January 2026 (V.66)

Welcome to the January 2026 Edition of Biz Buzz Newsletter, and Happy New Year!

This month’s edition includes:

• California Workplace - Know Your Rights
• CalCompetes Tax Credit
• Small Business Development Trainings
• Resource Spotlight: AI Fluency Hands-On Workshop - TONIGHT

California Workplace - Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights: California Workplace Protections California law guarantees basic labor rights to all workers, regardless of immigration status. This notice outlines essential protections, including minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and paid sick leave. It also highlights protections against retaliation for workers who exercise these rights. View the "Know Your Rights" Notice

Worksite Immigration Enforcement (AB 450) FAQ The Immigrant Worker Protection Act (AB 450) provides specific protocols for employers regarding federal immigration audits. The California Department of Justice and California Labor Commissioner's Office have issued joint guidance, such as notifying employees before and after an inspection of employment record and the limitations on providing voluntary consent to immigration agents without a judicial warrant, on Assembly Bill 450. View the AB 450 FAQs

For questions, contact:

Matt Senekeremian, External Affairs Manager, Office of Attorney General Rob Bonta, California Department of Justice
Cell: (510) 418-2813  |  Email: Matt.Senekeremian@doj.ca.gov
www.oag.ca.gov

California Competes Tax Credits Awards

The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California and create quality, full-time jobs in California.

For fiscal year 2025 - 2026, GO-Biz will accept applications for the California Competes Tax Credit during the following periods:

• January 5, 2026 - January 26, 2026 ($308 million in available tax credits)
• March 2, 2026 - March 16, 2026

You can reach out to the California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development team via email or phone at (916) 322-4051.

For more information on California Competes click here.

Empower Your Small Business: Upcoming SBDC Trainings

Looking to scale your business or secure government contracts? The Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting three essential workshops this winter to help you get "contract ready" and investment-focused.

• Jan 22nd | Ready to Get Certified? A Step-by-Step Prep Session: Navigate the complexities of business certifications to open doors to new opportunities.
• Jan 29th | Unlocking Angel Investment: Strategies for Success: Learn how to attract investors and prepare your business for high-level funding.
• Feb 12th | DGS SB/DVBE Certification In-Person Workshop: Join this hands-on session to complete your Small Business (SB) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification with the Department of General Services.

Resource Spotlight

AI Fluency Hands-On Workshop — Jan. 16 in Mountain View

DeepLearning.AI is hosting a free, in-person AI Fluency Hands-On Workshop on Friday, January 16, 2026 in Mountain View. This interactive session is designed for everyone — whether you’re new to AI or curious about practical applications in daily life and work. Attendees will learn key AI concepts, demystify common terms, and get a chance to try out AI tools firsthand. Space is limited and registration is required. Free to attend with registration at the link above. 

Contact Us

The City of Mountain View Biz Newsletter supports businesses by providing the latest information and news about business resources, tools, funding sources and tips that can help businesses access opportunities for expanding sales and building capacity.

If you have any questions please email econ.dev@mountainview.gov.

Visit our website to learn more about the Mountain View Economic Development Team and discover valuable resources: econdev.mountainview.gov