The Merced County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDCO) was established in 1994 as a 501(c)4 private/public nonprofit organization serving cities and unincorporated communities within Merced County. MCEDCO’s mission is to facilitate regional wealth generation and community prosperity through new employment, increased investment, and diversification of the Merced County economy.

The primary focus is to encourage economic activity through retention and expansion of existing businesses, recruitment of new enterprises and encouraging entrepreneurs and small business start ups.

MCEDCO's goals are:

• Collaborative economic development throughout Merced County;
• Establish MCEDCO as the point of entry for business and industry desiring a presence in Merced County;
• Market opportunities for business and investment throughout the region;
• Promote business and investment opportuntiies outside the region;
• Identify and eliminate barriers impeding business investment and job creation;
• Reduce unemployment;
• Increase net job growth;
• Improve local economic development capacity and awareness;
• Facilitate infrastructure investment; and
• Leverage and maximize private and public sector resources.

MCEDCO continues to lead collaborative economic development efforts in the county. With a strong, proactive board made up of leaders from the private and public sector, the organization has provided the guidance needed to harness the resources of other organizations and implement a community-wide plan for economic development and job creation. MCEDCO's strength is our ability to collaborate and leverage local resources, as well as, connect with all the components that contribute to a healthy society.

New Business Services

• Market member communities to targeted industries.
• Respond to new business inquiries with specific, thorough and timely information.
• Host prospect businesses to evaluate local business factors and sites.
• Offer in-market intelligence.
• Assist the permit processes with various public sector decision-makers.
• Referrals to training and hiring programs for new business.
• Present information on local financing and incentive options.
• Assist prospect companies with local public relations assistance and information on local business vendors who can facilitate the business start-up process.

Existing Business Services

• Identify local businesses in need of assistance to expand or maintain existing operations.
• Provide referrals to appropriate financing sources for equipment purchase, working capital, building expansion or other long-term capital needs.
• Assist with permits for development, environmental, construction or entitlement processes.
• Supply timely and accurate information related to new markets, demographics, and business investment needs.
• Market business incentive programs such as the Merced County Enterprise Zone and County of Merced Recycling Market Development Zone.
• Assist member communities with strategies and initiatives that enhance abilities to support ongoing economic development.
• Assist local agencies with development of needed infrastructure supporting economic development.