Below is a list of small business assistance providers and descriptions of these programs.  Services provided by these organizations for small businesses include environmental compliance, pollution prevention, management, technology, and resources assistance.  Links to program web sites as well as state and local program web sites are included.

Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) Programs
Compliance Assistance Centers
EPA Pollution Prevention Web Site
EPA Small Business Division/Small Business Ombudsman
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
National Pollution Prevention Roundtable
Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAPs)
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Trade Associations

Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) Programs--The Compliance Assistance Programs are created at the state level and are comprised of business and permit program members.  The CAPs represent small business perspectives in their states and provide information on the effectiveness and any difficulties encountered of their small business assistance programs.  CAPs also provide input on regulations from the layman's perspective, are involved in the regulatory process, provide information on activities of their small business assistance programs, and participate in their small business assistance programs. 

Compliance Assistance Centers--There are nine sector specific Compliance Assistance Centers providing compliance information targeted specifically to certain industry needs.  The Centers were established by EPA, in partnership with industry, academic institutions, environmental groups, and other federal and state agencies and local governments.  The Centers include:  automotive service and repair community; metal finishing industry; chemical manufacturers; paints and coatings (organic coating facilities, industry vendors, and suppliers); Federal departments and agencies; printed wiring board manufacturers, industry vendors, and suppliers; local government officials, managers, and staff; printers; environmentally protective and agriculturally sound approaches to compliance; and transportation (air, shipping and barging, rail, and trucking).

EPA Pollution Prevention Web Site--This EPA web site provides general information about P2 practices, describes the array of P2 programs and initiatives administered by EPA and other organizations, and provides contacts for further information.

EPA Small Business Division (SBD)/Small Business Ombudsman (SBO)--Established in 1982, the Office of the Small Business Ombudsman serves as an effective conduit for small businesses to access EPA and facilitates communications between the small business community and the Agency.  The Office reviews and resolves disputes with EPA and works with EPA personnel to increase their understanding of small businesses in the development and enforcement of environmental regulations.  The Office of Small Business Ombudsman is managed by EPA's Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation.  The SBO's primary customer group is the nation's small business community.  Significant secondary customer groups include state and EPA regional small business ombudsmen and national trade associations serving small businesses.

EPA SBD/SBO 2003-2004 Review & Outlook, Presentation for SBA Environmental Roundtable, January 30, 2004.
Small Business News Alerts (describes accomplishments of SBD)

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers--The MEP program is a nationwide network of not-for-profit Centers in over 400 locations nationwide (including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico).  The purpose of these Centers is to provide small- and medium-sized manufacturers with the help they need to succeed. The Centers provide technical and business assistance, including the creation of successful partnerships and provision of seminars and training programs.  The Centers succeed with the special combination of  local expertise and access to national resources.  

Links to MEP Centers by State

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)--NIST works with industries to develop and apply technology, measurements, and standards.  There are four major programs under NIST:  Measurement and Standards Laboratories (provides technical leadership for vital components of the nation's technology infrastructure needed by U.S. industry to continually improve its products and services), Advanced Technology Program (helps develop innovative technologies through R&D partnerships with the private sector), Manufacturing Extension Partnership (includes network of local centers offering technical and business assistance to small- and medium-sized manufacturers), and Outreach program associated with the Baldrige National Quality Program (recognizes business performance excellence and quality achievement by U.S. manufacturers, service companies, educational organizations, and health care providers).

National Pollution Prevention Roundtable--Provides national forum for promoting the development, implementation, and evaluation of efforts to avoid, eliminate, or reduce pollution at the source.  Includes descriptions of the organization and its functions, information on federal pollution prevention legislation, conferences, workgroups, partners, and publications.

Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs (SBEAPs)--Small Business Assistance Programs (SBAPs) were created as a result of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 requirement that all States develop a program to assist small businesses in meeting the requirements of the Act.  Since then, most of these programs have expanded to provide assistance in other environmental areas, including waste and waste issues.  SBAPs provide free, nonregulatory environmental compliance and pollution prevention assistance to small businesses.  The program provides small businesses with partnership-based compliance support, education, outreach and advocacy.

Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs Key Contact Listing
EPA Small Business Gateway
Small Business Assistance Programs 2000 Annual Report Summary
Small Business Assistance Programs factsheet

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)--Small Business Development Centers, administered by the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), provides one-stop management assistance to current and prospective small business owners through central and easily accessible branch locations.  The program is a cooperative effort of the private sector, the educational community, and federal, state, and local governments.  The SBDC Program provides assistance to small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical problems and feasibility studies.  Special SBDC programs and economic development activities include:  international trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture capital formation, and rural development.

SBDCNet National Information Clearinghouse
America's Small Business Development Center Network
Links to SBDC web sites
Links to SBDC Locations/Contacts by State

Trade Associations--National organizations providing leadership representing the business, legislative and regulatory interests of various industries.

Last Updated: April 16, 2008