Business Boost Program offers up to $3,000
The Danville Town Council has approved a grant program that will allow small businesses in the Town to receive up to $3,000 for façade improvements, marketing efforts, promotion, payment systems, and other purchases to enhance economic vitality of small businesses. The Council resolution designated $200,000 in grant funding, available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible businesses based in Danville. The program targets small brick-and-mortar businesses with less than 10 full-time equivalent employees.
The Town developed the program to provide immediate, flexible assistance to licensed businesses in certain categories: retail, restaurants, personal service (e.g. spas and salons), service commercial (e.g. fitness and dance), and blended use businesses. The business expense categories eligible for the grants include marketing and business promotion, business enrichment and improvements, customer service enhancements, and promotional events.
“We are continuing to support our local small businesses in ways that are in tune with operational needs,” said Jill Bergman, Director of Economic Development for the Town of Danville. “For instance, business owners may be looking at ways to improve their façade or exterior lighting and displays, or upgrade their point-of-sale system and website. This grant allows for those wish-list items to become reality.”
Business owners can review full eligibility requirements and grant program guidelines at www.danville.ca.gov/businessboost. Applications are open now, and grant funds will be dispersed within 30 days of approval. While business owners will need to keep all associated receipts and documentation, the grant program allows funds to be paid upon approval of the application and is not a reimbursement-based program. Business owners will also be asked to complete a short survey on how they spent the grant funds. As part of the Business Boost Grant Program, Danville Area Chamber of Commerce will receive $20,000 to be used toward providing grants for their established Branding Package program, which offers businesses videography and photography services to promote their business.
Program eligibility details and an online application are available at www.danville.ca.gov/businessboost. Business owners with questions about the program can contact Lianna Adauto, Economic Development Specialist, at ladauto@danville.ca.gov.