As the largest population center within 80 miles, Chico is the primary cultural and commercial hub between Sacramento and the Oregon border.
Its convenient location, affordability, and dynamic workforce make it a magnet for business activity in Butte County and the surrounding areas.
While Chico is best known as the home of Chico State and the Sierra Nevada Brewery, it’s also home to a growing number of innovative industries from food processing to information technology.
Prices in Chico for rent are ⅓ to ½ the prices of Sacramento and the Bay Area, and housing follows suit. Chico is a place where businesses and families can begin, relocate, and thrive.
Chico’s university culture and natural setting attract creative, motivated individuals with a strong work ethic. A vibrant student population brings fresh perspective and vitality. Programs like the Sustainable Manufacturing degree from Chico State equip a more planet-friendly workforce, while renowned vocational programs such as the nearby Butte College Welding Technology Program and Northwest Lineman College produce graduates with unparalleled skill sets. Throughout the city, established professionals across all industries lend mentorship and experience to a thriving business community.
A place for passion and interests to thrive, many local companies were born from their founders’ love for the outdoors, art, or a regional agricultural product. Klean Kanteen’s go-to thermoses and water bottles, Weiss McNair’s harvesting equipment, and Maisie Jane’s nuts are just a few examples of thriving products and businesses.
