Small Business Matching Grant Program

Donor: City of Santa Monica in partnership with HUD through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

About: The Small Business Matching Grant Program supports storefront enhancements along Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica. The program offers matching grants of up to $10,000 to help businesses improve their exteriors and promote community safety. Priority is given to minority-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses in low-to-moderate income (LMI) areas. Funded improvements include signage, lighting, ADA-compliant entryways, and security upgrades. The program encourages the use of local vendors to stimulate the Santa Monica economy. Eligible businesses must operate on Pico Boulevard and serve vulnerable communities as defined by HUD’s LMI census tract criteria.

Focus:
-Supporting economic revitalization along Pico Boulevard
-Funding storefront improvements and safety measures
-Enhancing opportunities for minority, women, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses
-Promoting the use of local merchants and trades

Region: Santa Monica, California

Eligibility:
-Existing brick-and-mortar businesses on Pico Boulevard
-Annual revenue under $2,000,000
-Minority-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses prioritized
-Preference for using local vendors for materials and labor
-Applicants must serve LMI communities per HUD’s 2020 census tract data

Terms:
-Grants are reimbursable and cover up to half of the total project cost
-Improvements must align with approved project proposals
-Eligible businesses must complete projects within 12 months of the award date
-Free security assessments provided by Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD)
-Applications are processed through an online randomized system
-Funds are subject to availability and HUD’s CDBG guidelines