Economic Development Newsletter – September 2026

Stay connected with the latest business news, resources, and opportunities in Santa Ana! The City of Santa Ana's Economic Development Newsletter highlights new business openings, local development projects, upcoming events, business assistance programs, and other initiatives supporting our city's growing business community.

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Whether you're starting a business, expanding your operations, or exploring opportunities in Santa Ana, our Economic Development team is here to help! From site selection assistance and business resources to navigating City permits and connecting with workforce development programs, our team is committed to helping businesses succeed.

Connect with Economic Development:

• Website: Explore Economic Development Programs & Resources
• Contact Us: (714) 647-6477 | [email protected]

Please Note: This newsletter was originally published in September 2026. Some events, registration opportunities, and program information may no longer be current. For the latest updates, upcoming events, and available business resources, please visit the City of Santa Ana's Economic Development website.

In the News

Anduril Expands Santa Ana Presence

Santa Ana continues to attract significant investment with the completion of the $65.5 million South Coast Technology Center, a new 313,000-square-foot campus fully leased to defense technology company Anduril. Developed by C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, the project transformed a former office campus near South Coast Plaza into a modern hub for engineering, research and development, manufacturing, and distribution. The investment further strengthens Santa Ana's position within Orange County's growing technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Click here to read the article

Business Spotlights

Cafe Oasis

Café OASIS, a new social enterprise operated by OASIS Center International, has opened at 305 W. 4th St. in Downtown Santa Ana. More than a neighborhood café, the space serves as a community hub for arts and cultural programming, youth workforce development, and economic development initiatives that support local residents and small businesses. Café OASIS brings these programs together in a welcoming setting centered around specialty coffee, signature drinks, and thoughtfully crafted refreshments.

One hundred percent of proceeds are reinvested into OASIS Center International programs, allowing every visit to support its broader community mission while offering residents and visitors a distinctive specialty coffee destination in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana.

305 W. 4th St.

Small Business Grant Recipient Highlight

Coffee, Community, and Small Business Growth

Meet Papercup Coffee, a unique Middle Eastern-Italian café bringing together coffee, culture, and community in Santa Ana.

Owner Mervat Gabrielle Kharoufeh opened Papercup Coffee in 2024 after years of dreaming of creating a space of her own. Drawing from her background in hospitality and entrepreneurship, Mervat created a café where classic Italian flavors meet Middle Eastern influences, featuring premium Italian espresso, freshly made sandwiches, traditional desserts, and original creations.

As a recipient of the City of Santa Ana's Small Business Incentive Program, Mervat shared how the program helped support Papercup Coffee during its first year in business:

"The City of Santa Ana has been very helpful and supportive from day one, and the incentive I received helped me a lot and gave me a little push during my first year as a small business. They work with you to take the right steps, help you with marketing tools, and walk you through it efficiently. Thank you, City of Santa Ana, for helping small businesses."

We're proud to support local entrepreneurs like Mervat as they invest, grow, and bring new experiences to the Santa Ana community. Be sure to check out Papercup Coffee's seasonal fall menu, featuring pumpkin spice, maple butter, and other fall-inspired favorites!

600 W. Santa Ana Blvd.

Made in California

Helping Local Manufacturers Stand Out

Manufacturers can showcase their products, build brand recognition, and reach new customers through the Made in California program. Eligible businesses can use the official program label on approved products and gain exposure through statewide promotion and the Product Directory.

Program fees are waived through December 31, 2026.

Taste of Santa Ana

Frights, Bites, and Local Flavors

Get ready for a night of food, fun and Halloween festivities at the 11th Annual Taste of Santa Ana: Frights & Bites, hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce!

Join the community on Saturday, October 17, from 6-11 p.m. at MainPlace and enjoy unlimited tastings from 30+ restaurants, wineries and breweries, along with live music and entertainment. Costumes are encouraged, so come hungry and ready for a spooktacular night celebrating great food and community in Santa Ana!

Travel Santa Ana

Promote Your Santa Ana Event

Santa Ana businesses are encouraged to submit upcoming public events to the Travel Santa Ana Events Calendar.

From live music and cultural festivals to art exhibitions, theater performances, and special promotions, this free marketing opportunity increases your event's visibility and connects you with visitors looking for things to do in Santa Ana.

Certain eligibility criteria apply.

Business Attraction Survey

Business Attraction

We are conducting a brief survey to better understand community preferences regarding the types of businesses people would like to see in the city. Please take a moment to complete this one-minute survey about preferred business types and daily activities. Your feedback will help guide decisions related to attracting new businesses, enhancing commercial corridors, and prioritizing future investments that reflect community needs and interests.

Advertise Your Business

Let's Promote Your Business

Have a promotion, discount, or special offer coming up? Our Economic Development team is here to help you get the word out. Submit your Santa Ana business deals and we'll help promote them through our marketing channels, connecting you with more customers and keeping your business top of mind in the community all year long. Interested businesses, please click on the button below to submit your deals.

Please note, this opportunity is for Santa Ana based businesses only.

Business Resources

Small Business Grant Available

The City of Santa Ana remains committed to supporting the growth, stability, and long-term success of local businesses. The Small Business Incentive Program assists eligible new businesses by helping offset qualified start-up costs and providing technical assistance during their first three years of operation.

Funding is provided through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Program Criteria:

• Up to $5,000 in reimbursable business expenses (up to $2,500 for home-based businesses)
• Open to microbusinesses with five or fewer employees, including the owner
• Businesses must be located in Santa Ana and have been in operation for no more than three years as of the application date
• Income limits apply

To apply and review the complete list of eligibility requirements, please visit the grant webpage using the link below.

For questions or assistance with the application, please contact the City's Economic Development Division at (714) 647-5477 or [email protected].

Business Assistance Office

We are here to help our local business community. Whether you're just starting a business, need help with a marketing plan, or have questions about growing you

r business, our experts are ready to provide guidance.

Stop by Santa Ana City Hall for Business Assistance Office Hours, Room 1301 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

This free service is your opportunity to get personalized advice and take the next step toward building your dream business.

Call the Economic Development Division at (714) 647-5477 for more information.

Virtual Business Start-Up Business Workshops

Our Business Startup Workshops are back and now available online!

Thinking about starting a business in Santa Ana?

Join the City of Santa Ana's Economic Development team for our Business Startup Workshops and learn about the steps, resources, and information you need to get started.

Workshops are now offered virtually, making it easier than ever to participate from wherever you are.

10/7/26

11/4/26

12/2/26

Making Sure Your Business Is Found in ChatGPT Workshop

Learn how AI is changing the way customers search for businesses! Join Rancho Santiago Community College District, in partnership with the City of Santa Ana and

Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, for a free, hands-on workshop designed to help businesses improve their visibility in AI-powered searches like ChatGPT.

Attendees will learn how ChatGPT finds and recommends businesses, ways to optimize their online presence, and strategies to reach more customers.

Bring your laptop and come ready to learn!

Wednesday, October 28 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

2323 N. Broadway, 3rd Floor - Orange Room

Free to attend

Starting a Business in Santa Ana: Industry Specific Guides

Starting a business is an exciting journey, one that requires clarity, planning, and persistence. Every industry has its own opportunities, challenges, and requirements, and knowing these early can save valuable time, money, and effort.

To support Santa Ana entrepreneurs, we've created step-by-step roadmaps and checklists for six key industries: Restaurants, Retail, Office-Based Businesses, Home-Based Businesses, Manufacturing, and Transportation.

Each guide covers essentials like:

• Required permits and licenses
• Zoning and compliance
• Certifications
• Industry-specific regulations and considerations

Whether you're launching your first business or expanding into a new field, these tools offer clear, actionable steps so you can focus on what matters most-building a sustainable and successful business.

The Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC) and SCORE are both great resources for business owners and those who are interested in starting a business. Please click on the links below to view upcoming in person and webinar free training programs on marketing and more.

Arts & Culture

DTSA ArtWalk

Downtown Santa Ana's monthly Art Walk returns with an evening of art, live music, dancing, local vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout

the downtown area.

Saturday, October 3

⏰ 5-10 PM

Downtown Santa Ana / Sycamore Street

Highlights include The Obscured, a tribute to The Cure, along with performances by Vivid, Kitty Antix, the Marly Mitchell Quartet, DJ Ricky Baby & Guests, and Saint City Session.

Featured artist: Christopher Perez

️ Shop from 30+ local artisan vendors

Live music and dancing in the streets

️ Kids' art and coloring activities

️ Art shows throughout Downtown Santa Ana

Investing in the Artist Grant Program (FY 2025 - 2026):

The Investing in the Artist Grant Program supports emerging and established Santa Ana artists, as well as local arts organizations and cooperatives, with small but impactful grants that help advance their creative work. By investing in artists as vital contributors to the local economy, the program strengthens Santa Ana's creative ecosystem and fosters a more vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich community.

This round's theme "Stories That Unite US in Santa Ana" celebrates the city's rich history, cultural traditions, and diverse voices through collaborative art and creative expression. The program aims to deepen belonging, resilience, and shared pride by transforming individual lived experiences into a collective community narrative. Artists and arts organizations across all mediums are invited to submit proposals that actively engage residents, local businesses, and neighborhood groups.

Highlights:

• 27 total applications
• 19 projects were funded
• 12 Santa Ana residents/organizations received funding
• 6 applications received funding from the City for the first time
• Average funding per applicant was $9,474

Santa Ana WORK Center

On-the-Job Training Funding for Santa Ana Businesses

The City of Santa Ana Work Center is offering On-the-Job Training (OJT) funding to eligible local businesses that are hiring or upskilling qualified employees.

Through the OJT program, employers may receive up to 50% reimbursement of an employee's wages during an approved training period.

The program helps businesses offset training costs while providing employees with hands-on experience and job-specific skills that support long-term success.

Program Highlights

• Up to 50% wage reimbursement for eligible employees
• Training available for up to six months or 1,040 hours
• Positions must be permanent, full-time employment
• Businesses and candidates must meet OJT eligibility requirements

Invest in Your Workforce

OJT funding allows Santa Ana businesses to develop qualified talent, strengthen employee skills, and support a more productive local workforce.

Get Started Today

Visit here or contact Jaime López at (714) 565-2628 or [email protected] to learn more about program eligibility and funding.

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Resume Building Workshop

Join the Santa Ana WORK Center team for a resume building workshop every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10AM to 11 AM!

801 W. Civic Center Dr. Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92701

For more info and to RSVP, call (714) 565-2600.

Interview Workshop

Join the Santa Ana WORK Center team for an interview workshop every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 11AM to 12PM!

801 W. Civic Center Dr. Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92701

For more info and to RSVP, call (714) 565-2600.

Available Space for Lease