The Fresno City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Thursday, May 22, to support veteran entrepreneurship by waiving certain business costs.

Councilmembers Nick Richardson and Nelson Esparza held a press conference on Wednesday, May 21, to introduce the ordinance, with support from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, BizFed, and local veterans.

“The Small-Enterprise Relief for Veteran Entrepreneurs, or SERVE, Act will alleviate some of those barriers for veterans who are looking to enter the business world,” said Richardson, who is a major in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. “This initiative is one of many steps we will be taking through my office to show that we are grateful for the service of my brothers and sisters in arms and that Fresno is invested in fostering a community based on service and opportunity.”

Esparza explained some of the details of the ordinance.

“This ordinance will exempt veterans from the business tax license fees and waive up to $1,000 in city startup costs in their first year of business,” Esparza said. “As well as waive the renewal of their business license fee on an ongoing basis.”

To qualify, an honorably discharged or honorably relieved veteran must be a California resident opening a business in Fresno. Tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis businesses do not qualify.

The ordinance will take effect on June 22.