October 13, 2022 - The Arcadia City Council has approved the allocation of $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for two new small business programs. These programs build on the $375,000 in small business grants issued by the City in 2020 and 2021, as part of the continued efforts to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Arcadia small business community has weathered the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Tom Beck. “However, the coming year will continue to be a critical time for many small businesses in the City. By allocating $1 million in ARPA funding to the business grant and assistance programs, the City is making a long-term investment into the well-being of our local community and economy”.
The $1 million in funding will be split between the business grant program and the permit assistance program, with $750,000 allocated for small business grants and $250,000 allocated for small business permit assistance. For qualifying Arcadia businesses, the ARPA Small Business Grant Program will issue up to $10,000 per business to complete physical improvements, update digital marketing and branding, and make other improvements to attract new customers. Applications for the ARPA Small Business Grant Program will be accepted from October 24, 2022, through December 29, 2022.
The ARPA Small Business Permit Assistance Program will be used to offset any City planning and building fees, up to $5,000. To qualify for this assistance, applicants must be opening a new business, expanding an existing business, or undertaking construction improvements to their current place of business. Applications for the ARPA Small Business Permit Assistance Program will be accepted beginning November 15, 2022 and approved on an ongoing basis.
“These two programs direct a sizable portion of the City’s ARPA funding towards supporting the long-term success of Arcadia’s small businesses and the continued economic vitality of our local community,” said Jason Kruckeberg Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director.
Applications may be submitted in person to the Economic Development Division at Arcadia City Hall, or by email at EconDev@ArcadiaCA.gov. Guidelines and application materials for both programs are available at ArcadiaCA.gov/SmallBusiness. For additional information or questions on these programs, please contact the Economic Development Division by phone (626) 574-5409, or by email at EconDev@ArcadiaCA.gov.