Visalia Economic Development Corporation

We strive to attract new business and help existing business expand. Ours is a "business-friendly" community, with an emphasis on simplifying, streamlining, and ensuring success.

In addition to regular commercial lending sources, there is a variety of other financing sources for new and expanding businesses.

Tax - Exempt Industrial Development Bonds - The City of Visalia has tax exempt industrial bond program to finance eligible projects from $2 million to $10 million. Up to 100 percent financing is available for land, buildings, on-site improvements and capital equipment. Typical time application to final approval is 90 - 120 days.

Redevelopment Agency - The City of Visalia's Redevelopment Agency is governed by a Board of Directors and is composed of four active project areas. The RDA provides a wide range of development services stipulated in Redevelopment Law, including financial participation, site assembly and financing for improvements.

Small Business Administration - SBA has helped thousands of companies get started and expand. Key programs rely on loan guarantees, both long term and short term, made by private lenders. Credit programs boost the availability of capital. Use link provided to further search General Loan Program 7(a) and 504 Development Company Loan Program.

California Trade & Commerce Agency - Can provide the Loan Guarantee Program, which permits regional development corporations to use State funds to guarantee loans made by banks or financial institutions. Contact the CTC Agency for further information on the Loan Guarantee Program as well as the State Treasurer's Program.

Business Incentive Zone (BIZ) - The BIZ is part of California's sole Targeted Tax Area designation. This state funded tax incentive program is designed to stimulate business development and employment growth. Incentives available to businesses such as; State hiring tax, qualified equipment credits and a five-year development fee deferral with no interest. See if your business is in the Zone - www.tularecountybiz.org

Streamline Permitting - The City of Visalia makes every effort to facilitate progress by streamlining the site plan, permitting and inspection processes. The first step is Site Plan Review and the City provides a "One-Stop" review to quickly move construction proposals through this process. For more information on Visalia's express processing services, contact the City's Economic Department at (559) 713-4033.

California Technology Trade and Commerce Agency; incentives and rebates - This site displays information about state incentives and rebates available to businesses under "Rebated Programs in California" http://commerce.ca.gov/energy/finance.html

Visalia can offer your company cost-free assistance in advertising, recruiting and screening of employees through organizations such as the WIB, College of the Sequoias, 3 adult business colleges, an adult school all of with can customize their offerings to meet your needs.

The Tulare County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) will help your business find and hire employees provide cost cutting programs. The WIB will allow you to save valuable time and money while also receiving qualified employees. www.tcwib.org