SCVEDC Blog

BizFed Poll Ranks Santa Clarita as LA County's Most Business-Friendly Location Four Years in a Row

The annual BizFed Pulse Poll offers a snapshot of the issues and priorities shaping the Los Angeles County business community. First conducted in 2008, the poll has, for nearly two decades, asked BizFed member associations about the concerns most critical to the ongoing operation and growth of their businesses. BizFed’s broad regional coalition includes 245 diverse business groups representing 420,000 employers and five million employees across chambers of commerce, trade associations, business improvement districts and other Southern California business organizations.

For the fourth consecutive year, the City of Santa Clarita has earned the top spot as Los Angeles County’s Most Business-Friendly City, tying with the City of Los Angeles in the 2026 Pulse Poll. The result continues an exceptional record of consistency. Santa Clarita has ranked among the top three in nine of the past 10 polls and has finished No. 1 seven times, including six outright wins and this year’s shared honor.

Congratulations to the Top  23 Power Brokers!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) invests not just in growing our local businesses, but also in attracting great companies to the region, with a focus on industries that provide residents with high-quality, high-paying jobs.

Bringing businesses to our community takes a combined effort from SCVEDC, our public and private partners, and the dedicated commercial real estate professionals who help companies find the right location to grow. Each year, SCVEDC recognizes the top commercial real estate brokers active in the Santa Clarita Valley whose transactions and client work contribute to the region’s economic momentum. At the annual Power Broker Breakfast each June, brokers, civic leaders, and community representatives come together to celebrate the dealmakers who are shaping the SCV business landscape.

IQVIA Laboratories maintains 350 high-quality life science jobs in the SCV at their new 134,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

Strong local economies don’t happen by accident—they’re built by helping existing employers stay, grow, and reinvest. That’s especially true for companies with highly specialized operations, where facility needs, regulatory timelines, and infrastructure requirements can make or break an expansion decision.

One of the best recent examples is IQVIA Laboratories (formerly Q2 Solutions), a global drug discovery and development laboratory services organization with longstanding ties to the Santa Clarita Valley. Over the years, IQVIA Laboratories has supported high-quality employment opportunities and contributed to our local economy, and when the company faced a challenge, SCVEDC worked with partners to help ensure growth could happen right here.

Congratulations to the Top Power Brokers!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) invests not just in growing our local businesses but also in attracting great companies to the region. It focuses on industries that provide our residents with high-quality, high-paying jobs.

Bringing businesses to our community takes a combined effort from the SCVEDC and our partners in economic development, including the dedicated commercial real estate brokers who work tirelessly to get these businesses set up at the right location that works for them. Each year, we recognize the top commercial real estate brokers active in the Santa Clarita Valley whose efforts contributed the most economic impact.

The 2024 Santa Clarita Valley Economic Outlook explores a resilient and evolving local labor market characterized by growth in key industries, changing dynamics, and challenges in workforce retention. Employment and business expansion, workforce training initiatives, and business assistance and attraction remain a primary focus, supported by the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation’s (SCVEDC) integrated approach to attracting diverse business opportunities and job creation. Here are the highlights and insights on employment and workforce trends shaping the region from the 2024 Economic Outlook Book and the 2024 Economic Outlook conference this September:

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) will be recognized by the LAEDC with a Strategic Engagement Award, honoring the SCVEDC’s impactful work in driving economic growth. This acknowledgment celebrates the SCVEDC's dedication to attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses to cultivate a diverse economic landscape and create high-quality jobs for the community.

Adding to this year’s achievements, Santa Clarita was ranked in the lowest cost tier in the Kosmont-Rose Institute's annual 2024 Cost of Doing Business Survey. Notably, Santa Clarita was the only city in Los Angeles County to receive this designation, underscoring its ability to offer a competitive and cost-effective environment that appeals to businesses large and small. The city's streamlined permitting processes, business support services, and access to essential resources have made it a top destination for companies looking to thrive.

Below is an analysis of data from the regional Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) market in various aspects such as Industrial & Commercial real estate, retail, residential, hotel vacancy & occupancy, and film activity. The "SCV Market" encompasses the various areas of the City of Santa Clarita (Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, and Canyon Country), as well as the unincorporated Los Angeles County areas of Castaic, Val Verde, Stevenson Ranch, and Agua Dulce.

For a downloadable PDF of the charts and brief summaries of our Q2 2024 Economic Snapshot click here:      

As part of its ongoing effort to promote international investment into the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), and to facilitate export opportunities for SCV companies, SCVEDC recently participated in two major investment conferences: SelectLA hosted by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), as well as the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington D.C.

These investment conferences are a crucial component of SCVEDC's comprehensive strategy to attract a diverse range of investors, both domestically and internationally, who are interested in expanding their operations into the dynamic and thriving business environment of the SCV. By actively engaging with potential investors at major conferences like SelectLA and the SelectUSA Investment Summit, SCVEDC aims to showcase the SCV as a prime location for business growth and development, highlighting the region's business-friendly policies, strategic location, skilled workforce, and abundance of money-saving incentives. Through these efforts, SCVEDC is actively fostering a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign companies to establish and expand their presence in the SCV, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity in the region. 

Curious about how Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) benefits the Santa Clarita Valley? Check out our FDI Brochure!

Congratulations to the Top 25 Power Brokers!

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) invests not just in growing our local businesses but attracting great companies to the region with a focus on industries that provide our residents with high-quality, high-paying jobs.

Bringing businesses to our community takes a combined effort from the SCVEDC and our partners in economic development, and of course, from the dedicated commercial real estate brokers who work tirelessly to get these businesses set up at the right location that works for them. Each year we recognize the top commercial real estate brokers active in the Santa Clarita Valley whose efforts contributed the most economic impact. This years list features many returning faces as well as some new ones!

Discover how apprenticeships can help businesses grow and thrive.

In the vibrant business landscape of Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), where innovation meets opportunity, investing in talent development isn't just a strategy—it's a necessity for sustainable growth. As local businesses strive to remain competitive in an ever-evolving market, embracing apprenticeship programs emerges as a powerful solution. But what exactly is an apprenticeship, and how can it revolutionize your workforce? Let's delve into the world of registered apprenticeships and explore how they can benefit your business in more ways than one. 

For businesses expanding or new ventures, whether domestic or international, setting roots in the Santa Clarita Valley, apprenticeships present an invaluable resource. As these businesses seek to establish themselves in a new environment, the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce becomes paramount. Apprenticeships offer the perfect solution, providing a structured pathway to train individuals in line with the specific needs and requirements of the business.  

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation is your one-stop resource for all your business needs

The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) plays a pivotal role in fostering business growth and prosperity within the region. Our overarching goals are to support the creation of high-paying jobs for our trained workforce, stimulate economic activity that grows the regional tax base, and strategically position the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) and its businesses to better compete in the global economy. Through a multifaceted approach, the SCVEDC assists businesses with expansion within the SCV and relocation to the SCV by providing comprehensive support services tailored to their specific needs.

Discover how apprenticeships can help businesses grow and thrive.

Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) is home to nearly 300,000 residents and a variety of companies. Thanks to a business-friendly environment, continuous positive economic growth, and local civic leadership that supports ongoing improvements to key infrastructure, our roster of fantastic companies calling the SCV home continues to grow.

Employers across the country are grappling with workforce and recruitment challenges. SCV boasts a highly educated workforce and benefits from access to workforce pipelines in neighboring markets within LA County. In addressing the workforce needs of businesses in SCV, the local community, including academic institutions and economic development organizations, are embracing opportunities for apprenticeships to harness the strength of a vibrant and diverse workforce.

The SCVEDC is proud to celebrate the recent achievements of two of its team members: Dr. Jey Wagner (President & CEO) and Ondre Seltzer (VP, Workforce & Economic Development). Dr. Wagner's appointment to the Board of Directors for Team California highlights his dedication to the growth and retention of businesses in the Golden State. With a strong background in Foreign Direct Investment and working closely with international clients, Ondre Seltzer's addition to the Maple Business Council further strengthens the SCVEDC's commitment to fostering global relationships. These appointments reflect the SCVEDC's ongoing efforts to attract and retain businesses in the Santa Clarita Valley, showcasing the team's dedication to driving economic growth and innovation in the region.

The SCVEDC is excited to announce that we were recently honored for excellence in economic development by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in two distinct categories. For both the Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Initiatives and Print Brochures categories impacting populations between 200,000 - 500,000 residents, the SCVEDC was recognized for two of last year's projects: The 2022 Business Survey, and the SCV Talent Report.

Have you heard about the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)? It’s a state income tax credit supporting the growth of high-quality jobs in California, available to businesses who want to come to, stay in, or grow in our state. Through a two-phase process, businesses apply and compete for this credit during three application periods each fiscal year (FY).

Here's how it works: Phase I is an online application process, where businesses submit information on their 5-year growth plans including a comprehensive description of their growth project, projected new hires and wages, projected amount of investment equipment and facilities, and their requested tax credit. A cost-benefit ratio is then calculated, and companies with the most advantageous cost-benefit ratio (and additional factors) move on to Phase II for final agreement negotiation and selection. Phase ll applicants must then be approved by the California Competes Tax Credit Committee.

On Tuesday night Holly Schroeder, President & CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, released the 2022 SCVEDC Annual Report to the City Council. It featured our organization's business attraction and retention, business assistance, economic information & research, and community marketing efforts.

Click here for the presentation slides, and read below for more details!

Recently, the New York Times published an article and podcast titled, “The most empty downtown in America.” It outlined the story of San Francisco’s rise as a tech hub, with highly paid young adults employed at growing companies such as Yelp, Salesforce and Uber. 

These workers spent money at local coffee and lunch spots, creating a need for another set of service and hospitality workers. It was a virtuous cycle until the COVID-19 pandemic sent tech workers to work from home.

Does your business pay Use Tax? If so you may be eligible to direct a large portion of your Use Tax back to Santa Clarita’s general fund for public safety, parks, libraries, infrastructure and other City services AND receive a cash rebate on a portion of the Use Tax remitted to the City. 

Last Thursday night, the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) recognized the City of Santa Clarita as the Most Business Friendly City  in LA County with a population greater than 60,000, tying with the City of Gardena. El Segundo was named the winner for cities with a population under 60,000. Tom Cole and Monica Fawcett from the city's Economic Development department accepted the award on the city's behalf at the LAEDC’s 27th Eddy Awards in SoFi Stadium.

The Eddy Awards® is one of the most prestigious awards programs to recognize leadership in economic development in business and government throughout Los Angeles County. It celebrates exceptional public and private leadership in LA County economic development, with the Most Business Friendly City Award and recognition of honorees that demonstrate outstanding contributions to economic development in the region.

Have you heard about the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)? It’s a state income tax credit supporting growth of high quality jobs in California, available to businesses who want to come to, stay in, or grow in our state. Through a two-phase process, businesses apply and compete for this credit during three application periods each fiscal year.

Here's how it works: Phase I is an online application process, where businesses submit information on their 5-year growth plans including a comprehensive description of their growth project, projected new hires and wages, projected amount of investment equipment and facilities, and their requested tax credit. A cost-benefit ratio is then calculated, and companies with the most advantageous cost-benefit ratio move on to Phase II for final negotiation and selection.

SCV Companies: Business Climate in SCV is Robust

Local companies positively rate the business climate and quality of life in the Santa Clarita Valley. That’s the key takeaway from the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation’s 2022 Business Survey of 155 companies.

Adept Fasteners expands to their new home in Valencia Commerce Center

SCVEDC's recent case study about Adept Fasteners provides a look at the company's objectives and space needs. The case study illustrates their reasoning behind the decision to expand their operations in the Santa Clarita Valley by designing a custom layout facility. Adept Fasteners provides engineering fastener solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. The company offers customized inventory solutions supported by technology to meet customers' production needs and delivery times. Adept is an approved supplier for top names in the industry, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrup Grumman, Raytheon Technologies, and more.

As we celebrate the City of Santa Clarita's nomination once again as a business-friendly city by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, it's a good time to reflect on what makes the Santa Clarita Valley so business friendly.

City of Santa Clarita among 10 finalists for this year's "Most Business Friendly City" Award

It's been another banner year for Santa Clarita in terms of achievements and growth. Through a lot of hard work and collaboration, the citizens and businesses of SCV have really risen to meet the challenges of the last 18 months. As we heard from economist Dr. Mark Schniepp at our Economic Outlook Forecast, Santa Clarita is well on its way in terms of recovery. One of the biggest factors in growth and economic recovery is for your businesses to thrive. The City of Santa Clarita has once again been named as a finalist in the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation's (LAEDC) award for "Most Business Friendly City" in LA County. As Los Angeles County's third largest city, Santa Clarita continues its commitment to maintain a healthy business environment for current and future companies, proactively promoting business-friendly programs and services--a critical factor in job creation. With award criteria including prioritizing and supporting business recovery, reinvention, growth and hiring throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it's no surprise that we made the short list.

In a smart move to keep California’s signature industry thriving in-state, legislators earlier this month voted to increase both film and television tax incentives by another $330 million. The new bill was signed into law on July 22 by Governor Newsom, and has two primary features. The currently available  $330 million is being bolstered with an additional $180 million, bringing the annual film tax incentive program total to $410 million. The entirely new component now adds $150 million, allocated towards the construction of soundstages in an effort to meet the ever-growing demand for these studio facilities. These changes could prove vital to meet California's film and television needs, stop production jobs from leaving the state, and potentially coax studios to return that had jumped ship for more enticing offers in other states.

Complete List of Upcoming Webinars 

July 28th, 2021

Details and Registration

August 5th, 2021

Details and Registration

August 10th, 2021

Details and Registration

DrinkPAK Brings 275 Jobs to the SCV Over the Next Four Years

SCVEDC's recent case study about DrinkPAK provides a look at the company's objectives and space needs. The case study illustrates their reasoning behind the decision to relocate to the Santa Clarita Valley and the company’s further expansion. DrinkPAK, the premier West Coast alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturer, currently occupies 572,419 SF at the Center at Needham Ranch Industrial Park. Through its high efficiency production lines, this location houses procurement support, complex batching and processing, filling, packaging, and on-site storage and distribution.

Celebrating Economic Development Month

GO-Biz Hosting Webinars for Businesses Interested in Applying for
 $80 Million in Tax Credits

Have you heard about the California Competes Tax Credit? It’s a state income tax credit supporting growth of high quality jobs in California, available to businesses who want to come to, stay in, or grow in our state. Through a two-phase process, businesses apply and compete for this credit during three application periods each fiscal year.

The City of Santa Clarita and SCVEDC Award Local Small Businesses with COVID Relief Grants

The City of Santa Clarita and Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) are excited to announce that 149 small businesses within the Santa Clarita Valley were approved to receive a one-time financial reimbursement for COVID-related expenses of up to $5,000 per individual business, as a part of the Santa Clarita Small Business COVID Relief Grant.

Interested applicants began receiving their approval or denial letters beginning on Thursday, November 19. Verified eligible businesses that have met all specified grant qualifications and requirements can expect to receive grant funds by the end of the year.