The city of Sacramento on Monday began accepting applications for a $200,000 grant program designed to support the Northgate Boulevard business corridor in South Natomas.
Small business owners can apply for $5,000 to $15,000 for exterior storefront improvements including installing new signs, lighting, windows and awnings.
Council member Karina Talamantes represents the area and announced the program at a press conference Monday with representatives from the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association.
“It’s not just about the physical changes, but about reigniting the spirit of our community,” Talamantes said. “Making it a place where everyone feels proud to live, work and visit.”
The city estimates about 850 people work at the more than 100 businesses on Northgate Boulevard. Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, president and CEO of the chamber, said the Gardenland Northgate neighborhood it’s located in is 62% Latino.
The city approved a $5 million economic recovery plan for Northgate Boulevard in July 2022 using COVID-19 relief money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Funding for the grant program comes from the plan, which also covered traffic safety and infrastructure improvements in the area.
Rodriguez Aguirre praised the grants and said it will build upon recent investments, such as a program educating people on how to start and renew commercial leases.
“The momentum you’re seeing is long overdue, but what you’ve also seen when you go see these businesses is that they’ve been continuing to do the work,” Rodriguez Aguirre said. “They’ve been continuing to do everything that they needed to do to show how incredible this area is.”
Both the chamber and the neighborhood association plan to help tell business owners about the program. Marbella Sala, the president of the neighborhood association, said it’s important for the city to do in-person outreach instead of just sending emails.
“We have to do that personal connection and talk to them and let them know this isn’t going to be fraudulent,” Sala said. “This is a real opportunity and we’re here to help you.”
City staff plan to hold an information session on the program at the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center on July 10. They are also scheduled to offer office hours about the grants at the center on Fridays from July 19 through Aug. 16.
The deadline to apply for the grants is 4 p.m. on Aug. 16. More information is available on the city’s website.
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