Economic Development Division
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Welcome to Porterville
Porterville is a bustling foothill community nestled against the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. With a population of more than 62,000, Porterville serves as a trade area to nearly 120,000 individuals.
City of Porterville's Economic Development Division
The City of Porterville's Economic Development Division is one of three divisions that make up the Community Development Department. The other divisions are Housing and Planning. The Community Development Department’s mission is to serve and respond to the needs of the Porterville community for a better quality of life through visionary planning, design, and development - now and into the future.
The Economic Development Division supports economic growth by attracting, retaining, and expanding businesses within the City, located in Southeastern Tulare County in California’s Central Valley. The Economic Development Division serves as a vital link between the City and the business community and offers programs aimed at strengthening the City's economic foundation and increasing employment opportunities for its residents. Local business incentives include the Business Assistance Program and the Development Fee Payment Plan Program. Small and large businesses in Porterville benefit from an accessible City Government and active and engaged residential and local business communities. City staff are available to work directly with businesses on site selection, business development, and business expansion in the interest of improving the quality of life for Porterville residents.
Choose Porterville
Choose Porterville is an initiative of the City of Porterville's Economic Development Division focused on introducing you to everything Porterville has to offer to businesses, residents and tourists. Look around and see for yourself why so many small and large businesses along with adventurous individuals continue to choose Porterville as their next business or tourism destination
Starting A Business in Porterville
To conduct business in Porterville, you will be supported by various City of Porterville Departments. Below are some useful links to materials you will need:
• Business Checklist: This is a useful document that will guide you through the process of opening a business
• Business License Information: Visit this link for more information about business licenses. Please note: Processing of business licenses takes from 14 to 21 days.
• Business License Questions? Please contact the Finance Department by calling 559-782-7457 or visiting City Hall (291 N. Main St., Porterville, CA 93257). 
Business Incentives
• Business Assistance Program: The City of Porterville offers various financing options for businesses within city limits to help promote the economic vitality of our community. Learn more.
• Development Fee Payment Plan: The City of Porterville offers a deferred payment that allows the development fees to be paid over a period up to ten years without interest. This includes costs associated with added public infrastructure, roads, parks, library, etc.). More info is available on the Developmental Resources page.
Commercial Developments
There are several commercial destinations in Porterville. City staff can provide robust market details for key destinations including Riverwalk Marketplace and commercial spaces off of Henderson Ave. and Hwy. 65 and Olive and Hwy 65. We work closely with the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation to maintain a view of available inventory for development. See our Available Properties.
Riverwalk Marketplace
Using the Buxton Platform, robust market details are available to you regarding Porterville’s trade area within a 15-minute drive from the Riverwalk Marketplace, where lots are available for retail development. Additionally, the Visitor Heat Map shows the home locations of visitors within a 5 to 15-minute drive time around the Riverwalk Marketplace. Download the informational flyer.
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| Customers from Porterville, Tulare, Terra Bella and Springville shop here daily. |
Current: 117,924 |
Local and nearby customers enjoy the convenience of Porterville's many amenities. |
The economy is a thriving mixture of agribusiness, light industry and commercial enterprise. Local business produce a number of products such as electronic medical instruments, printed forms and specialty documents and food products.
Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Porterville is situated on the eastern edge of California's San Joaquin Valley and at the southeastern region of Tulare County. Just 17 miles off Highway 99, a primary north-south route, the city is approximately an hour from Fresno and Bakersfield.
Enjoy the slower pace, casual lifestyle, and friendliness of a small town without sacrificing quality.
Local Shopping Campaign: Shop Local • Dine Local • Be Local
The City of Porterville is collaborating with the Porterville Chamber, local business owners, local influencers, and other organizations to support local commerce and tourism. The Shop Local campaign is all about supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s also all about taking pride in what makes Porterville memorable and a place people want to come to not only for shopping but also for entertainment and adventure.
Stay up to date with the latest from ChoosePorterville: Like and follow the official City of Porterville accounts by visiting our social media page.
Questions?
The City's Economic Development team is happy to support local businesses. Email EcDev@ci.porterville.ca.us or call (559) 782-7460.
