How we built a dedicated digital gateway that helps Bay Area and Chinese businesses grow through trusted, actionable partnerships
Services
Design, Development, Logo Design, WordPress
The Problem
Since 1945, the Bay Area Council has shaped the future of the San Francisco Bay Area through civic leadership, policy advocacy, and economic research. But as its China Initiative sector grew, supporting Bay Area businesses entering China, Chinese firms expanding to California, and cross-border government collaboration, it lacked a dedicated digital presence.
The main Bay Area Council website focused heavily on regional issues, with little room to articulate the China Initiative’s unique role as a bridge between two economies. Without a standalone online platform, the venture struggled to reach its diverse audiences: Bay Area entrepreneurs, Chinese investors, California officials, and Chinese government partners. A new site was essential to scale its impact and confidently position it as the go-to resource for bilateral trade.
Our approach
We partnered with the Bay Area Council to build a focused, bilingual WordPress site for the China Initiative, one that reflects its stature as a trusted intermediary in U.S.-China trade. Hosted in Singapore for reliable global access, the platform balances clarity for Western audiences with cultural resonance for Chinese stakeholders. From logo design to a standalone website, every element was crafted to position the initiative as California’s premier gateway to China.
An identity that bridges two regions
The new site needed to feel like a natural extension of the Bay Area Council brand, while signaling its unique focus on China. We began with color. Drawing inspiration from both the yellow stars on China’s national flag and the golden border of San Francisco’s city flag, we introduced a vibrant yellow as the signature accent. This deliberate choice avoids the cliché red while creating a powerful but subtle visual link between the two economies the initiative serves.
We applied this yellow to the Bay Area Council logo itself, replacing the original orange with the new hue to create a distinct mark for the China Initiative. The updated logo now carries the same trusted form but with a color that speaks directly to its mission. Across the website, the yellow appears in buttons, highlights, and interactive elements, adding energy without overwhelming the clean, professional layout.
Logo
Color palette
A digital gateway for global business
The site is built to turn complex cross-border opportunities into clear next steps. For Bay Area entrepreneurs looking to export to China, it offers practical guidance on market entry, regulatory navigation, and local partnership strategies. For Chinese companies eyeing the San Francisco Bay Area, it outlines pathways to establish operations, connect with regional networks, and access innovation ecosystems.
Specialized programs like the California E-Commerce Store, which helps California brands sell directly to Chinese consumers, are presented not as features, but as clear solutions. Similarly, the China International Import Expo section serves as a hub for businesses preparing to exhibit, with actionable resources on logistics, promotion, and post-event follow-up. Every page is designed to answer one question: How can we help you succeed across the Pacific?
Empowering a non-technical team
The Bay Area Council’s team includes policy experts and business advisors, not developers. Yet they need to maintain a dynamic, up-to-date online resource for their global audience. Dependability and ease-of-use were paramount.
We built custom WordPress blocks for service highlights, event listings, partnership spotlights, and resource collections, all designed to match the brand’s clean aesthetic. This custom development work significantly streamlined their content management workflow. Now, updating a new partnership announcement or adding a new service is quick and intuitive. The system enforces visual consistency automatically, so every page feels professional and aligned with the Bay Area Council standard, even when built by non-designers. Most importantly, it gives the team full control over their message, all without relying on external support.
One mission, two economies
Hosted in Singapore for optimal performance worldwide, while remaining accessible in mainland China, the site reflects the China Initiative’s dual role as a trusted advisor to Bay Area businesses and a respected partner to Chinese counterparts. Today, the Bay Area Council China Initiative finally has a digital home that matches its impact. It’s not just a website, but a powerful platform for connection, collaboration, and economic growth between two of the world’s most dynamic regions.
We’re honored to have helped the Bay Area Council give its China Initiative the focused, professional presence it deserves, and to support a mission that strengthens bilateral trade and deepens ties across the Pacific.
