Small Business Assistance (SBA)

SBA Phone Numbers and E-Mail

Northern Region (Serving San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties) SBA Phone: (209) 557-6446

Central Region (Serving Madera, Fresno, and Kings counties) SBA Phone: (559) 230-5888

Southern Region (Serving Tulare and Kern counties) SBA Phone: (661) 392-5665

or e-mail SBA at: SBA@valleyair.org

Obtain Copies of Permits

Search Permits in the Public Permits Information Portal

Why Should I Use the Small Business Assistance Program?

The District has implemented a number of measures to simplify and expedite the permitting process. The Small Business Assistance (SBA) program offers an added dimension to our permit streamlining efforts by providing material assistance to businesses that lack the resources or technical expertise needed to obtain air pollution permits.

If you use the SBA program, you will deal directly with one individual who will be your contact for all air pollution permitting matters, and you will have access to an SBA engineer through our SBA Hotline. More reasons to use the SBA:

There is no direct charge for the service.
You will get expert advice on air pollution technology options.
It will save you time and reduce stress by providing answers to your questions in a timely manner.
You will have a personal resource on other air issues that might affect your business.
Permits are processed expeditiously.

What Kind of Services Will I Find with the District's SBA Program?

The SBA engineers will act as your consultants, providing several different services such as:

Assisting in the completion of applications and other forms
Explaining applicable regulations
Advice on selecting cost-effective compliance measures
Obtaining technical information
Providing information on loans designed to finance air pollution control equipment

If the SBA engineer is unable to answer your question immediately, he or she will conduct a search for the information and return your call or provide you with names of individuals who would be able to answer your questions

Who Can Use the SBA Program?

Any business located within the Air District's eight counties (San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, and Kern) is welcome to call the SBA engineers.

Businesses which typically utilize the SBA's services include dry cleaners, auto body shops, printers, gas stations, and others requiring air pollution permits.

Who Do I Call?

We have three District offices throughout the Valley, each with an SBA office to better serve you. You will use the office directly serving the county in which your business is located.

A permit engineer and an alternate permit engineer, each with experience in air pollution permitting, are available in each office Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and every other friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After work hours, leave your name and telephone number on the answering machine, and the SBA engineer will return your call promptly.

To discuss permitting concerns, call the hotline or arrange to meet with the SBA engineer in your regional office. The engineer will be your personal guide throughout the permitting process.