In a bid to proffer economic revival and buttress growth in the wake of the pandemic, the City of Sacramento is ushering in a new era of financial support for businesses in North Sacramento's commercial avenues. Interested parties have the opportunity to avail funding that extends up to $240,000, an initiative fueled by the city council's North Sacramento Business Investment Program, as detailed in an article from Sacramento City Express.
Small businesses and property owners situated along the designated commercial stretch can utilize these grants towards an array of improvement ventures including, but not limited to tenant enhancements, acquisition of necessary equipment, and strategic business consulting services meant to foster resilience and expansion; this multipronged agenda aims to counteract the dire straits induced by the COVID-19 pandemic by enlivening the implicated locations and the community at large and as Councilmember Roger Dickinson, the city district's representative, told Sacramento City Express, “The North Sacramento Business Investment Program represents a significant step toward revitalizing our community and supporting local businesses that are the backbone of our economy,”
The grants are categorized into three distinct strata, each aligning with specific requisites of the business entities within the district—the Storefront Retailer Improvements grant offers financial aid for businesses with street-front retail on Del Paso Boulevard, bounded by Lampasas Avenue/Evergreen Street and Highway 160, while the Storefront Retailer Equipment Assistance grant aids in equipment procurement and repairs for businesses operating in commercially zoned storefronts in District 2. Furthermore, the Restoration of Vacant Buildings for Tenancy grant caters to property owners of vacant buildings with street frontage again on Del Paso Boulevard between Lampasas Avenue/Evergreen Street, and Highway 160, with the aim to ready these spaces for forthcoming retail operations.
For those interested in learning more or applying, a virtual informational session will be held on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Potential applicants are invited to register on the Sacramento City Express official website. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on February 28 via the city’s website. Additionally, approximately $1.6 million from the Federal American Rescue Plan has been allocated specifically for economic recovery in North Sacramento. This funding supports initiatives such as the Façade and Property Improvement Program, as well as providing over $2.3 million in grants and loans to community organizations. Those wishing to stay updated on upcoming grant opportunities can subscribe to the city's grants listserv.
