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Irvine’s Innovation Economy Continues to Gain Momentum
Irvine continues to solidify its position as one of Southern California’s leading innovation economies, with sustained momentum building across healthcare technology, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and commercial investment.
Recent developments including Balt Group’s $400M continued expansion, new retail and placemaking investments at the Great Park, and the City’s ongoing work to advance the Irvine Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship underscore strong market confidence in Irvine as a place where businesses can launch, grow, and scale.
As businesses navigate economic uncertainty, shifting workforce dynamics, and rapid technological change, Irvine’s combination of strategic infrastructure, talent access, quality of life, and collaborative public-private partnerships continues to distinguish the City as a premier destination for long-term investment.
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The Canopy is Taking Shape at the Great Park
Momentum continues to build at The Canopy, a new 12-acre retail and dining destination coming to the Great Park. Designed as an all-day community gathering space, The Canopy will feature more than 90,000 square feet of restaurants, retail, wellness, and everyday services in a walkable, open-air environment.
Several future tenants have already been announced, generating strong excitement around the project as it moves toward a late 2026 opening. Confirmed businesses include T&T Supermarket, In-N-Out Burger, Philz Coffee, FP Movement, Solestage, and Osen Urban Table, alongside additional dining, wellness, and lifestyle concepts. The Canopy is expected to become a major destination for residents and visitors alike while further expanding Irvine’s retail, dining, and entertainment offerings.
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Balt Expands Irvine Operations Amid Continued Growth
Balt, a global neurovascular medical device company, is continuing to expand its presence in Irvine, reinforcing the City’s position as a leading hub for medical technology innovation and advanced manufacturing. The company, which develops technologies used to treat strokes and brain aneurysms, recently doubled the size of its clean room manufacturing space in Irvine and leased an additional 24,000-square-foot facility to support growing operations.
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OC Workforce Solutions Office Hours
Thursday, June 4 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
University Park Community Center, 1 Beech Tree Lane
Looking for a new job opportunity, career training, or workforce preparedness resources? Take advantage of this opportunity to connect one-on-one with workforce professionals and access no-cost career guidance, employment support services, training resources, and more. Whether you are exploring a career change, re-entering the workforce, or looking to strengthen your skills, this is an excellent opportunity to access free resources and expert guidance. No appointment or registration required! Please drop in whenever is most convenient for you.
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Small Business Capital and Growth Conference
Friday, June 5 | 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Irvine Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza
Looking to grow your small business? This dynamic conference brings together small business owners, lenders, and resource partners to help businesses grow, scale, and access capital with confidence. Designed for businesses at every stage, the event offers practical tools, expert-led sessions, and direct connections to local, state, and federal resources. Attendees will choose between two targeted tracks focused on growth strategies and accessing capital, while also engaging in a robust resource fair featuring trusted lenders and business support organizations.
Register for free with code: CityOfIrvine
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 Forum Showcases Irvine’s Collaborative Approach to Business Growth
On April 23, the City hosted Breaking Barriers: Streamlining Business in Irvine, a dynamic forum that brought together City leaders, industry professionals, and local businesses for a practical discussion on navigating licensing, planning, and permitting processes. The event highlighted the City’s ongoing efforts to streamline coordination, reduce barriers, and support business growth through tools like the Irvine Navigator Program — a concierge-style service designed to help move projects forward more efficiently. The conversation also helped reshape perceptions about the City’s role, reinforcing Irvine’s commitment to serving not just as a regulator, but as a collaborative partner focused on helping businesses succeed.
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U.S. Commercial Service Export Assistance
Looking to expand internationally? Whether you are preparing for your first export sale or seeking to grow in new global markets, the U.S. Commercial Service offers expert guidance to help businesses identify opportunities and compete internationally with confidence. Available services include export counseling, market intelligence, trade matchmaking, and international business development support designed to help companies strengthen global partnerships and grow revenue.
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Business Workshops & Training Opportunities
Looking to strengthen your business skills, access expert guidance, or prepare for future growth opportunities? Orange County Inland Empire (OCIE) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a wide range of no-cost workshops, training sessions, and business support programs throughout Q3. Upcoming topics include expanding into international markets, building effective marketing strategies, launching and scaling food-based businesses, leveraging AI tools to improve operations and productivity, and strengthening overall business planning and growth strategies. Explore the full schedule of upcoming OCIE SBDC programs and learn more about available opportunities.
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