Local & Regional Business Support

Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to marketing Fresno County as a business hub. Assists with site selection, retention, and expansion of local businesses.
Contact: Victor Bribiesca, Director of Business Retention & Expansion
906 N Street, #120, Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 476-2512 | vbribiesca@fresnoedc.com

Fresno State Lyles Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship SBDC

Provides business development resources, including mentorship, research, consulting, and strategic planning 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)

A mission-driven small business loan fund supporting businesses and job creation 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 hiring and training assistance, industry consultation, and online business tools via Fresno4biz.com.
Contact: Christine Nutting
7475 N. Palm Ave., #105, Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 230-4062 | bsc@workforce-connection.com

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Provides consumer confidence resources, dispute resolution, and marketplace guidance for businesses.
Contact: Manuel Garcia or Cindy Dudley
4201 W. Shaw Ave, #107 Fresno, CA 93722
(559) 265-6332 | manuel@cencal.bbb.org
(559) 256-6330 | cindy@cencal.bbb.org

Federal & State Business Support

U.S. Commercial Service (U.S. Department of Commerce)

Supports small-to-medium-sized businesses in finding foreign markets for their products and services.
Contact: Glen Roberts
5425 N. Backer Ave., M/S PB 5, Fresno, CA 93740
(559) 348-9859 | glenroberts@trade.gov

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Fresno District Office

Provides loans, counseling, and business assistance programs.
Contact: Carlos G. Mendoza or Dawn Golik
801 R Street, Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 487-5791 (ext. 2710 or 2705)
Carlos.mendoza@sba.gov | dawn.golik@sba.gov

Central Valley SCORE

Offers free mentorship and business development resources for startups and small businesses.
Contact: Danae Schmitzer
801 R Street, Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 487-5605 | Danae.schmitzer@xcceleratehr.com

Water, Energy & Technology (WET) Center – Fresno State

Provides support for water, energy, and agricultural technology startups in the Central Valley.
Contact: Helle Petersen
2911 E. Barstow Ave., M/S OF 144, Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 278-4540 | helle@cvbi.org

Business Incentives & Financing Programs

Financing & Loan Programs

• Recycling Market Development Zone – Offers low-interest micro-loans and development assistance for businesses using recycled materials.
• Industrial Development Bond (IDB) Financing Program – Provides low-cost financing for manufacturing and processing companies.

Energy Cost Reduction

• PG&E Economic Development Rate – A 30% electricity cost reduction for qualifying businesses in Fresno County.

Workforce Development & Hiring Incentives

• New Employment Opportunities (NEO) Program – Provides short-term wage reimbursement for eligible employers.
• Work Experience (WorkEx) Program – On-the-job training assistance through the Fresno County Department of Social Services.
• New Employment Credit (NEC) Program – A California tax credit for employers hiring in a Designated Geographic Area (DGA).
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program – A federal tax credit for hiring individuals from targeted groups.
• Employment Training Panel – A California program that reimburses employers for customized workforce training.

State Business Incentives

• California Competes Credit – A negotiated state income tax credit for businesses looking to grow in California.
• Manufacturing Equipment Sales & Use Tax Exemption – Exempts sales tax on certain manufacturing equipment purchases.
• Research & Development (R&D) Credit – A California income tax credit for businesses conducting qualified research.

Federal Business Incentives

• Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 226 – Allows businesses to defer or reduce customs duties on imported/exported goods.
• HUBZone Program – Federal procurement advantages for businesses in historically underutilized areas.
• New Market Tax Credit Program – Encourages investment in low-income communities through tax credits.

For more information on business resources, incentives, or economic development opportunities in Huron, contact the City’s Economic Development Office.