The organization synonymous with business accountability will bring its Fresno chapter into that of Arizona and southern California.

The Better Business Bureau’s Central California & Inland Empire chapter will join the Pacific Southwest, bringing Fresno and Bakersfield together with San Diego, Newport Beach, Phoenix, and Yuma, Arizona, according to a Thursday news release.

The new name will be Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest, Central & Inland California, or BBB PSW.

The merger creates a network of 23,700 accredited businesses with 20 million residents within its boundaries.

Recently retired CEO Blair Looney said the two organizations are “culturally compatible.”

“BBB PSW is highly respected for being innovative and progressive by not only excelling at traditional BBB services but also offering forward-thinking programming to help businesses ethically launch and thrive,” Looney said.

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More Resources for Fresno Businesses

The merger means more resources for Central California businesses.

Offices in Phoenix, Yuma, Prescott, and Lake Havasu City offer business education, events, and everyday workspaces. Fresno and Bakersfield offices will soon offer similar resources, the release stated.

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A partnership with online lender Kiva can mean startup capital for new businesses. Incubators provide space and expert help to first-time business owners. For businesses looking to grow, a 12-week launchpad from the BBB and website company GoDaddy can help owners scale.

The current president of the Pacific Southwest chapter, Matthew Fehling, said the move follows the model of 30 other BBB mergers in the past two decades.

“With BBB (Central California & Inland Empire’s) impressive track record in consumer education, mediation resources, military support, and accredited business benefits, upheld by an exceptional team, we are poised to bring tremendous value to the combined service area,” Fehling said.