California’s manufacturing sector continues to evolve, and businesses across the state are navigating new opportunities in advanced technologies, financing, workforce development, and supply chains.
The second annual California Creates: Golden State Manufacturing Forum presented by the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) will bring manufacturers, state and local leaders, financing experts, and industry innovators together to explore the resources and partnerships available to support growth. With support from the Capital Programs and Climate Financing Authority (CPCFA), the forum will take place October 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Aggie Square in Sacramento.
The program is designed to be a practical and resource-focused event, with sessions covering California’s capital stack, public and private financing options, permitting and technical assistance, manufacturer success stories, and opportunities in emerging industries such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence. At mid-day, it features a fireside chat led by State Treasurer Fiona Ma to highlight women shaping the future of California manufacturing and the strategies they use to navigate a changing business environment.
Included panels are:
- Funding Options: California's Capital Stack
- Public & Private Finance: Financing Options for Powering Manufacturing Growth
- Permitting, Regulatory, & Technical Assistance: Navigating the Path to Growth
- Strengthening CA’s Creative Economy Amidst Technological Change
- Manufacturing Success Stories: Navigating the Golden State
- Emerging Industries: Biotechnology & Life Sciences
- From Support to Scale: Resources for Manufacturing Growth
- Fireside Chat: Women Shaping the Future of Manufacturing
- Local Leaders: Opportunities for Local Communities
Attendees will hear directly from manufacturing leaders and connect with representatives from state programs offering grants, loans, incentives, and other forms of business support.
With more than 45,000 manufacturing businesses across California, employing 1.24 million people and creating a $382 Billion annual economic output, the forum offers an opportunity to better understand the state’s manufacturing ecosystem and the resources available to businesses looking to launch, expand, innovate, or remain competitive.
Panel Descriptions
Panelist and Speaker Biographies
Agenda
Event Sponsors