SCVEDC Blog

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The Benefits of Apprenticeships for Your Business

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.

 

Celebrating SCVEDC Team's Achievements: Dr. Jey Wagner with Team California and Ondre Seltzer with Maple Business Council

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.

2023 SCVEDC Annual Report

After 13 years of collaborative efforts within our community, the work of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) continues to be crucial to our region's growth. SCVEDC continues to focus on business assistance, business attraction and retention, community marketing, and information and data. Despite the numerous obstacles of the past few years, there are many bright spots; most notably, the incredible support, innovation, and resiliency of our business community.

 

Last Tuesday night Dr. Jey Wagner, President & CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation, released the 2023 SCVEDC Annual Report to the City Council. It featured our organization's business attraction and retention, business assistance, economic information & research, and workforce development initiatives. 

 

Click here for the presentation slides, and read below for more details. To see the presentation to the City Council on SCVTV, click below and skip to 12:00 minutes.

 

2023 Annual Report          WATCH THE VIDEO

SCVEDC Wins 2 International Awards of Excellence

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.

 

California Competes Tax Credit & Grant Applications: 2023-2024 Fiscal Year

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.

CoC Launches Certified Logistics Training Program

The SCVEDC is committed to spurring workforce training and development to empower our local labor force and help our businesses thrive. A big part of that commitment is our  close partnership with College of the Canyons and their continued efforts to provide high quality training based on current industry needs.

 

 

SCVEDC Honors 2022's Power Brokers in Commercial Real Estate

Congratulations to the Top 22 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 these businesses to our community takes a combined effort from the SCVEDC and our partners in economic development, and of

course, from the tireless commercial real estate brokers who work hard 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, with this years list featuring many returning faces as well as some new ones!

 

 

2022 SCVEDC Annual Report

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!

2022 Annual Report        WATCH THE VIDEO

Save Your Business Money - Santa Clarita Use Tax Rebate Program

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. 

 

LA County Launches New Business and Workforce Assistance Programs

  The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is gearing up to publicly launch and start outreach on several American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funded opportunities for small businesses and job seekers in LA County. They provided updates on two upcoming programs specifically: Pandemic Recovery Rapid Reemployment (PRRR) and Economic Opportunity Grants (EOG). PRRR is currently live for both employers and job seekers to fill out applications. EOG's portal will open in January, but small businesses, microentrepreneurs, and non-profits can fill out interest forms ahead of time.
 

Learn more about the grants, eligibility requirements, and how to apply HERE

EOG Fact Sheet 

 

SCVEDC Announces 2021 Power Brokers in Commercial Real Estate

Congratulations to the Top 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 these businesses to our community takes a combined effort from the SCVEDC and our partners in economic development, and of

course, from the tireless commercial real estate brokers who work hard 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, who will be honored this week at a private breakfast event.

 

 

4 Ways to Prevent 'The Great Resignation' at Your Company

Labor shortages and “the great resignation” are leaving most companies working hard to hold on to the employees they have. One strategy they should use: looking internally at ways they can reduce their own bureaucracy.

 

Working from home, most employees found time in their day wasn’t productive. Remote work gave many people a fresh perspective on their jobs. The “Great Resignation” suggests they didn’t like what they saw, and they decided to pursue other opportunities. In fact, NIST recently called it the “Great Recognition,” an awakening of people to how they spend their time.

SBA Dramatically Increases Disaster Loans Under the COVID EIDL Program

The Small Business Administration has significantly upped the cap for COVID-19 Emergency Injury Disaster Loans (COVID EIDL) from $500,000 to $2 million, providing low-interest, long-term loans for small businesses and nonprofits who experienced or continue to experience economic harm resulting from the pandemic.  

 

January Marks Another Minimum Wage Increase in the City of Santa Clarita

January Marks Another Minimum Wage Increase in the City of Santa Clarita

Are you confused about the minimum wage increases? You’re not alone! The Santa Clarita Valley is in an especially unique situation in that the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles have two different minimum wage increase schedules which has caused confusion and challenges for many of our local employers and residents alike. The City increases its wages in keeping with the State of California’s schedule (January - December), while the County of Los Angeles has adopted a wage increase schedule based on their fiscal calendar (July - June).

Social Media Builds...

Social Media Builds…

When it comes to Social Media and Digital Marketing for your business, the amount of information can feel overwhelming. Post this not that, target this audience, use this platform instead of that one, etc. How do you break through the chatter to figure out what really matters in terms of driving business and brand awareness? Just as you as a business owner, manager, or employee get bombarded with different aspects of social media, so do your consumers and clients.

Southern California Edison Re-Launches Economic Development Rate Program

Are high electricity costs forcing you to consider moving your company out of state? We have some good news for you! Southern California Edison (SCE) has reauthorized their Economic Development Rate (EDR) to attract, retain and expand businesses throughout their territories in California, offering a 12% discount on your energy bill over a 5-year period.

Emergency Preparation: Getting Ready for an External Disaster

Emergency Preparation: Getting Ready for an External Disaster


This is a topic few want to discuss but all business owners should address, especially in the wake of the natural disasters that have struck our valley. Due to recent fires and accompanying power outages, it’s been a challenging time for some businesses in the past couple of months.

How to Create a Positive Mental Health Environment in the Workplace

How to Create a Positive Mental Health Environment in the Workplace

Previously, we examined the employer’s role in work-life balance for their employees, but we don’t want to stop there. We want to take it one step further to an individual level and look at someone who often lets their own needs fall to the wayside: the business owner themselves.

SCV’s Growth Means More (and Better) Jobs for Residents

SCV’s Growth Means More (and Better) Jobs for Residents

If you’ve driven out the 14 or 126 highways recently, you have probably noticed the amount of development and construction along those corridors. And if you’re on Facebook, you’ve probably noticed that some people aren’t happy about that. I’d like to share why this growth is beneficial to the Santa Clarita Valley economy and the people who live here.

The Impact of Health on the Workplace

The Impact of Health on the Workplace

 

It’s not exactly a shocking revelation that leading a healthy lifestyle can improve your physical and mental well being, but did you know that it can also have a profound effect on your performance at work, as well? Recently, we’ve begun to see companies incentivize employees with wellness programs, access to onsite workout facilities or discounted health club memberships, and mindfulness/meditation training to not only improve productivity, but also increase employee satisfaction.

The Employer's Role in Work Life Balance

The Employer’s Role in Work-Life Balance

 

As we’ve discussed before, the growing millennial workforce places a premium on flexible schedules, the ability to work remotely, and communication and mentorship from management. And one of the most important factors they’ve identified is having a sense of work-life balance; that is, the ability to work while still having the freedom and time to pursue outside activities.

fDi Magazine named Santa Clarita an American City of the Future

fDi Magazine named Santa Clarita an American City of the Future

 

Like all businesses that have chosen to locate in the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV), foreign companies are attracted by the region’s business-friendly approach, abundance of land, high quality of life, modern facilities and infrastructure, talented workforce and strong local economy. Additionally, SCV’s proximity to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which are ranked the #1 and #2 ports by cargo volume in North America, make it an ideal location for international businesses.

SCV Means Business: Trends in Manufacturing with ITT and King Henry's Inc.

SCV Means Business: Trends in Manufacturing with ITT and King Henry’s Inc.

 

In case you missed it, over the summer SCVEDC president and CEO Holly Schroeder was able to sit down with a few local leaders to discuss how choosing to locate in the Santa Clarita Valley set them up for success. As they both have ties to the Advanced Manufacturing industry, they shared what current trends they’re experiencing and what to expect moving forward.

S.T.R.E.A.M Expo Returns to Teach Innovation for MFG Day

S.T.R.E.A.M Expo Returns to Teach Innovation for MFG Day

October 3-4 marks the 5th annual MFG Day where industry leaders come together to educate students about careers in the advanced manufacturing industry. This is the second year SCVEDC is partnering with S.T.R.E.A.M. and other local organizations like College of the Canyons and William S. Hart School District to bring a two-day event for both parents and students to focus on the future of innovation.

The Santa Clarita Business Incubator Spotlight

The Santa Clarita Business Incubator Spotlight

One of the greatest local resources we have for startups is the Santa Clarita Business Incubator. A partnership between the City of Santa Clarita, College of the Canyons, and the Small Business Development Center, the Business Incubator has helped local entrepreneurs kickstart their businesses through networking opportunities, low cost office space, and access to partnerships with local legal and financial services, all while establishing roots in the SCV to create high-quality jobs for the community.

Millennials and Startups in SCV

Millennials and Startups in SCV

We’ve discussed before how Santa Clarita is one of the top tech areas to watch in LA and OC and a hot place for startups to call home. Considering millennials are outpacing former generations in the number of businesses being started and their current exodus to the suburbs, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen a resurgence in the interest in startups locally.

Combining Millennials and Baby Boomers in the Workforce

Combining Millennials and Baby Boomers in the Workforce

We’ve already discussed what kind of demands millennials have for the workplace and why it matters. But with the generation now making up the majority of the workforce, it’s becoming more important than ever to recognize ways to integrate their new way of thinking into the company culture to foster peaceful relationships with the established baby boomers.

Quality of Life Matters - Millennials are Moving to the Suburbs

Quality of Life Matters – Millennials are Moving to the Suburbs


As millennials grow up and begin to settle into their careers and buy homes, it’s hardly surprising that their demands from just a few years ago have changed. A generation that once flocked to apartments in the city is now looking to settle down and start a family – but where are they moving to and what are they looking for?

LiveWorkSCV.com by the Numbers

LiveWorkSCV.com by the numbers

Have you heard about LiveWorkSCV.com, the new resource from the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation? LiveWorkSCV.com is a comprehensive, highly visible job board that matches SCV career opportunities with SCV residents who want a job closer to home.

Spotlight: Leading Tech Companies that Call SCV Home

Spotlight: Leading Tech Companies that Call SCV Home

When you think of “booming tech hub,” you’re probably more inclined to think Silicon Valley than Santa Clarita. But the truth is that over the past few years more companies are moving out of Silicon Valley and looking for locations with a greater quality of life that corresponds to the desires of their workforce.

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