The city of Sacramento on Monday began accepting applications for a $200,000 grant program designed to support the Northgate Boulevard commercial corridor in South Natomas.
Small business owners can apply for $5,000 to $15,000 for exterior storefront improvements, including installing new signs, lighting, windows and awnings.
Council member Karina Talamantes represents the area and announced the program at a press conference Monday with representatives from the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Gardenland Northgate Neighborhood Association.
“It’s not just about physical changes, it’s about reigniting the spirit of our community,” Talamantes said. “Making it a place where everyone is proud to live, work and visit.”
The city estimates about 850 people work at more than 100 businesses on Northgate Boulevard. Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, president and CEO of the chamber, said the Gardenland Northgate neighborhood where it is located is 62% Latino.
The city approved a $5 million economic recovery plan for Northgate Boulevard in July 2022, using COVID-19 relief money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Funding for the grant program comes from the plan, which also covered traffic safety and infrastructure improvements in the area.
Rodriguez Aguirre praised the grants and said they will build on recent investments, such as a program that educates people about starting and renewing commercial leases.
“The momentum that you’re seeing is long overdue, but what you also saw when you visited these companies is that they continue to do the work,” Rodriguez Aguirre said. “They continued to do whatever they needed to do to show how amazing this area is.”
Both the chamber and the residents’ association intend to help inform business owners about the program. Marbella Sala, president of the neighborhood association, said it’s important for the city to do outreach in person instead of just sending emails.
“We have to make that personal connection and talk to them and let them know this is not going to be fraudulent,” Sala said. “This is a real opportunity and we are here to help you.”
City officials plan to hold an information session about the program at the Stanford Settlement Neighborhood Center on July 10. They are also scheduled to offer exchange office hours at the center on Fridays from July 19th to August 16th.
The deadline for applying for scholarships is 4pm on August 16th. More information is available on the city hall website.
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