City staff introduced a small-business façade improvement program intended to help Richmond businesses renovate storefronts and public-facing aesthetics to boost local commerce. Presenters said the program has approximately $5,000,000 in funds to distribute and will offer awards for sign, paint and exterior improvements.

Eligibility and outreach: presenters said eligible applicants include Richmond-based small businesses and property owners with annual business revenues under $2,000,000. Ineligible entities include large corporate chains, businesses lacking required city permits and operations without proper licenses. Staff described street outreach and said informational materials and application forms are available in Spanish and English; Ernie and Tatiana were noted as follow-up contacts.

Why it matters: presenters framed the program as a local economic-development tool to help smaller stores attract customers and improve neighborhood commercial corridors. Staff asked the community for suggestions on priority locations and invited business owners to contact program staff for help with licensing or application steps.

Next steps: staff said they will continue door-to-door outreach, accept written suggestions and host follow-up sessions. Paper pamphlets with application guidance and contact emails were made available at the meeting.