Core Insights - The CalCompetes tax incentive program, established in 2013, has awarded tax credits to over 1,200 companies, resulting in approximately 161,000 jobs created in California [3] - Recently, California awarded $99.9 million in tax credits to nine manufacturers, which is expected to generate over $370 million in investments and support an estimated 2,752 jobs with an average annual salary of $139,000 [9] Tax Credit Program Details - The state has around $308 million in CalCompetes tax credits available, with application periods set for January 5 to January 26, 2026, and March 2 to March 16, 2026 [5] - The latest round of awards includes companies from various sectors such as aerospace, wastewater treatment, data center infrastructure, and clothing design [3][4] Economic Growth Strategy - Governor Newsom's 10-year economic growth plan, "California Jobs First Economic Blueprint," aims to streamline business and workforce development to enhance job creation, particularly in the manufacturing sector [6] - The plan includes a $52 million investment in apprenticeships for high-demand sectors like advanced manufacturing and an additional $16 million for pre-apprenticeship programs targeting youth aged 16 to 24 [7]