Business Incentives

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

Invest. Grow. Succeed in Rancho Cordova.

The City of Rancho Cordova offers a suite of business incentive programs designed to support new investment, business expansion, job creation, and long-term economic vitality. Incentives are available on a case-by-case basis and are aligned with the city’s Economic Development Strategic Plan, targeted industries, and community goals. These programs are supported by the city’s Community Enhancement & Investment Fund, and assistance through these programs is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

All programs are subject to funding availability and city approval.

About the Programs

Jobs and Talent Attraction Program

Attracting high-wage jobs and innovative employers.

Rancho Cordova’s Jobs & Talent Attraction Program supports companies establishing headquarters, satellite offices, or expanding operations that create high-quality, well-paying jobs.

Key Features

Minimum of 5 net new jobs

Jobs paying $100,000+ in W-2 base wages qualify

$10,000 incentive per qualifying job, paid over five years, contingent on job retention

Employer must maintain a minimum three-day-per-week in-office work policy

Designed for headquarters, expansions, and satellite operations

This program is particularly well suited for technology, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and research-oriented companies seeking cost-competitive office space near a growing innovation corridor.

Note regarding eligibility: Jobs that are relocated or consolidated from within the surrounding six (6) county regions (El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba, and Yolo) are not eligible for the program.

Contact econdev@cityofranchocordova.org to find out if you qualify to apply for this incentive.

Business Incentive Program

Supporting business formation, expansion, and economic impact

The Rancho Cordova Business Incentive Program helps businesses locate, expand, and reinvest in the city while filling vacant space, creating jobs, and generating long-term economic returns.

Eligible Incentives May Include

Business Fee Assistance (up to 70% of eligible fees)
Economic Development Grants (generally up to $10,000)
Support for:
- Tenant improvements
- Equipment and Furnishings
- Health and life-safety upgrades
- Marketing and grand opening activities
- Other approved startup or expansion costs

Targeted Industry Sectors

Advanced manufacturing and clean technology
Technology, AI, robotics, and R&D
Life sciences and healthcare
Professional and office-based employment

Manufacturing uses are evaluated case-by-case and must align with zoning, environmental standards, and long-term community compatibility.

Sign and Façade Program

Improving commercial appearance and compliance

The Sign & Façade Improvement Program provides reimbursement assistance to help businesses and property owners upgrade exterior signage and building façades.

Program Highlights

Reimbursement grants up to $25,000 matching grant or up to $5,000 with no match requirement
Projects may exceed $25,000, with the city reimbursing up to the program maximum
Focus on aging commercial properties and code compliance
Designed to improve corridor aesthetics and business visibility

Projects involving construction costs over $25,000 may trigger California prevailing wage requirements.

Retail & Entertainment Incentive Program

Activating Rancho Cordova’s entertainment, dining, and lifestyle economy

The Retail & Entertainment Incentive Program is designed to attract entertainment venues, family-friendly attractions, and dine-in restaurants that enhance quality of life and increase local spending.

Eligible Uses May Include

Rental assistance
Equipment and furnishings
Technology upgrades
Marketing and promotion
Grand opening activities

Target Businesses

Restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distilleries
Fitness and recreational facilities
Entertainment and amusement venues
Childcare and family-oriented uses

Grants are typically capped at 10% of total startup costs, with awards reviewed individually based on economic and community benefit.

Eligibility & How to Apply

General Eligibility & Considerations

Applicants Should Be Aware

All City of Rancho Cordova business incentives are discretionary and subject to program guidelines, funding availability, and city approval. In addition:

Startup Businesses

For purposes of city incentive programs, a startup business is generally defined as an enterprise that is less than three (3) years old, measured from the earliest of its initial business license, legal formation, or first commercial transaction.

Startups are considered early-stage businesses that are actively developing or launching products or services and may not yet have achieved sustained profitability. To be eligible for incentive assistance, a startup must demonstrate that it has sufficient committed debt or equity financing, when combined with the proposed city incentive, to reach financial sustainability within the term of the grant. For this program, financial sustainability is defined as achieving positive net income, excluding depreciation, amortization, and tax expenses, and in compliance with any applicable loan conditions.

For startup businesses:

Incentive requests shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of total eligible startup costs or $25,000, whichever is less

Eligible costs are limited to verifiable, one-time expenses directly related to the physical establishment of the business within the City of Rancho Cordova

Additional Program Requirements

All incentive requests are evaluated case-by-case and must demonstrate a clear economic or community benefit.
Incentives may trigger California prevailing wage requirements, particularly for construction, tenant improvements, or capital projects involving significant labor costs.
Incentives may have tax implications, including the potential issuance of an IRS Form 1099. Applicants are responsible for consulting their own tax and legal advisors.
Businesses receiving assistance are generally required to operate within the City of Rancho Cordova for a minimum of five (5) years. Early departure may require partial or full repayment of incentives, as defined in the executed agreement.
Incentive awards over $100,000 require City Council approval and public disclosure in accordance with California Government Code Section 53083.
The city reserves the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any incentive program at any time prior to grant approval.

How to Apply

Contact Economic Development: Discuss your project and request the appropriate program guidelines. Contact Economic Development at econdev@cityofranchocordova.org or 916.851.8780.
Initial Eligibility Review: Confirm alignment with program criteria and targeted industries.
Application & Due Diligence: Qualified applicants work with an independent consultant to complete financial and project review.
Approval & Agreement: Awards under $100,000 are approved at the staff level; larger awards require City Council approval.

Government Code 53083 Reports

This webpage is provided pursuant to Government Code 53083 which requires local agencies to provide a report with specific information to the public before approving an economic subsidy within its jurisdiction. The reports below will be available to the public though the City Clerk’s office and through the City of Rancho Cordova website.

Reports must include: (1) The name and address of all corporations or any other business entities, except for sole proprietorships, that are the beneficiary of the economic development subsidy, if applicable; (2) The start and end dates and schedule, if applicable, for the economic development subsidy; (3) A description of the economic development subsidy, including the estimated total amount of the expenditure of public funds by, or of revenue lost to, the city as a result of the economic development subsidy; (4) A statement of the public purposes for the economic development subsidy; (5) The projected tax revenue to the city as a result of the economic development subsidy; and (6) The estimated number of jobs created by the economic development subsidy, broken down by full-time, part-time, and temporary positions.

Local Incentives Awarded

2015

2016

2024

2025

Additional Resources

There are also additional local, state and federal resources available. See below for more information.

Financing

Small Business Financing through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Loans, investment capital, disaster assistance, surety bonds and grants for small business owners.

SBA Website

Bond Opportunities for Land Development

Developers can finance public infrastructure needed for new development using municipal bonds issued by the California Municipal Finance Authority.

Bond Opportunities for Land Development Website

Statewide Community Infrastructure Program (SCIP)

Defer development fees of construction and pay back over 30 years for commercial, industrial and residential construction.

SCIP Website

Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs)

Businesses investing in the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, and equipping of manufacturing and processing facilities can receive funds from tax-exempt IDBs issued by a government entity.

IDBs Website

California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority

Advanced manufacturers and manufacturers of advanced transportation products are eligible for a full sales and use tax exclusion on equipment purchased.

California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority Website

Pollution Control Financing

Businesses investing in the acquisition, installation or construction of qualified pollution control, waste disposal, or waste recovery facilities and equipment can receive funds through tax-exempt bond financing programs.

Pollution Control Financing Website

Tax Credits

California Competes Tax Credit

Competitive, performance-based, corporate income tax credit is awarded to companies providing economic benefits to the state through the creation of new jobs and new capital investments.

California Competes Tax Credit Website

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Manufacturing

Businesses purchasing basic manufacturing equipment are eligible for a sales tax exemption of the state’s share of sales/use tax (4.1875%). Additionally, equipment for food processing, research and development, and biotechnology are eligible for the exemption.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Manufacturing Website

Research and Development Tax Credits

Businesses investing in in-house and outsourced research and experimental development in the state are eligible for credits against bank and corporate tax liabilities.

Research and Development Tax Credits Website

Development Zones

Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)

Merchandise exported from or imported into an FTZ is excluded from customs duty and excise taxes until the time of transfer from the zone.

FTZ Website

Recycling Market Development Zones

Loans, technical assistance, free marketing, relaxed building codes, streamlined permits, reduced taxes and licensing fees are available in these zones.

RMDZ Website

Opportunity Zone

Defer or eliminate federal taxes on capital gains in designated areas.

Opportunity Zone Website

Technical Assistance and Workforce Development

Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce

Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce Website

Northern California Small Business Development Center

Whether it’s planning your first startup, access to capital, human resources, compliance, marketing, accounting, or any other business need — NorCal SBDC is the region’s one-stop-shop for accelerating small business success.

Northern California Small Business Development Center Website

California Capital Financial Development Corporation

A continuum of services through their Women’s Business Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Business Information Center, Women Veterans One-Stop and Market Research, Data and Mapping Programs, State Loan Guarantee Program and Micro Lending Program, allows California Capital to offer a full complement of programs that effectively builds the capacity of an entrepreneur to start, grow and sustain their business.

California Capital Financial Development Corporation Website

Folsom Cordova Community Partnership (FCCP)

Connect with potential employees through the FCCP’s job center.

FCCP Website

California Employment Training Panel

State-backed funding to employers to assist in upgrading the skills of their workers through training that leads to good paying, long-term jobs.

California Employment Training Panel Website

Get Started

If you are considering locating, expanding, or reinvesting in Rancho Cordova, our Economic Development team is ready to help you navigate available incentives and resources.

Contact

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Economic Development Department at 916.851.8780 or EconDev@cityofranchocordova.org.

City of Rancho Cordova

FIND A SERVICE

How Do I...