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ProgramsFacade Improvement ProgramCreated in 1987, the Facade Improvement Program (FIP) provides assistance to business and property owners within the Neighborhood Business Districts and Downtown San Jose.
Exterior facade improvements can increase business exposure and pedestrian traffic, and enliven older, commercial districts. Areas eligible for FIP are shown below (see application). From 1987 to 2008, the Agency has invested a total of $20.2 million in more than 600 businesses in downtown and Neighborhood Business Districts. For more information on Downtown FIP assistance, contact Dolores Montenegro at 408.535.8500, for information on neighborhood FIP assistance, Download Neighborhood Business District FIP Application Signage Grant ProgramThe Signage Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible commercial businesses (including retail and offices) to install new signage or upgrade existing signage in order to create a positive commercial environment in Downtown San Jose and the Redevelopment Project Areas. Since the program was implemented in 2005, 42 signs have been installed throughout San Jose totaling $403,000. Criteria used to select grant recipients include need, business location, elimination of blight, and visibility of the space. Businesses that have received a Façade Improvement Program grant within the last 7 years are not eligible to participate in this program. The maximum potential Signage Grant is $12,000 per eligible business storefront. For more information, please contact Liz Nunez at 408-535-8500. Download Signage Grant Program Application Retail Recruitment ProgramThe Retail Strategy ensures a comprehensive approach to leasing in which new tenants receive facilitation from site introduction through store opening. The focus areas include Downtown and 10 neighborhood business districts: The Alameda, Alum Rock Avenue, Japantown, West San Carlos Street, Winchester Boulevard, East Santa Clara Street, Story Road, University, North 13th Street and Blossom Hill Road & Almaden Expressway. For more information regarding retail opportunities in San Jose please contact Christine Velasquez of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency at 408-535-8500. More Downtown ProgramsThere are a number of specific incentive programs in place to attract businesses to Downtown San Jose, and to support existing businesses. From a $1,500,000 forgive-able loan for retail, arts, or entertainment tenant improvements, to a $40,000 loan for working capital for existing retailers, to façade improvement grants of $35,000 and tax credit programs, the San Jose Redevelopment Agency and City of San Jose actively engage in business assistance.Small Business Loans Small businesses located in San Jose are eligible for Revolving Loan Funds (RLF), which range from $5,000 to $20,000. RLF funds are often leveraged with private capital and can be used for working capital, tenant improvements, equipment and other uses. The RLF is not intended to finance mortgage loans. Please contact the City of San Jose Office of Economic Development at 408-535-8181.
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