(a) The California Business Investment Services Program is hereby created within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

(b) The program shall be under the direct authority of the director.

Terms Used In California Government Code 12096.5

(c) The purpose of the program is to serve employers, corporate executives, business owners, investors, and site location consultants who are considering California for business investment and expansion.

(d) In implementing the program, the director shall establish and implement a process for convening teams on key business development situations, including, but not limited to, attracting new businesses, attracting public and private investors, relocation of large manufacturers, or the closure of a large business employer.

(e) (1) In implementing the program, the director shall work cooperatively with local, regional, federal, and other state public and private marketing institutions, economic developers, workforce training partners, and trade organizations in attracting, retaining, and helping businesses and investments grow and be successful in California.

(2) In undertaking program activities, the director shall encourage activities that support the upward mobility of existing small businesses and residents.

(f) The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development shall work with partners and other stakeholders to moderate the impacts of gentrification that may lead to the displacement of residents and small businesses.

(g) (1) The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development shall track activities, as necessary, to report to the Legislature, as specified in paragraph (2).

(2) Upon request by the Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development shall report program activities as follows:

(A) The aggregate number of businesses and investors who made inquiries to the program.

(B) The number of businesses and investors who requested assistance from the program.

(C) The type of assistance requested by businesses and investors, as reported by described categories.

(D) The aggregate number of requests for information that were sent by the program at the request of businesses and investors, and reported by region.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 599, Sec. 1. (AB 2972) Effective January 1, 2023.)