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Richmond economic development staff brief RNCC on small‑business grants, facade program and no‑cost solar sign‑ups
Summary
City economic development staff told the RNCC they are finishing ARPA small‑business grants, advancing a facade program for targeted neighborhoods, inviting nominations for regional innovation awards and promoting a no‑cost solar program in partnership with GRID Alternatives.
Justin De Leon, senior business assistance officer in Richmond’s Economic Development Division, gave a department update to the RNCC on Oct. 27 covering small‑business supports, facade grants and neighborhood outreach.
De Leon said the ARPA small‑business grant round is in its final stage and the city plans to award roughly $350,000 to businesses affected by COVID. He said the facade grant program — focused on the Iron Triangle, Santa Fe and Coronado neighborhoods — will include presentations to neighborhood councils and business visits to gather feedback and maximize impact.
On workforce and business support, De Leon said an on‑demand business assistance service is available through a partner (CoBiz) to help entrepreneurs with business‑plan writing, marketing and referrals. He invited residents to apply for Economic Development Commission openings and to nominate local organizations for the East Bay Economic Development Alliance innovation awards.
Environmental and housing updates
De Leon said the Environmental and Health Initiatives division is hosting a GRID Alternatives workshop on Nov. 12 to explain eligibility for a no‑cost solar program; doors open at 5:15 p.m. in the council chambers. He also said the Richmond Housing Authority and Eaton Housing, in partnership with CHDC, have executed an exclusive right to negotiate for Nystrom Village.
Real estate operations
De Leon said the Real Estate Division will present to city council a lease to locate two community‑centered staffers at 1600 Nevin Plaza to support Coronado, Santa Fe and Iron Triangle neighborhoods; he said staff are reviewing plans for a YMCA childcare lease and coordinating a maintenance agreement with East Bay Regional Park District.
Ending
De Leon closed by inviting questions and by offering follow‑up contact information for residents seeking program details. RNCC members raised questions about a city community survey; De Leon referred procedural questions to the city manager’s office and the chief administrative officer for details.
