12 Small Business Resources You Should Know About

1. AB-617 Community Air Protection Program: In response to Assembly Bill (AB) 617 (C. Garcia, Chapter 136, Statutes of 2017), California Air Resources Board (CARB) established the Community Air Protection Program (CAPP). The Program’s focus is to reduce exposure in communities most impacted by air pollution. Communities around the State are working together to develop and implement new strategies to measure air pollution and reduce health impacts.
2. California Climate Investment Program: Funded solely by Cap-and-Trade proceeds, California Climate Investments puts billions of dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment – especially in disadvantaged communities.
3. California Foodservice Instant Rebates: With the California Foodservice Instant Rebates Program, California Investor Owned Utility (IOU) customers can get valuable Instant Rebates on qualifying energy-efficient equipment for their businesses. You can skip the paperwork and receive an Instant Rebate as a discount directly on your invoice when you purchase qualifying high-efficiency natural gas or electric commercial foodservice equipment from participating dealers. Qualifying equipment must be installed at a non-residential site that receives natural gas and/or electricity service from one or more of the California IOUs.
4. California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) Funding Programs: CalOSBA offers numerous small business grants and loans. Many of these funding opportunities are ongoing, while others have application periods with current deadlines approaching. This funding is available for eligible small business owners across California to apply.
5. California Air Resources Board (CARB) Email List Sign-Up: CARB shares regular updates regarding clean energy news, initiatives, and policies across the State of California. This is an easy and helpful way for small business owners to ensure they are complying with clean energy requirements while also receiving resources that can support them in doing so.
6. CARB Board Meetings: In addition to the newsletter, you can attend CARB Board Meetings to participate in discussions about California’s decarbonization efforts.
7. CARB contacts for assistance: Helpline: 800-242-4450 or helpline@arb.ca.gov Ombudsman’s Office: 916-323-6791 or ombudsman@arb.ca.gov
8. Cool California: Cool California’s goal is to provide resources to help all Californians reduce their environmental impact and be part of the climate change solution. Their resources include a carbon footprint calculator, climate action map, funding opportunities, and more.
9. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA is a great resource for staying up-to-date on current and changing policies regarding clean energy and climate action. Their webpage contains helpful information and news, plus other resources and topics regarding public health.
10. Funding Wizard: This is a tool for financial incentives, grants, rebates, and more. The website is easy to navigate and can connect individuals and small business owners with potential opportunities to receive funding from a number of organizations and sources.
11. Sacramento Municipal Utility District’s (SMUD) Mapping Tool: If you’re based in the Sacramento region, SMUD’s interactive mapping tool helps analyze current data to indicate the local areas most likely to be underserved or in distress by lack of community development, income, housing, employment opportunities, transportation, medical treatment, nutrition, education, and clean environment.
12. SMUD’s SEED Program: This is another resource from SMUD. Their SEED program offers incentives to local small businesses that participate in SMUD’s competitive bid process. It also helps prime contractors find local sub-contractors, which gives their bids or proposals a competitive edge.

For more information regarding the CalAsian Chamber’s work in policy, you can contact our Senior Public Policy Manager, Andrea Cao, at acao@calasiancc.org