Small Business Ombudsman
Ms. Teresa Shiflett
Small Business Environmental Assistance Program
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
4244 International Parkway, Ste 120
Atlanta, Georgia 30354
Toll Free: (877) 427-6255
Atlanta Office: (404) 362-4842
Fax: (404) 363-7100
Email: Teresa.Shiflett@dnr.state.ga.us
What Does the Small Business Ombudsman Do?
Advocacy:
- Serves as the primary advocate for small businesses within the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
- Serves as the EPD spokesperson to the small business community.
- Investigates complaints from small businesses concerning EPD enforcement cases.
Regulatory Review:
- Reviews pending regulations and ensures that the impact on small businesses is considered.
- Notifies small businesses and small business organizations regarding new or proposed regulations.
Technical Assistance:
- Provides confidential assistance to small businesses within Georgia needing help with environmental issues.
- Assists small businesses in realizing the potential cost savings of pollution prevention versus pollution control.
Information & Reporting:
- Develops easy to understand written materials on regulations, compliance requirements, and pollution prevention practices.
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Provides information to small businesses needing financial assistance to implement pollution prevention practices and comply with environmental regulations.
- Reports annually to the U.S. EPA regarding the performance of the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP).
Understanding Small Business Needs:
- The Ombudsman does not reveal to EPD the identity of any company that contacts the SBEAP Office without the company's permission. All contacts are kept strictly confidential.
If you need assistance from the Ombudsman, please complete the assistance request form below.
Please note that SBEAP can only assist businesses employing 100 or less corporate wide.