Learn More:
Boards and Committees
Agendas/Info Memos
Monthly Project Reports
Live Board Meetings

City Council Agendas

Executive Staff
Bylaws
Finance

Development Opportunities
Job Opportunities
City Bid Line (CSJ)

Meetings and Events Calendar

E-Newsletters
News Room

Programs
Publications & Plans
Projects
Project Areas Maps
Redevelopment Q&A

Programs

Facade Improvement Program

Created in 1987, the Facade Improvement Program (FIP) provides assistance to business and property owners within the Neighborhood Business Districts and Downtown San Jose.

The FIP offers:

• Free architectural design services.
• Permit processing and fee payment assistance.
• Bidding and construction management assistance.
• Non-historic buildings are eligible to receive $35,000 for every 60 linear feet of storefront or one grant per storefront. The Agency will match up to an additional $5,000, if matched with a $5,000 contribution from the applicant.
• Buildings on the Historic Resources Inventory are eligible to receive $45,000 per 60 linear feet of frontage or per storefront. The Agency will match up to an additional $5,000, if matched with a $5,000 contribution from the applicant.

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,
contact Richard Keit at 408.535.8500.

Download Neighborhood Business District FIP Application

Download Downtown San Jose FIP Application

Signage Grant Program

The 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, 60 signs have been installed throughout San Jose totaling $556,800.

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 now 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 Program

The 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.

Enterprise Zone Program

The San Jose Enterprise Zone Program is administered by the San Jose Redevelopment Agency. The Enterprise Zone Program, established by the State of California in 1984, was designed to encourage business investment and create job opportunities by providing various tax credits and deductions to businesses in areas in need of economic development. The zone encompasses a 10 square-mile state-designated area including Downtown San Jose, several Neighborhood Business Districts and Julian/Stockton and Monterey Corridor Redevelopment Areas. Learn more>>

Small Business Loans

The San Jose Redevelopment Agency (SJRA) created the small business loan program in 2002 to strengthen and improve San Jose’s retail environment by providing subsidized loans up to $50,000 to eligible ground floor retail businesses in redevelopment areas. Loan proceeds may be used to fund business needs such as equipment, working capital, inventory, furniture and fixtures, and other reasonable uses.

For more information, email Juan Vigil at juan.vigil@sanjoseca.gov or call 408-795-1877.

Links | Home | Contact Us | Site Map | Disclaimer