10 Reasons You Should Launch Your Business in Shasta County, CA
Helpful resources, plenty of support and skilled talent await in the region.
Starting a business? Shasta County could be your ideal launchpad. This Northern California county boasts a sturdy business environment, where startups can benefit from access to funding, workforce development initiatives, networking opportunities and a culture of startup support. For example, in Redding, a job credit of $1,500 to $5,000 per employee is available to companies creating 10 or more full-time jobs at or above the area’s median hourly wage. Plus, thanks to its location on Interstate 5 between San Francisco and Portland, Shasta County offers businesses a low cost headquarters with easy access to markets in California and the Pacific Northwest. To dive deeper into why startups thrive in Shasta County, we talked to three local entrepreneurs, who shared their thoughts on the region for new and growing companies. Here are their 10 reasons you should consider launching your business in Shasta County.
In This Article
1. There is opportunity for growth.
Whether you’re looking to start a new business or want to expand an existing operation, there’s plenty of room for growth in Shasta County. With access to 56 million West Coast customers in the largest state economy in the country, Shasta County has one of the lowest retail sales tax rates in the state and offers businesses operating in the cities of Redding or Shasta Lake access to affordable city-owned electric utilities. Shasta County is also a business-friendly county, where community leaders are willing to help entrepreneurs navigate barriers that inevitably pop up when starting a company. Additionally, compared to the more populated regions of California, if you launch a business in Shasta County, you won’t be overrun by competitors offering the same products or services. This means you have a better chance of succeeding with a boutique, a coffee shop, or a restaurant.
“If you’re a chef and thinking of starting a business, but you’ve been in a big city with high-stress levels, Redding would be perfect for you, and you would be supported if you produce a high-quality product and treat people well,” says Sam LaRobardiere, owner and head roaster of Theory Coffee Roasters.
2. The community rallies around local businesses.
Shasta County residents are highly supportive of local business owners.
“There are so many people in town who are rooting for and actively helping businesses be successful,” says Aaron Patterson, CEO of Legendary, a business development consulting company started in 2010. “If you decide to go into business, you’ll be surrounded by supportive groups. And the community celebrates successful businesses. When someone is doing something well, the community does a good job recognizing that.”
LaRobardiere says the community responded positively to Theory Coffee Roasters.
“We’ve found great success here,” he says. “Redding functions like a small town. It’s a great place to start a people-focused business, especially if you provide a valuable service and treat people well.”
3. Collaboration among businesses is high.
Businesses in Shasta County find ways to work together. One of the most common ways is “cross-pollinating,” or promoting one another’s products and services. In fact, Nathan Woodard, president of Pro Garage Doors, a garage door repair and installation company, says he’s been wildly successful hiring a great team through networking and referrals.
“You can connect with all kinds of people that help you in your business. That’s how I’ve hired some of my best employees.”
Nathan Woodard, President of Pro Garage Doors
4. Small-town vibes meet big-city access.
Starting a business is a big undertaking that can easily make a person feel isolated and alone. In Shasta County, however, business owners say they don’t feel like they are building alone. The community is very supportive, and the area offers a slew of amenities. Patterson says the area is “small enough to make an impact and be competitive in the market, but large enough to make good revenue.” Everyone wants everyone else to succeed, and this supportive culture will help the region continue to grow.
5. Skilled talent is easy to find.
The Shasta County region is filled with skilled talent, meaning businesses have a quality selection when it comes to hiring employees. Plus, business owners have the benefit of tapping area colleges, like Shasta College, which is known for training skilled workers for local industries. Through the institution, individuals can sign up for community education and business training classes, earn or finish a degree or certificate, and pursue college credits while still in high school. In Shasta County, nearly 43% of residents age 25+ have some college experience or an associate degree, according to the American Community Survey.
6. Various industries make it easier for businesses to succeed.
Health care, forest products, manufacturing, and engineering and design are just some of the thriving industries you’ll find in Shasta County.
“Our diverse industries contribute to a growing economy,” LaRobardiere says. “And because the industries here seem to be doing well, a lot of people are trying to keep their money here and support the local economy. This helps businesses feel supported and gives us the much-needed customer base to sustain a growing business.”
7. The area is diverse.
The Shasta County region has reinvented itself many times since its founding, resulting in a diverse melting pot of residents, entrepreneurs and professionals. Entrepreneurs have easy access to a network of business and community leaders as well as customers who can offer a valuable perspective on growing a business.
“Because Redding is a bit of a melting pot of politics, cultures, races and religions, there is a great opportunity to break outside of our individual mindsets as business owners and learn how to bring value to people of different backgrounds,” Patterson says.
Education, Careers & Opportunity
Young Professionals are Finding a Home in Shasta County, CA
Find out why this is a great place to build a life and career.
8. Resource availability is high.
Running a successful business requires access to resources, and plenty can be found in Shasta County. For example, the area is home to the Shasta Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Startup Redding, the Shasta-Cascade Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Shasta Angels, and the Redding Chamber of Commerce — all of which are focused on helping businesses succeed. Woodard says he has utilized the SBDC for years, taking classes as he continues to build his business.
“The SBDC has been great for additional training, and they offer coaching if you’re struggling with something. Regardless of how niche, it seems like there is a class to help you work through it,” Woodard says. LaRobardiere had a similar experience. He used the EDC, SBDC and private investors as resources to launch Theory Coffee Roasters, which opened in 2018. “People are willing to invest in small businesses in Shasta County,” LaRobardiere says.
9. The quality of life is high, and the cost of living is low.
“Redding is a gem for quality of life,” LaRobardiere says.
In Shasta County, business owners can find the work-life balance they desire. There’s no shortage of ways to have it all – from enjoying the region’s vibrant arts scene to going for a ride, jog or walk on the 17-mile paved Sacramento River Trail, or dining at any of the region’s diverse restaurants, like Cafe Paradisio, Mosaic, or Moonstone Bistro.
“Even with such a high quality of life, the cost of living here is significantly less than many other counties in California — minimum wage is the same. That’s a California hack that helps you to retain employees,” LaRobardiere says.
10. There are opportunities to get outdoors and eliminate stress.
Home to numerous rivers, lakes and mountains, people rave about the area’s hiking and biking trails and world-class fly fishing opportunities.
“We are close to many outdoor activities,” Woodard says. “That helps when you’re running a business, and you must decompress.”
Patterson echoes the benefits of having access to the great outdoors.
“This is a work-hard, play-hard ecosystem. If your day is crazy or you’re hitting blocks, you can walk on the river trail…,” Patterson says. “And some of our best business meetings are spent fishing or doing something fun on the lakes. Having that as an option impacts our business networking and connections, which tend to be nontraditional.”
This article was sponsored by the Shasta Economic Development Corporation.