North Sacramento Business Investment Program

The City of Sacramento has launched the North Sacramento Business Investment Program to support local businesses and property owners in revitalizing key commercial corridors and boosting economic growth. The program aims to help businesses and real estate owners in North Sacramento, especially those who have faced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Managed by the Office of Innovation and Economic Development, the program includes a total of $5 million from the Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP), with approximately $1.6 million allocated specifically to the business and real estate recovery efforts in the area. The initiative consists of several funding tiers targeting different needs in the community. The program includes three primary tiers: "Storefront Retailer Improvements," "Storefront Retailer Equipment Assistance," and "Restoration of Vacant Buildings for Tenancy." The "Storefront Retailer Improvements" grant is designed to support for-profit businesses with street-front retail locations on Del Paso Boulevard. Grants ranging from $100,000 to $240,000 are available for tenant improvements and equipment purchases or repairs, with recipients required to complete at least five hours of complimentary business technical assistance. The "Storefront Retailer Equipment Assistance" grant offers smaller grants of $5,000 to $50,000 for equipment purchases or repairs to help businesses scale operations. The "Restoration of Vacant Buildings for Tenancy" provides forgivable loans ranging from $100,000 to $240,000 for vacant property owners to prepare spaces for tenants, with a requirement that the properties must secure a tenant within one year of completing the improvements. This program is part of the broader North Sacramento Economic Recovery Plan, approved by the City Council, which aims to foster economic stability and growth in the area through various community-driven initiatives. Beyond this business-focused investment, the plan also includes investments in beautification projects, with nearly $1 million allocated for the Façade and Property Improvement Program and over $2.3 million for grants and loans to District 2 community-based organizations. A virtual information session for the program will take place on January 16, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM via Zoom. The City encourages interested applicants to participate in this session to learn more about the eligibility requirements and the application process. The deadline for submitting written questions to the program's contact email is February 15, 2025, by 4:00 PM. Applications for the grants must be submitted by 4:00 PM on February 28, 2025.