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Pleasant Hill staff ask council to keep $30,000 technical-assistance fund for storefront businesses
Summary
City staff briefed the committee on a $30,000 technical assistance program that reimburses storefront businesses for website and social-media work (grants typically $5,000–$7,500). Demand exceeds funds and staff maintain a wait list; eligibility requires a physical storefront and receipts for reimbursement.
City staff told the Economic Development Committee the technical-assistance program — which moved from ARPA funding to the general fund — provided several reimbursable grants last year and currently operates on a $30,000 allocation.
"There are businesses who want to get on the Internet... the city will help them," Brett Street said, describing two pathways: businesses may use pre-approved vendors or submit receipts for reimbursement. Staff said the grants typically range from about $5,000 to $7,500 and are intended for physical, walk-in businesses (home-based or strictly professional services are ineligible).
Members pressed how businesses learn about the program. Staff said outreach occurs at the business-license counter, via flyers, emails and chamber contacts; police outreach and an established wait list have also been used to reach new businesses. Staff acknowledged demand exceeds the current budget and recommended continuing the program; any increase would require council action through the budget process.
Why it matters: the program targets early-stage and small storefront businesses needing digital presence and transaction capability. Committee members discussed whether to increase funding or reconfigure award sizes to serve more applicants and asked staff to review capacity to process reimbursements more quickly.
Next steps: staff will continue outreach, monitor the wait list, and make any budget recommendations through the budget committee and council.
