Agency Members
- Agricultural Labor Relations Board
- California Business Investment Services
- California Economic Strategy Panel
- California Employment Development Department
- California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board
- California Workforce Investment Board
- Department of Industrial Relations
- Employment Training Panel
Helpful Resources
California Business Investment Services
CalBIS serves employers, corporate real estate executives, and site location consultants who are considering California for business investment and expansion.
International Business
California produces more than $1.6 trillion in goods and services annually, making the state the eighth largest economy in the world. California is the prime hemispheric crossroad for trade and investment in the United States with annual exports totaling over $120 billion.
When it comes to international business, California is truly THE place to be – no other location on the Pacific Rim can match its unique combination of a strategic geographic location, large consumer market, well-educated workforce, and concentration of corporate, financial and high-technology resources. With three of the largest seaports in the world, the Golden State is the Pacific Rim’s global gateway. California has a strong influence on global markets and import/export-related jobs. Export-supported jobs account for over 10 percent of California’s total private sector employment.
California is the most popular US location for international companies and attracts more foreign direct investment than any other state. Top investing countries are Japan, United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. Foreign affiliate employment accounts for over 700,000 jobs in California. The state has one of the largest concentrations of international banks, foreign consulates, and bi-national chambers of commerce in the United States.
Services for Foreign Investors
CalBIS assists with international businesses interested in relocating or expanding their existing operations. Services include advise on competition, effectiveness, and profitability in domestic and international markets.
CalBIS provides technical assistance services to help businesses grow and prosper. Services include but not limited to:
- Site selection and logistical assistance
- Demographic, wage, tax and utility cost data
- Quality of life facts for your workers, their family and business
- Networking with local government officials and private businesses
International Trade and Investment Resources
- Federal Investor Visa Program (EB-5)
- Setting Up Business in California: A Guide for Investors, 2009
- Foreign Trade Zones in California
International Trade Statistics
- Trade Stats Express
- US Census Bureau Foreign Trade Division
- Centers for International Trade Development
- Small Business Administration, Office of International Trade
- US Export Assistance Centers - Federal Government, US Dept of Commerce
- World Trade Centers
California Ports
California's three major container ports carry more than 40 percent of the nation's total container cargo volume.