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DEMOGRAPHICS

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Fresno County Economic Development Corporation
is a nonprofit organization established to market Fresno County as the premier location for business prosperity. In addition to assisting with site selection for new businesses within Fresno County, the Fresno County EDC also assists in the retention and expansion of businesses that are already located in the area and can be contacted for more information about any of the business incentives and resources listed here.
Contact: Victor Bribiesca,
Director of Business Retention and Expansion,
906 N Street, #120, Fresno, CA 93721.
(559) 476-2512
vbribiesca@fresnoedc.com

Fresno State Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Small Business Development Center
is a nationally-ranked entrepreneurship center with a successful track record of inspiring students, faculty, alumni, and community leaders to act on ideas that build a prosperous future. Among many programs and services, the center provides scholarships, innovation workshops, entrepreneur mentor programs, and research and consulting services such as business, marketing, and strategic plans for startups and corporations.
Contact: Jeff Macon
5010 N Woodrow Ave., MS WC142, Fresno, CA 93740.
(559) 347-3903.
jeffmacon@csufresno.edu

Fresno Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
is a mission-driven small business loan fund designed to grow businesses and jobs in underserved communities.
Contact: Jeremy Hofer or Blong Lee,
1900 Mariposa Mall, #100, Fresno, CA 93721.
(559) 263-1351.
info@fresnocdfi.com.

Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Business Services Center
offers a variety of services for local businesses, including hiring and training assistance, industry and issue specific consultation services, business tools, and training for business owners. In partnership with nine local public/private organizations, the Business Services Center has also created Fresno4biz.com  to help businesses connect with the organization(s) that fit their needs as well as access information on assistance for start-up companies, how to expand a business, and much more.
Contact: Christine Nutting,
7475 N. Palm Ave., #105, Fresno, CA 93711.
(559) 230-4062.
bsc@workforce-connection.com.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)
is a network dedicated to fostering honest and responsive relationships between businesses and consumers – instilling consumer confidence and advancing a trustworthy marketplace for all.
Contact: Manuel Garcia or Cindy Dudley
4201 W. Shaw Ave, #107 Fresno, CA 93722.
(559) 265-6332 or (559) 256-6330.
manuel@cencal.bbb.org or cindy@cencal.bbb.org.

The local branch of the U.S. Commercial Service (U.S. Department of Commerce)
is a federal government agency dedicated to developing and promoting U.S. exports and to helping small-to-medium sized companies find new foreign markets for their products and services around the world.
Contact: Glen Roberts,
5425 N. Backer Ave., M/S PB 5, Fresno, CA 93740.
(559) 348-9859.
glenroberts@trade.gov.

The Fresno District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration
is the local contact for the SBA’s services include providing millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.
Contact: Carlos G. Mendoza or Dawn Golik,
801 R Street, Fresno, CA 93721.
(559) 487-5791 extension 2710 or 2705.
Carlos.mendoza@sba.gov or dawn.golik@sba.gov.

Central Valley SCORE
is the local office of the national SCORE nonprofit dedicated to aiding the formation, growth, and success of small businesses with resources related to business startups, financing, expansion, and retention.
Contact: Danae Schmitzer,
801 R Street, Fresno, CA 93721.
(559) 487-5605.
Danae.schmitzer@xcceleratehr.com.

The Water, Energy and Technology Center
is an independent non-profit located on the campus of Fresno State and providing connections, resources, and business support for entrepreneurs and high-potential technology companies in the central San Joaquin Valley focusing on water, energy, and agriculture. The WET Center’s vision is to have a thriving water, energy and agriculture technology industry in the central San Joaquin Valley creating a strong economic base with high-paying knowledge-based careers.
Contact: Helle Petersen,
2911 E. Barstow Ave., M/S OF 144, Fresno, CA 93720.
(559) 278-4540.
helle@cvbi.org.

INCENTIVES

Financing Programs

Recycling Market Development Zone – A Fresno County incentive, including low interest micro-loans and development/permitting assistance, available to businesses that use recycled or recovered materials as raw materials in their manufacturing processes or reduce the creation of solid waste.

Industrial Development Bond (IDB) Financing Program – A State of California program providing low-cost, low-interest financing for capital expenditures to manufacturing and processing companies.

Energy

PG&E Economic Development Rate – A program providing qualifying businesses in Fresno County a 30% Enhanced Rate reduction on their monthly electricity costs.

Workforce

New Employment Opportunities (NEO) Program – A short-term wage reimbursement incentive available to qualified employers hiring qualifying Fresno County residents.

Work Experience (WorkEx) Program – Free on the job training assistance provided by the County of Fresno Department of Social Services.

New Employment Credit (NEC) Program – A State of California hiring tax credit available to qualified employers in a Designated Geographic Area (DGA) hiring qualifying employees within a designated pay scale.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program – A federal tax credit available for hiring qualifying individuals from certain target groups.

Employment Training Panel – A State of California program offering reimbursement for customized employee training.

Other State

California Competes Credit – A State of California income tax credit negotiated between the State and businesses that want to stay and grow in California.

Manufacturing Equipment Sales & Use Tax Exemption – A State of California sales tax exemption on manufacturing and related equipment.

Research & Development (R&D) Credit – A State of California income tax credit available to businesses incurring qualified research expenses while conducting qualified research in California.

Other Federal

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) – A program allowing entry of foreign or domestic merchandise without formal customs entry or government excise taxes, with Fresno County being part of Foreign Trade Zone No. 226.

HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) – A federal program that helps small businesses in designated cities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities.

The New Market Tax Credit Program – A federal program established to spur new or increased investments into operating businesses and real estate projects located in low-income communities.