Community & State Incentives

Our eight communities have one thing in common—a business-friendly environment designed to help your business succeed. Each community stands ready to assist decision-makers who seek to establish or expand their businesses in our area. With site selection, rapid development permitting, and custom-tailored training and workforce development solutions, Tulare County communities are equipped and ready to serve your business.

State Incentives

EDC staff can provide more information, application materials, and introduction to State staff to address questions and professionals who can assist in the application process needed.

California Competes Tax Credit

The California Competes Tax Credit provides a credit against state income tax due and is tied to achieving contractual milestones including hiring and investment. The process is competitive in nature with companies submitting applications to the State, which reviews and decides the award based on a number of factors. Agreements are negotiated by State staff and considered by the California Competes Tax Credit Committee. The application process occurs 2 to 3 times per year depending on funding availability.

(Full) Sales & Use Tax Exemption – Advanced Transportation and Manufacturing Sales and Use Tax Exemption

The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) offers a full sales and use tax exclusion to manufacturers that promote alternative energy and advanced transportation.

(Partial) Sales & Use Tax Exemption

A partial exemption of sales and use tax on certain manufacturing, research and development and electric power generation. The partial exemption applies only to the state sales and use tax rate portion, currently at 3.9375 percent. The exemption does not apply to any local, city, county, or district tax. Qualifying persons include all manufacturers (NAICS Codes 3111 – 3399, inclusive), Research and Development in Biotechnology and Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (NAICS Codes 541711 and 541712, respectively), and those industries primarily engaged in the generation and production, or storage and distribution of electric power (NAICS codes 22111 to 22118, inclusive and 221122).

Employment Training Panel (ETP)

The Employment Training Panel (ETP) is a joint business-labor state agency that funds training to ensure employers have the skilled workers they need to compete locally and globally. ETP is successful because Companies decide which workers need training, develop their own training plans, and select their own trainers. ETP-funded training is customized to meet the needs of employers and provide high-wage, high-skill, secure jobs for workers. ETP can work directly with large and small employers, as well as organizations that address the training needs of multiple employers, including chambers of commerce, economic development corporations, unified school districts, community colleges, university foundations, and workforce development boards. For more information, please contact our team at ETPEDUNit@etp.ca.gov or (916) 327-4391.

Click Here for information on the Agricultural Initiative

Click Here for information on the Employment Training Panel

Click Here for information on the State Funding for Agricultural Employers

Community Incentives

Tulare County communities define what “business friendly” really means and have designed localized programs specifically crafted to assist businesses. These services are offered in addition to countywide programs such as the Business Incentive Zone, Foreign Trade Zone and Recycling Market Development Zone and are available in most communities, depending on the scope of your project.

21 Day Permit Fast-tracking

One of the major benefits is our streamlined permit processing – no bureaucratic headaches. We pledge projects will be fast tracked and a Project Coordinator will serve as your local liaison.

Interest Free 5-Year Fee Deferral

Your company may be provided an easy deferred payment plan for your development fees and no payment is required until occupancy. Payment may be made in five annual installments – interest free. Your deferred fees may include – permit processing, sewer and water connections, storm drain, traffic impact, etc.

Financing Programs

Business Loans, including Revolving Loan Funds (RLF)- “Gap” financing for business location and expansion projects.
Industrial Development Bonds (IDB)—Tax-exempt, Low-interest loans.
Commercial Rehabilitation Loans—Low-interest or deferred payment financing for rehabilitation of existing facilities.

City of Tulare Incentive Program

Small Business Incentive Program

Minimum capital investment of 1 million dollars.
Create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs.
Maximum incentive through this program is $150,000.

Large Business Incentive Program

Minimum capital investment of 10 million dollars.
Create a minimum of 50 full-time jobs.
No maximum incentive amount through this program.

Send written requests to Jennifer Gomez, MPA, Executive Director of Economic Development & Redevelopment| jgomez@tulare.ca.gov