CALED

This week, @CaliforniaSBDC leaders met in Sacramento to advocate, network, and celebrate SBDC Day. CALED President and CEO Gurbax Sahota was honored to present on #EconDev trends, legislative issues, and insights on how SBDCs can partner with local economic developers.

The full agenda for the 2026 CALED Annual Conference is available now! Our general session on Thursday, April 16, at 9 a.m. will spotlight how to modernize the workforce. See the full agenda and register for the conference today: bit.ly/4jRGX8z

He concluded by sharing that “economic development is at the heart of the revival we need to make for California. Without jobs, wealth, and opportunity, nothing else is possible.” For more on the conversation and highlights, visit bit.ly/3HYEpah

“Good business is a social contribution; the act of starting and running a business, employing people, and making a product or service is a contribution to society, and a value we must appreciate,” said Hilton.

As part of CALED's role in promoting economic development and providing an opportunity for local economic developers to engage directly with the gubernatorial candidates, the Board of Directors met with Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton to have a conversation about #EconDev.

Last month, CALED Program Director Michelle Stephens led a session at the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) Annual Conference in Palm Springs! Thank you to speakers, PJ Gagajena, Scott Wagner, and Leni Zarate, for sharing your expertise!

Looking for a proven digital workforce strategy to train workers in your community? The Ventura County Digital Upskilling Training Program demonstrates how regional collaboration and equity-centered design can deliver measurable results. Learn more: bit.ly/4cRedLD.

The early bird discount for the CALED Annual Conference has been extended to March 13! Act now to get the best deal on the largest California #EconDev conference of the year. Register today to get $200 off your conference rate: bit.ly/4jRGX8z

Join us for a FREE Webinar Wednesday on March 4, from 1-2 p.m., to learn how the @CAGoBiz supports local economic developers in meeting their goals. This Webinar Wednesday is free for all attendees. Registration is required: bit.ly/3BuS8m5

Congratulations to Manal Richa and CALED Board Advisor Mike Daniel on hosting an engaging and successful Orange County #EconDev Roundtable. Thanks, Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center, for including CALED and bringing local economic developers together!

#EconDev is the foundation of a strong, connected community where businesses don't just survive, they thrive. Economic developers connect entrepreneurs and business owners with the tools and capital needed to overcome challenges and grow. Learn more: bit.ly/4mxbBDX

Congratulations to #CALED's newest ACEs! The newest graduates of the program include Claudia Calderon, Michael Cham, Janay E. Conley, Tanner Etherton, Miranda Evans, Brigiett Guzman, Jose Jimenez, and Alida Verduzco Silva. Learn more: CALED.org/Ace-Program

Have you registered for the CALED 2026 Annual Conference? Join us April 15-17 at the @RenPalmSprings Hotel. Hotel rooms at the conference venue are filling quickly, so register and secure your accommodations as soon as possible. To register, visit bit.ly/4jRGX8z

CALED CEO Gurbax Sahota was honored to speak to @USCPrice School of Public Policy students participating in the Sunstone Cities Challenge, where they develop #EconDev strategies to help cities & counties. Thanks to everyone who made it an engaging and lively experience.

The CALED Awards of Excellence Program is NOW OPEN for submissions through Feb. 18 at 12 p.m. We invite everyone to highlight their achievements and share their success stories. To view the award requirements and submit your applications, visit bit.ly/4rmOn6u

CALED’s Board and Advisors met to discuss policy guidelines, legislative strategy, and supporting California’s local economic developers. Key takeaways included strengthening federal partnerships, engaging in opportunity zone and SLA discussions, and advocating for our members.

CALED’s 2026 Winter Rural Exchange featured a variety of knowledgeable speakers presenting on topics including regional economic development, low-impact camping & sustainable tourism, GO-Biz resources, and Nevada County’s innovative partnership growing its future workforce.

Thank you to CALED’s #EconDev policy partners for sharing legislative priorities at our Legislative Roundtable! This meeting allows us to reflect on how we advance economic development in CA. We're grateful to CALED Chair Jennifer McLain Hiramoto for leading the discussion.

Curious about what the Governor's Proposed 2026-2027 Budget means for #EconDev in California? Check out CALED's economic development analysis of the document to learn about the adjustments that will affect your communities: bit.ly/3Z6olbt

Join us for #CALED’s Webinar Wednesday on February 4, from 1-2 p.m., to learn about how railroads can significantly benefit #EconDev in your community. Webinar Wednesdays are free for CALED members and $85 for non-members. Registration is required: bit.ly/3BuS8m5