Fresno County EDC

What Fresno County EDC does

Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (Fresno EDC) is a public-private nonprofit organization founded in 1980 that markets Fresno County as a business location and delivers a suite of complimentary economic development services to companies considering expansion or relocation in California's Central Valley. The organization is led by President and CEO Will Oliver and operates with a staff of approximately 20 professionals, structured around three functional pillars: business attraction and retention (site selection, incentive program navigation, regulatory and permitting assistance, data research), workforce development (the New Employment Opportunities (NEO) Program in partnership with the Fresno County Department of Social Services, plus the Good Jobs Central Valley training portfolio across Business Services, Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation & Logistics), and regional strategy (the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy 2025-2030 with TIP Strategies, and the CenterPoint District multi-city collaborative).

The EDC's revenue model is nonprofit-tiered membership funded. Over 100 companies, public agencies, and private organizations invest at five annual tiers — Copper ($1,000), Bronze ($1,500), Silver ($2,500), Gold ($5,000), and Platinum ($10,000) — supplemented by direct public sector contributions from Fresno County and all 15 incorporated cities. Services are provided at no cost to prospective and expanding businesses, creating a free-rider funnnel where site selectors, commercial real estate brokers, and employers access the EDC's curated data, regulatory navigation, and incentive structuring capabilities without charge. Documented impact includes 9,000+ jobs (direct, indirect, induced) and $1.8 billion in output impact (FY 2018-2022), 4,000 hours of monthly manpower dedicated to business services, and 2,500+ NEO program placements with $23.5 million in employer wage reimbursements.

Strategically, the organization is executing three concurrent buildouts: (1) a five-year CEDS strategic framework with TIP Strategies, (2) the CenterPoint District multi-city investment proposition covering seven smaller municipalities, and (3) sector-specific workforce training expansion through Good Jobs Central Valley. Key partners include PG&E (offering a 25% Economic Development Rate electricity discount), California State University Fresno, Community Health System, Kaiser Permanente, JPMorgan Chase, BNSF Railway, Colliers International, and the State Center Community College District. Technology is not a core competency; the EDC is a relationship- and policy-driven organization rather than a software or data platform.

Name

Fresno County EDC

Legal name

Fresno County Economic Development Corporation

Website

https://fresnoedc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fresno County EDC is a public-private nonprofit that markets Fresno County as a business location, providing complimentary site selection, incentives navigation, workforce development, and permitting services to companies, funded by tiered investor memberships and public sector partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Administration of General Economic Programs (92611), Educational Support Services (6117), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA), Education Systems & Skills Technical Assistance (BPADAEAI)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Site selection assistance
• Workforce development programs
• Business incentives navigation
• Regional marketing publications

Headquarters

HQ city

Fresno

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Investor Membership Contributions: The EDC operates as a public-private nonprofit organization funded by investor contributions at multiple tiers: Platinum ($10,000), Gold ($5,000), Silver ($2,500), Bronze ($1,500), and Copper ($1,000). Over 100 companies and organizations invest in the EDC annually.
2. Public Sector Funding: Partnerships with government entities including Fresno County, multiple cities within Fresno County (Clovis, Fresno, Coalinga, etc.), and public agencies. These public investors contribute to the organization's operational funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Fresno County EDC delivers economic development services at no cost to businesses, including site selection assistance, economic incentives navigation (local, state, federal), workforce development via the New Employment Opportunities (NEO) Program with tiered wage subsidies, regulatory and permitting support, customized data research, and financing referrals to loan and grant programs. The organization also markets the Fresno County region through City Economic Profiles, Labor Market Data, and the annual Real Estate Forecast publication, and delivers sector-specific training under the Good Jobs Central Valley initiative.

Product overview

Fresno County EDC is a public-private nonprofit organization that offers a comprehensive suite of economic development services rather than a unified software product. The organization provides core business services including site selection assistance, economic incentives navigation, workforce development through the New Employment Opportunities (NEO) Program, and regulatory/permitting support. Its Good Jobs Central Valley initiative delivers sector-specific training programs in Business Services, Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation & Logistics. The EDC also produces data products including City Economic Profiles for 13 municipalities, Labor Market Data reports, Annual Reports, and the annual Real Estate Forecast publication. The CenterPoint District represents a regional initiative collaborative among seven cities. Financing referrals connect businesses to various loan and grant programs. These services collectively support business attraction, retention, and expansion in Fresno County.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Site Selection Services Assists businesses, site selectors, and brokers with identifying available properties and facilities that accommodate project requirements, working with Fresno County's commercial and industrial real estate community.
• Economic Incentives Assistance Provides technical assistance on cost-saving local, state, and federal incentive programs, evaluating client needs to determine the best fit and maximize incentives.
• New Employment Opportunities (NEO) Program Provides employers with subsidized employment, recruitment, screening, training, and retention services for Welfare-to-Work clients.
• Wage Subsidy Program Offers tiered wage reimbursements to employers who hire Department of Social Services clients through the NEO Program.
• Workforce Resources Works directly with businesses to create customized training programs and cost-saving incentives to meet hiring needs through partnership with the Department of Social Services.
• Regulatory & Permitting Assistance Works in partnership with local, regional, and state agencies to help businesses navigate permitting and regulatory processes.
• Data Research Services Provides customized research vital to business attraction and expansion projects, including industry-specific information on workforce availability, wage rates, and major area employers.
• Financing Referrals Makes referrals to agencies for Industrial Development Bonds, loan guarantees, direct financing, local development funds, grants, micro-loan programs, and SBA loan packages.
• Targeted Attraction Campaigns Maintains proprietary data sets and uses them to build targeted attraction campaigns focusing on companies and industries that would thrive in the Central Valley.
• Good Jobs Central Valley Training Programs Comprehensive workforce training initiative offering programs in Business Services, Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation & Logistics sectors.
• City Economic Profiles Detailed demographic and economic profiles for 13 cities in Fresno County including Clovis, Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fresno, Fowler, Kerman, Kingsburg, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, San Joaquin, Sanger, and Selma.
• Labor Market Data Comprehensive labor market statistics including employment figures, unemployment rates, industry employment data, and projected growth industries for Fresno County.
• Real Estate Forecast Event and Publication Annual event and publication highlighting Fresno County market data, statistical trends, sector comparisons, and future development projects with panel discussions featuring industry experts across real estate sectors.
• Fresno County CEDS 2025-2030 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) developed in partnership with TIP Strategies for the County of Fresno, charting the course for economic growth and resilience over a five-year period.
• CenterPoint District Initiative Collection of collaborative cities (Sanger, Orange Cove, Reedley, Parlier, Selma, Kingsburg, Fowler) in Central California offering abundant land, workforce, and streamlined local government for business development.

Quantifiable outcome

• 9,000+ jobs created (direct, indirect, and induced)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• California State University, FresnocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level investor and key educational partner providing workforce pipeline and research capabilities for regional economic development initiatives.
• Community Health SystemcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level investor and major healthcare employer in Fresno County supporting healthcare sector growth and workforce development.
• Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level investor and provider of Economic Development Rate (EDR) program offering 25% electricity cost reduction for qualifying businesses.
• T-MobilecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level investor supporting telecommunications infrastructure and economic growth initiatives in the Central Valley.
• Cook Land CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level investor and major real estate development company involved in Fresno County commercial and industrial development.
• NextEra Energy ResourcescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level investor and renewable energy provider contributing to Central Valley clean energy sector growth.
• The Business JournalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level investor and regional business media partner supporting economic development coverage and visibility.
• Fresno GrizzliescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatinum-level investor and regional entertainment/sports organization contributing to quality of life and community development.
• Fresno County Department of Social ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic sector partner for the New Employment Opportunities (NEO) Program providing wage subsidies and workforce development support for employers hiring welfare-to-work participants.
• State Center Community College DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold-level investor and key workforce training partner providing educational programs aligned with regional employer needs.
• City of FresnocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic investor and major city partner providing local incentives (iDIFER program), development support, and coordinated economic development efforts.
• City of CloviscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic investor and city partner with economic development incentives including business license fee rebates and retail tax certificate fee waivers.
• BNSF RailwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSilver-level investor and Class I freight railroad serving Fresno County's logistics and transportation infrastructure.
• TIP StrategiescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAustin-based consulting firm engaged to develop the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 2025-2030 for Fresno County, providing strategic planning expertise.
• Fresno Area Construction TeamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold-level investor representing construction industry workforce development interests.
• Career NexuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold-level investor and workforce services provider offering internship programs and job placement assistance through the Good Jobs Central Valley initiative.
• Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold-level investor and community services organization providing workforce training programs including Huron Valley Apprenticeship Connections.
• Colliers International, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGold-level investor and commercial real estate brokerage facilitating business location referrals and site selection assistance.
• Pleasant Mattress, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManufacturer recognized for workforce development contributions through the NEO Program, having hired 32 participants. Featured as example of successful employer partnership in workforce initiatives.
• Fresno County Cities (14 municipalities)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCities of Coalinga, Firebaugh, Fowler, Huron, Kerman, Kingsburg, Mendota, Orange Cove, Parlier, Reedley, San Joaquin, Sanger, and Selma participate as public investors with individual economic development incentives.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC): California county-level public-private EDC offering site selection, workforce, and incentive navigation services. Same public-private nonprofit model and service mix (site selection, incentives, workforce) as Fresno County EDC, scaled to LA County.
• San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation: San Diego regional EDC providing business attraction, retention and expansion services to companies considering San Diego, with similar structure of investor membership tiers and direct business engagement.
• Greater Sacramento Economic Council: Regional economic development organization covering the Greater Sacramento area, with comparable service offerings in site selection, workforce, and international trade support, and a comparable California public-private funding model.
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council: Sun Corridor regional EDC that competes with peer California counties for inbound business. Operates a similar investor-funded model and competes directly with Fresno County EDC for site-selection wins across the Western US.
• Metro Atlanta Chamber (Economic Development division): Regional chamber/EDC structure combining member-tier funding with site selection and workforce services for the Atlanta MSA. Comparable scope and peer-EDC competition dynamics for inbound corporate investment.
• Pittsburgh Regional Alliance: Multi-county regional EDC for the Pittsburgh MSA with similar site-selection, workforce, and partner-network services. Useful peer for benchmarking how a regional EDC scales beyond a single county.
• Greater Houston Partnership: Regional chamber/EDC for the Houston region providing business recruitment and retention services backed by an investor/member model. Comparable to Fresno County EDC's investor-driven structure and GTM mix.
• Indy Partnership: Indiana regional EDC representing the Indianapolis MSA with comparable services (site selection, workforce, incentives) and an investor-funded governance model.
• Detroit Regional Partnership: Multi-county economic development partnership for Southeast Michigan offering site selection, workforce, and FDI services. Closely parallels Fresno County EDC in mission and operating approach.

Broad incumbents

• Bay Area Council Economic Institute: Research and policy-driven economic development organization for the San Francisco Bay Area. Less focused on direct business attraction than Fresno EDC, but operates the same public-private nonprofit model in California.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/fresnocountyedc
• Xx.com/fresnocountyedc
• Facebookfacebook.com/FresnoEDC

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Fresno County EDC