The SBESO offers the following types of assistance: 

Compliance  

• Regulatory determinations – With an understanding of business processes, SBESO can help identify which DEC and EPA regulations apply and how to comply. 
• Compliance plans – In the event of an enforcement action, SBESO can assist with the development of a compliance plan. 
• Referrals – SBESO can help identify professional and engineering assistance to improve business processes, facilitate permit applications, and help with emission calculations.  SBESO can also assist with finding capital equipment funding and training opportunities.

Mediation – SBESO can assist with investigating and resolving complaints and disputes, including enforcement actions and Notices of Violation, between small businesses and the DEC or EPA. 

Outreach – SBESO informs the small business community of upcoming new or changing regulations, compliance deadlines, and current issues that may impact business operations. Please see the Resources section for examples of compliance advisories.

Business Support – SBESO assesses the impact of proposed and existing environmental regulations on small business sectors, coordinates with organizations representing the business sectors, and engages with regulatory agencies to provide feedback from the small business community, as needed. 

Sustainability – The SBESO can provide resources to move small businesses beyond compliance through energy efficiency, resource conservation, pollution prevention, and sustainability.

Any New York state business with 100 or fewer employees. 

Compliance Advisories:

• Wood Boiler Compliance Deadline
• Animal Cremation Equipment Alert

Technical Assistance Providers:

• Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) – provides free and confidential technical and permitting assistance for air-related projects. SBEAP also maintains a wide range of Fact Sheets pertaining to DEC and EPA air regulations. Contact them at (585) 476-7869 or [email protected].
• New York State Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP) – a network of organizations that provide growth and innovation services to small and mid-sized manufacturers across the state to help businesses create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. If you’re unsure which MEP center will suit your business needs, start with FuzeHub, the MEP for the State of New York. FuzeHub can help match you with the right resources. 
• NYS Pollution Prevention Institute @ RIT (NYSP2I) – provides cost-effective and best management practices to help businesses improve energy efficiency, optimize manufacturing processes, and minimize environmental impact.  NYSP2I can help incorporate sustainability into your business through supply chain assessment, technology commercialization, life cycle assessments and more. 

Capital Equipment Funding Providers:

• New York State Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Round 2 (SBRLF2) – an Empire State Development program, and part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative. Through this program, eligible businesses can obtain loans typically between $500 and $250,000 for eligible projects including acquisition of machinery and equipment, and acquisition and/or improvement of real property. SBRLF2 Fact Sheet
• Linked Deposit Program (LDP) – an Empire State Development program that helps existing New York State firms obtain reduced-rate financing to undertake investments to improve their competitiveness, modernize equipment, introduce new technologies, and expand facilities. LDP Fact Sheet

Small Business Environmental Support Office - Empire State Development 
 
Phone: (877) 247-2329  
Email: [email protected]