By Staff Report Tuesday, January 20th, 2015

Two Ventura County companies are receiving $2.7 million in tax credits that could create more than 500 potential new jobs coming to the county.

Apparel producer Patagonia, formally known as Patagonia Works, will receive a $700,000 tax credit based on a target of increasing jobs at its headquarters by 175.

Computer systems design and consulting firm Oasis Technology of Camarillo will receive some $2 million in tax credits based on hiring as many as 357 employees over the next three years.

The tax credits were approved Jan. 15 by Go-Biz, the governor’s office of business development. “I’m thrilled to see Patagonia Works receive California Competes Tax Credits,” said 37^th District Assembly member Das Williams in a statement.

California Competes was created in 2013 as a replacement for the state’s Enterprise Zone program and it targeted some $750 million in tax credits toward the creation of new jobs.

Fast-growing Oasis Technology has become a leader in cybersecurity and protecting corporations such as Amgen from attacks by hackers. Last fall it hosted a contest for Ventura high schools students, challenging them to use their hacking skills to help it improve security practices.