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ACTION ITEM: Consideration of a Pilot Micro-Grant/Small Business Assistance Program.
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Meeting Date: April 11, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Elizabeth Garcia/ Economic and Cultural Development Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5708
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [x] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [x] Attachments: []
Commission Action Required: Yes [] No [x] Date:
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - GovDelivery (04/08/25);
Department Approval: Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager (04/08/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Economic Development Subcommittee consider a pilot micro-grant/small business assistance program.
BACKGROUND
In September 2024, City Council requested staff gather information relative to a pilot micro-grant/small business assistance program similar to the current Sustainable Business Certification Program. The Sustainable Business Certification Program conducts a sustainability assessment of participating businesses and provides an action plan that promotes sustainability and increases operational efficiency.
In considering direct assistance options, staff reviewed a compilation of former Redevelopment Agency programs, as well as precedent examples from other cities as reference in considering a potential small business assistance program.
Former Redevelopment Agency Programs
All of these programs were funded using redevelopment funds, which is no longer available, not the City's General Fund.
1. Commercial Fa?ade Rehabilitation Grant Program
The Commercial Fa?ade Rehabilitation Grant Program provided funding to businesses and property owners to assist with building fa?ade improvements to enhance select commercial corridors within the Redevelopment Areas. Different commercial corridors were selected to enhance other investments such as the West W...
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