Small Business Assistance Program
Why Was SBAP Created?
Many of the requirements of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments affect small businesses, which often cannot afford to hire environmental experts to interpret the complex regulations. Because the costs of failing to comply can be quite high, Congress required each state to establish a program to provide small businesses with technical assistance to help them meet air emisson requirements and reduce air emissions.
Ohio's Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) is a non-regulatory prograrn. It has three parts: a technical assistance program ; an ombudsman to serve as an advocate for small businesses; and a compliance advisory panel (CAP) to evaluate program effectiveness. SBAP is a free, confidential and voluntary service.
How Can This Program Help Business Owners?
All services are provided free of charge, including confidential one-on-one consultations. SBAP also offers a Small Business Assistance Fund that provides grants to small businesses having difficulty complying with the federal clean air requirements. Although the SBAP is targeted to businesses with air emissions, it offers referrals for other questions such as waste disposal or water discharges.
What Is the Definition of A Small Business?
For the purposes of this program, a small business is a stationary source that:
- is independently owned or operated;
- employs 100 or fewer individuals;
- is a small business concern as defined in the Small Business Act;
- is not a major stationary source as defined in Titles I and III of the Clean Air Act Amendments;
- does not emit 50 tons per year or more of any one regulated pollutant; and
- emits fewer than 75 tons per year of all regulated pollutants.
Confidentiality
Sometimes, businesses are reluctant to seek technical assistance from agencies for fear that penalties might result if any violations are found. Under state law, information gained from SBAP clients cannot be used in any kind of enforcement action. This means that small businesses may seek help voluntarily and confidentially. The goal of the SBAP is to help small businesses comply, not to enforce their compliance.
Small Business Assistance Program Contacts
Other Information
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