Orange County’s Business Climate: Sunny With an Excellent Chance of Success!

When it comes to climates, Orange County definitely sits on the sunnier side of the spectrum. The bright outlook certainly applies to the area’s business climate. As the U.S. economy gradually awakens from a prolonged slumber, economic expansion is unfolding throughout every corner of the Big Orange -- in a big way.

Just have a look at the Orange County homebuilding industry to get a glimpse of this encouraging trend. According to a Chapman University forecast, 2011 will stir up a healthy 15% gain in the number of housing units built in the county. That’s double the crawling pace of ‘09.  But the story doesn’t end there. Virtually all other county industries are sailing forward on the same steady course.

The Difference is Diversity

Business diversity plays a leading role in shaping OC’s steady growth. One of the biggest engines driving this expansion is the community’s high technology sector. The powerhouse array of companies in this exclusive club includes 16 of North America’s fastest growing tech firms such as Google, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Composite Technology Corporation, and Vizio. Odds are, if it’s happening in technology, it’s happening in this part of the world.

True, these giants cast a long shadow across the region’s economic landscape. Nevertheless, there’s enough room here for numerous success stories. This includes many of the country’s busiest shopping centers such as South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island, and The Shops at Mission Viejo, as well as very lively retail commerce and filmmaking industries. Even the art economy of Laguna Beach hits the success mark in this land of eternal expansion.  

Funding Found

Much OC growth stems from abundant startup funding pouring into the community. This cash infusion not only ignites expansion energy, it helps free new enterprises from a stifling dependence on economic trends.

OC’s wealth potential has become a giant billboard beckoning investors the world over. One group heeding the call of the ‘mighty Orange’ is the Tech Coast Angels.  The largest ‘angel network’ of investors in the U.S., the organization consists of 270 motivated members offering fledgling technology firms strategic advice, connections to customers, managerial insights, and much-needed venture capital to the most promising prospects. To date, the Tech Coast Angels have pumped well over $65 million into Southern California technology startups. In addition, the group also has channeled its influence to lure more than $650 million in additional capital to select OC companies. 

Other organizations recently contributing to Orange County startups are:

• Craton Equity Partners - $5 million to green energy company Green Wave Reality.

• Equity LLC – together they provided $8 million to Irvine-based software company Integrien Corp.