East Bay EDA is pleased to share our Resilient East Bay newsletter for Bay Area manufacturers. Explore the latest manufacturing news from the East Bay, including upcoming events and resources available throughout the region. Please contact us at mfg@eastbayeda.org if you have a resource you would like to share.
News & Announcements
Resilient East Bay Map Update
We’re excited to announce the latest update of the East Bay Manufacturing Map, featuring businesses driving innovation across key growth subsectors including AutoTech, Advanced Transportation, Biomedical, CleanTech, Food & Beverage, Electronics & Semiconductor, and Machining. This interactive resource highlights the region’s remarkable assets and companies shaping the future of advanced manufacturing. Explore the map.
Bay Area Manufacturing Conference on August 27
Join us for the Bay Area Manufacturing Conference on August 27 at the Zero Net Energy Center in San Leandro, bringing together manufacturers and leaders in economic and workforce development, education, and labor who are driving investment and quality job growth across the Bay Area. The conference will highlight the trends shaping the future of manufacturing and showcase innovative workforce development partnerships. This event is being presented in partnership with the Association of Manufacturers Bay Area, the Bay Area High-Road Manufacturing Initiative, East Bay Economic Development Alliance, EASTBAYWorks, and supported by the California & Bay Area Jobs First Initiative.
Space is limited. The deadline to request registration is August 20.
VELO 3D Opens Livermore Production Campus
Last month, Velo3D celebrated the grand opening of its Livermore Production Campus, Forge 1, one of North America’s largest metal additive manufacturing facilities. The nearly 289,000-square-foot campus responds to growing demand for America’s advanced manufacturing capabilities. The facility complements Velo3D’s Fremont headquarters, which will remain the company’s center for R&D, applications engineering, process development, customer collaboration, and qualification. Together, the two campuses create an integrated ecosystem that accelerates the path from concept to production. Congratulations, and we look forward to celebrating your successes in the East Bay! Read the press release.
Visiting East Bay Manufacturers: Rain, Pyka, and TCHO
East Bay EDA was fortunate to organize tours of three (3) different Bay Area manufacturing companies during the month of July! On July 10, East Bay EDA members and partners had the opportunity to tour Alameda Point aerospace companies Rain and Pyka. Toward the end of the month, another group was invited inside the TCHO Chocolate Factory in Berkeley, where attendees learned about the company’s production, sourcing, and more.
Resources
Regional
Apply to Compete at the Startup World Cup East Bay Regional
The East Bay is chasing a 3-peat for the Startup World Cup Grand Finale Prize! Apply today to compete for the Startup World Cup Global Grand Finale and $1 million investment prize. Applications are due on August 17, with the regional event held on September 10 at Cal State East Bay. 1:1 advising is also available. Apply today!
California Resources
CalCompetes Application Window Open Through August 10
The next California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) application period started Monday, July 20, 2026, with $350 million in available tax credits. Businesses interested in applying can register to view a live webinar explaining the application process. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time), and the online application website will automatically close once this deadline has passed. The online application can be accessed at www.calcompetes.ca.gov.
Coolest Thing Made in California
The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has officially opened the competition for the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in California! Anyone can nominate, and you can submit as many California-made products as you’d like. So whether you’re a manufacturer proud of what your team builds or a Californian who loves seeing local innovation celebrated, nominate a product and tell the CMTA team what you think deserves the title. The search for California’s coolest starts with you! Nominations are open July 27 through September 4. Nominate a California manufacturer today!
Quantum FAST Challenge
The Quantum FAST (Funding for Accelerated Scale and Transformation) Challenge is a competitive grant opportunity that funds projects to support the growth of California’s quantum industry and strengthen its talent pipeline. The Quantum FAST Challenge will be administered through a partnership between the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), the state’s economic development office, and the California Education Learning Lab. Learn more.
Next Round of Sales and Use Tax Exclusion Program Begins August 7
The State of CA’s Sales and Use Tax Exclusion (STE) Program excludes sales and use taxes from purchases of Qualified Property used for the design, manufacture, production, or assembly of either advanced transportation technologies or alternative energy source products, components or systems; used in an advanced manufacturing process; or used in projects that process or utilize recycled feedstock. Eligible manufacturers planning to construct a new manufacturing facility in California or expand or upgrade an existing manufacturing facility in California may apply to CAEATFA for a sales and use tax exclusion award. If awarded, purchases of Qualified Property for the Project are excluded from state and local sales and use tax. The next round opens August 7.
Applications Now Open for STEP Export Voucher Program
The Export Voucher empowers eligible small businesses to expand into international markets by reimbursing up to 75% of pre-approved export promotion expenses, capped at $10,000 per federal fiscal year. Learn more.
Upcoming Events
August 27 – Bay Area Manufacturing Conference (San Leandro)
September 2 – EXIM Bank: CA Export Finance Seminar Series (Oakland)
September 10 – AMBayArea Fall Forum (San Jose)
September 10 – Startup World Cup East Bay Regional (Hayward)
October 2 – Roof and Realm Tour (Pittsburg) East Bay EDA Members only.
October 28 – CMTA Coolest Thing Made in California (Sacramento)