California Home LWDA Home Page Index for California Business Investment Services California's Business Advantages Site Selection Regions Site Selection Services Investment Incentives Workforce Services International Business Data and Statistics Contact Us California Labor & Workforce Development Agency     My CA     This site  California Business Investment Services California's Business Advantages California is a leader in innovation. New ideas are a natural part of life in the Golden State. California supports creativity with a superior educational system and job training that produces an unrivaled, highly-skilled labor force. 2.5 million students enrolled in 250 colleges and universities in 2004. Over 272,000 college graduates every year. 612 members in the National Academy of Sciences. 107 Nobel laureates. California continues to be the nation’s leading high-tech state.. The Golden State boasts nearly 1 million high-tech workers, more than any other state and over one-sixth of all U.S. high-tech workers. High-tech exports totaled over $48 billion in 2004, ranked first nationwide, and high-tech goods represent 44% of the state’s annual exports. California leads the nation in 15 of 16 high-tech segments including: employment totals for computer systems design, telecommunications, research and development and testing labs, and engineering services. California leads the nation in R&D and venture capital (VC) investment. California receives approximately 45 percent of the nation’s VC investments. Venture capital investment in California are up by over $1 billion in 2004. In 2004, California companies received more than $9.3 billion, or 45% of all VC dollars invested in the U.S. Top sectors receiving VC funding are software, biotechnology, telecommunications, medical devices and semiconductors. University science research expenditures total $3.3 billion annually. Industrial and academic R&D totals $51.4 billion, ranked first in the nation. California offers a 24 percent R&D tax credit to businesses. California makes business sense. Sixth-largest economy in the world. Produced more than $1.54 trillion in goods and services in 2004 a 7.3% increase over 2003. California’s economy represents over 13% of the United States’ Gross Domestic Product. California's population exceeded 36.8 million persons on January 1, 2005 and continues to grow in size and diversity. Californians represent 12.5% (one out of every eight persons) of the United States population. The state added 539,000 residents in 2004. Number one state for attracting foreign direct investment. Large consumer market for high technology, biotechnology, food and agriculture, apparel, and entertainment. California tops many business lists. Since 2002, California has been number 1 on the list of favorite States to live in, according to the Harris Poll®, August 2005. Business Facilities Magazine announced in its May 2003 issue that four California cities dominate its new list of 20 "Top High-Tech Cities." The four cities are San Jose (#1), San Diego (#6), San Francisco (#7), and Santa Clara (#18). FORTUNE Magazine announced in its April 21, 2005 issue that 110 California companies lead its prestigious FORTUNE 1000 list of America's largest corporations ranked within states. Forbes.com announced in its online publication on October 15 and November 12, 2004, that California lead all states in the categories of 200 best small companies and largest privately owned companies." California is globally connected with a world-class infrastructure. More than 15,000 miles of highways and freeways 12 cargo airports and 11 cargo seaports 18 foreign trade zones and 39 enterprise zones Over 18 million Internet users Global export leader in 2004 with $110 billion in sales (17% increase over 2003) Californians lead an enviable lifestyle. Young, enthusiastic population with a median age of 34.1 Home to over 1,000 golf courses California has more theme parks and amusement parks than any other state 45 snow resorts 21 professional sports teams Natural and scenic beauty in 24 national parks, 272 state parks, 1,100 coastline kilometers, and 134 wilderness areas. U.S. leader in tourism – $82.5 billion in revenues in 2004 Back to Top of Page © 2005 State of California Conditions of Use Privacy Policy