4051 or email CalCompetes@gobiz.ca.gov. 

Apply to Join the California
Delegation to SelectUSA

Join us! GO-Biz is leading a delegation of local economic development leaders, innovation partners, and industry representatives to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C. June 26-29, 2022. This delegation will represent the state to hundreds of international investors at the Summit to attract more foreign businesses to California.

You can apply to join as an in-person delegate (~$650) or a virtual delegate (~$300). This delegation fee includes the cost of registration for the Summit.

Learn more here and apply here to join the California delegation today. Space is limited, so please apply now for consideration. Applications are due by Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at 5pm Pacific.

Any questions? Contact Maria Onorato at Maria.onorato@gobiz.ca.gov

Cal/OSHA Updates COVID-19 FAQs to Align with CDPH Guidance on Isolation and Quarantines  

Cal/OSHA updated its FAQs on COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) to incorporate new guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on isolation and quarantine periods. 

COVID-19 Guidance Update:
Masking in Indoor Public Settings

CDPH is extending the requirement that masks be worn in all indoor public settings irrespective of vaccine status. The mask requirement will be extended by one month, through February 15, 2022, at which point California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic. 

• On December 30, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in several counties across the state to support the ongoing response to recent winter storms. The emergency proclamation supported response and recovery efforts, including expanding access to state resources for counties under the California Disaster Assistance Act to support their recovery and response efforts, directing the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to request immediate assistance through the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program in order to obtain federal assistance for highway repairs or reconstruction, and easing access to unemployment benefits for those unemployed as a result of the storms.
   

  The text of last week's proclamation can be found here.

Community Economic Resilience Fund Program (CERF) Releases Final Regions & Planning Phase Draft Guidelines 

CERF Final Regions
The CERF Leadership Team are pleased to announce the release of the final regions for CERF. The 13 CERF regions will all receive planning grants and implementation funds through a competitive process. The release of the final regions also includes a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section to address some of the concerns that emerged during the public comment period for the regions. Details regarding the structure of regional tables can be found in the Planning Phase Guidelines, which is available for public comment.  
 
The announcement for the final CERF regions can be found on the Employment Development Division Workforce Services Branch website. 
 
Planning Phase Draft Guidelines
 The CERF Leadership team invites you to provide public comment on the Planning Phase Draft Guidelines. The guidelines pertain to Phase I of the CERF program, and includes information on: program vision and objectives, High Road planning table primary roles, application requirements, eligibility, planning phase required analysis, and timeline.  
 
The Planning Phase Public Draft Guidelines can be found on the Employment Development Division Workforce Services Branch website.  

Public comments are due by Friday, January 28, 2022, and can be submitted electronically via email: WSBCERF@edd.ca.gov  
 
More information on the CERF Program can be found on the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research website.