Mr. Ferhan is a business owner in Citrus Heights who has been in business for many years. He is a specialty immigrant, which means that he came to the United States with specialized skills or knowledge. When he first started his business, he did not have much experience running a business in California, he was able to get help from the county and state governments.
The county and state governments offer a variety of programs and services to help specialty immigrants start and grow their businesses. These programs can provide financial assistance, training, and mentorship. Mr. Hammadi said that he was very grateful for the help that he received from the government. He said that it helped him to learn how to run his business successfully.
Mr. Ferhan story is an example of how the government can help specialty immigrants succeed in business. By providing financial assistance, training, and mentorship, the government can help these immigrants to contribute to the economy and create jobs.
Here are some of the programs and services that are available to specialty immigrants in California:
- Small Business Development Centers: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer free and confidential counseling and training to small businesses. SBDCs can help businesses with everything from developing a business plan to obtaining financing.
- CalWORKs: CalWORKs is a state program that provides financial assistance to low-income families. CalWORKs recipients may be eligible for a variety of services, including job training, child care assistance, and transportation assistance.
- One-Stop Career Centers: One-Stop Career Centers offer a variety of services to help people find and keep jobs. These services include job training, resume writing assistance, and interview skills training.
- The California Immigrant Entrepreneur Fund: The California Immigrant Entrepreneur Fund (CIEF) is a loan fund that provides loans to immigrant-owned businesses. CIEF loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including working capital, equipment purchases, and real estate purchases.
If you are a specialty immigrant who is interested in starting or growing a business, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can contact your local SBDC, CalWORKs office, One-Stop Career Center, or the CIEF to learn more about the programs and services that are available to you.
According to Citrus Heights Business Attraction Incentive Program
”New! Citrus Heights Business Attraction Incentive Program”
”The Citrus Heights Business Attraction Incentive Program is established to enhance the City’s competitiveness in attracting designated target industry businesses that create community vibrancy and commercial area vitality.”
”PROGRAM CATEGORIESÂ
- The incentive program includes four categories under which a business may qualify for incentives:
- Restaurants – restaurants, bars, coffee, and tea shops (national chains do not allow)Â
- Breweries and other craft beverage businesses – include artisan manufacturing operations, tasting rooms, and brewpubs
- Entertainment – includes bowling alleys, movie theaters, performing arts, and entertainment venues
- Businesses that serve to diversify the City’s economic base and enhance community quality of life by providing unique or underrepresented services/goods”Â
AVAILABLE INCENTIVES
” On March 23rd, 2023, Citrus Heights City Council approved a $1,000,000 allocation for this program. Eligible businesses may receive a grant on terms to be negotiated for relocation, operating, equipment, or other legitimate and customary start-up or business costs.”Â
Other Economic Development Programs offered by the City of Citrus Heights
- Economic Development Support Fund
- Commercial Sign and Design Assistance Program
- Activate Auburn (Auburn Boulevard Specific Plan Area only)
Project Coordination Team: a multi-disciplinary team to assist development projects with issues or questions related to the plan check and permitting process. Team members include representatives from city departments and partner agencies that are involved in development applications. Contact Economic Development for further assistance.
Project Assistance: The city’s Economic Development Division is available to assist with development at any process stage. Services include business resources, single point-of-contact, site selection assistance, and fee estimates. Please call (916) 727-4745 or email Meghan Huber for assistance.
Please note that citywide programs may be subject to specific state and local requirements.
Regional Programs
Grow Sacramento Fund is a partnership between SMUD, the City of Sacramento, Sacramento County, and the National Development Council (NDC). Small businesses can obtain loan financing to grow their business through this program.
Sacramento Regional Recycling Market Development Zone (SRRMDZ)Â Â encompasses Sacramento County, including all of Citrus Heights. This program combines recycling with economic development to fuel new businesses, expand existing ones, create jobs, and divert waste from landfills. The program provides attractive loans, technical assistance, and free product marketing to businesses that use materials from a waste stream to manufacture their products and are located in a zone.
State Programs
Statewide Community Infrastructure Program (A)
California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to come to California or stay and grow in California. Tax agreements are negotiated by GO-Biz and approved by a statutorily created “California Competes Tax Credit Committee.”
