Your OC Headquarters

In Orange County, both start-ups and established businesses receive access to a diverse array of resources designed to support a thriving economy. With some of the highest ranked universities in the country and almost $1 billion in venture capital invested in OC businesses, you will become part of a dynamic environment in which both your employees and future recruits feel engaged.

Whether you're relocating or establishing a new HQ, start here for the knowledge you need to make the move your business deserves.

RESOURCES

Start-Up Organizations

Orange County has a strong network available to help you launch your business. With the right mentors, tools, and community support, you will see your dream become reality in no time.

Octane

Enabling SoCal tech and medical tech business ecosystem through job creation and small-mid size business company growth.

UCI Applied Innovation

Brings campus-based inventions and entrepreneurship together with OC’s business community.

Orange County SBDC

Works to stimulate economic growth by providing small business owners and entrepreneurs with no cost consulting services, training opportunities, and access to an extensive network of resources.

Visionary Ventures

Venture capital fund with a unique information advantage approach and strategy to connect capital and insight with the most promising startups.

Miramar Digital Ventures

A seed and early-stage venture fund focused on the next evolution of data.

Concentrations of OC Start-ups

A heat map showing Orange County tech start-ups.

The Orange County Startup Council

The Orange County Startup Council connects new technology and software startup companies to the partners, customers, and investors they need to grow.

OC4 Venture Studio

OC4 Venture Studio helps founders build and scale their startups using their 4C’s – Capital, Collision, Coaching & Community.

OC Startups Now

The original digital news presence covering OC’s startup/innovation ecosystem.

Tech Coast Angels (TCA) Orange County

TCA identifies, mentors, and funds early stage companies to help get their ideas to market.

Accelerate OC

Learn from innovators, disruptors & next generation entrepreneurs in conversations with the Orange County community.

 

RESOURCES

Business Organizations

Are you looking to expand your enterprise to Orange County? Below are helpful resources to assist in making that a smooth process.

Orange County Business Council (OCBC)

The leading voice of business regionally, nationally and globally. The organization works to enhance Orange County’s economic development and prosperity to preserve a high quality of life.

LocationOC

Owned by OCBC, highlights advantages of doing business in OC. Includes sections on education, major employers, incentives, transportation, housing, etc.

CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County (CLA-OC)

A working group of CEOs representing the most prominent public and private companies in our community, all working together to build a thriving OC for all.

Orange County Community Foundation

A non-proift serving family, individual, and corporate foundations to match charitable interests to community needs with a dream of a more vibrant, prosperous Orange County

Orange County Chambers of Commerce

Building and supporting strong businesses in Orange County, CA.

The California Business Incentives Gateway (CBIG)

A groundbreaking tool from the State Treasurer’s Office that brings together all of the state and local business development incentives to a single access point.

RESOURCES

Universities

Orange County is the 5th most educated county in the U.S. and has over 30 accredited colleges and universities. To see a partial list, click here. 

University of California, Irvine (UCI)

UCI is ranked 7th best public university in the nation (33rd with private universities), according to the annual U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Colleges” survey. UCI also appears 32 times in the list of top 50 national graduate programs in the U.S. News & World Report. View the UCI Reference Guide.

California State University, Fullerton (CSUF)

CSUF enrolls nearly 40,000 students per year and offers 110 degree programs. Forbes ranks CSUF among top U.S. institutions for “Best Value” U.S. News & World Report ranks CSUF as No. 3 on its Top Public School list.  View the CSUF Reference Guide.

Coast Community College District

A multi-college district that includes Coastline Community College, Golden West College, and Orange Coast College which collectively offer over 300 degree and certificate programs.

South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD)

SOCCCD has three separate campuses: Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Irvine Valley College in Irvine, and the Advanced Technology & Education Park (ATEP) in Tustin.

Chapman University

Chapman is a top private university in Orange, CA that has the #1 undergraduate program on the west coast: Argyros School of Business and Economics – Bloomberg Businessweek. Chapman offers over 110 areas of study. View the Chapman Reference Guide.

Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD)

RSCCD is one of the largest of California’s 72 community college districts and comprised of Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College.

North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD)

NOCCCD is comprised of Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education where 78,000 students enroll annually.

 

RESOURCES

Government

Orange County Government

Information about OC ranging from visitor assistance, to department information, to business resources.

Home page for California Business Portal

A one-stop shop for assisting business owners and entrepreneurs.

“California Competes Tax Credit” Program

An income tax credit available to businesses that want to come to California or stay and grow in California.

California Business Portal

Resources and requirements to help choose a location, find out about registration requirements, foreign investment, and hiring employees.

California Business Portal

A variety of incentive and financing programs to encourage business development in California.

RESOURCES

Lifestyle

Orange County has everything you need to enjoy the outdoors, arts, culture, and more with family and friends.

OC Visitor’s Association

Site with general information about the fun things to do in the county.

Explore the beautiful and bountiful hiking trails that Orange County has to offer for all experience levels!

Stunning beaches where you can surf, whale watch, play volleyball, or just relax.

Enjoy the outdoors with family and friends at one of OC’s beautiful parks.

Orange County Great Park

Offers fun activities with events throughout the year, a rotating art gallery, a farmers market, parks, and pools. The Orange County Great Park also includes a state-of-the-art Sports Complex. Encompassing a total of 1,300 acres, more than 200 are currently developed and 688 acres are in planning and design.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Performing arts complex that hosts concerts, shows, events, classes, and more.

FivePoint Amphitheater

An all-ages, open-air music venue with 12,000 seat capacity. Located within walking distance of the Irvine Transportation Center, the amphitheater offers concession and hospitality services, as well as parking for 4,000 vehicles.

The Observatory

Music venue with two separate rooms and a varied selection of musical talent performing on a nightly basis. The Observatory is a large room that feels small and The Constellation Room is a smaller and more intimate venue.

OC Fair & Event Center

130 acres of beautiful grounds, 157,000 square feet of event space and home to important educational assets, Heroes Hall veterans museum and Centennial Farm, a three-acre working farm. It is home to the OC Fair, STEAM education event Imaginology, and the Pacific Amphitheatre.

Enjoy Orange County

An OC lifestyle destination site for residents and visitors providing local information and fun things to do in Orange County.