Economic Development

Economic dev brochure

Discover the Possibilities for Your Business(PDF, 2MB)

See our economic profile(PDF, 2MB) 

San Marcos' economic development program, which focuses on business attraction, retention and expansion, is administered out of the City Manager's office and offers the following services for new and existing San Marcos businesses:

  • Starting a business
  • Demographic statistics 
  • Connecting to other business resources
  • Permitting and development assistance 
  • Site selection assistance 
  • Business liaison services
  • Pre-development meetings 
  • Internship placement 
  • Business expansion 
  • Workforce needs 

Resources

When it comes to serving the business community, the City of San Marcos is committed to raising the bar. In addition to actively bringing business stakeholders to the table, San Marcos is also working to educate local businesses about resources and programs that could benefit their companies.

While not exhaustive, the City of San Marcos has created the following reference list of resources and programs designed to benefit businesses.

Local

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process: Applicants going through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process can visit the city's resource page for a list of city-qualified consultants who can prepare the environmental documents and related technical studies required by CEQA.

The North San Diego Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps small businesses and entrepreneurs in many ways, including consulting, hosting workshops, assisting with access to capital and offering networking opportunities.

State

The California Manufacturers Advantage program helps small to mid-sized businesses grow by identifying opportunities and strategies for growth. This includes working with an advisor, networking, and information on how to best leverage incentives and funding. 

Utilities

Local

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)’sTechnology Incentives program gives financial incentives when you install equipment to better manage energy use.

State

Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) grants funding for research and development that’s dedicated to clean energy. 

California Hub for Energy Efficiency Financing (CHEEF) Pilot Programs was created to improve access to lower-cost financing for energy efficiency investments. There are several ways to participate in this program, which runs all year.

TheCoolCalifornia Funding Wizard can help you find grants related to energy efficiency upgrades and rebates, with an emphasis on sustainable and environmentally-friendly business practices.

Workforce development

Local

San Diego Workforce Partnership’s On-the-job Training Program (OJT) is designed to help businesses hire and train new employees who do not have yet have the experience needed for their work. The employer’s training expenses are paid at a rate not to exceed 50 percent of the wages the new employee earns during the contracted training period.

State

The Employment Training Panel provides funding to employers so they can provide training to their employees. Businesses determine their own training needs and how to provide training.

Tax credits, rebates and bonds

State

California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit for businesses that want to grow, as outlined by certain employment or project investment requirements, referred to as “milestones,” as part of the credit agreements.

Federal

TheNew Markets Tax Credit Program gives people or businesses credit against their federal income tax if they make equity investments in Community Development Entities, which are institutions that serve low-income populations. 

Work Opportunity Tax Credit is available to employers who hire people from demographic groups that have consistently faced significant barriers to employment.