With Kern's overall economy experiencing significant growth, focus turns to the increasing need for locally-based business and professional services. From management to engineering and legal to accounting, Kern County must be poised to provide the growing population with the business services they demand.

The industry grows especially from the development and relocation of key insurance and financial services offices in the county. Some of these new firms are relocating from Southern California while others are popping-up locally. One major industry success includes State Farm's decision to house one of their two California Regional Offices in Kern County’s Southwest Bakersfield.

Business Retention and Expansion
Existing businesses are a critical factor in the successful long term economic development of the County. In fact, although business attraction as a program tends to be a big focus in economic development, it is estimated that about 75% of the employment growth in an area is generated by already existing local businesses. Existing businesses also form the economic foundation of our community, providing jobs for local residents and tax revenue for the County.
There are two key goals for a business retention and expansion program:
     1. Removing local obstacles that prevent existing firms from remaining in operation in the community.
     2. Helping businesses become more competitive.

Contact Andrea Lee at (661) 862-5158 for more information.