The San José neighborhood economic grant is a new program designed to catalyze private investment and business engagement in key commercial corridors. 

Purpose

The objectives of the grant program are to:  

• Strengthen the economy of local commercial corridors
• Facilitate partnership and collaboration between private investment, public sector interests and philanthropy, 
• Deliver measurable results that support existing businesses, improve property utilization and asset values, and attract visitors.   

A program budget of $145,000 is expected to support a minimum of three awards in Fiscal Year2026-2027. 

Eligibility and Application Process

Grant applications are restricted to organizations with a legal nonprofit status that serve the interests of the local business community. This is likely to be an existing local business association but can include other (non-profit) organizations with a mission to support the business community such as a chamber of commerce or a technical assistance provider.   

Nonprofit organizations can apply for a grant in a location that does not have a recognized business association with a legal entity but must clearly demonstrate in the expression of interest and the full application the engagement and support of businesses within the designated location. In neighborhoods without a legally established business association the nonprofit will act as fiscal agent and is not expected to retain any funds received from the City through the grant program.  

Only one application per local business/commercial corridor is requested. The application assumes a single viable project with a fully funded commitment. The application should highlight all partners and funding sources. Ineligible uses of the grant include debt retirement, political or lobbying activity and residential real estate.  

The proposed application process is two stages: (i) an expression of interest, and (ii) a full application.  

The application process is designed to allow applicants, partners and potential investors the maximum time to engage in project design and work with the City Manager’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs. Once the expression of interest deadline has passed, city staff will not participate further in the project design and submission of the application.   

You can view the memo presented to the Small Business Advisory Committee in June here.

Program Timeline

Expression of Interest Deadline - October 2, 2026

Application Form Deadline - November 15, 2026

Grant Advisory Award Recommendations to
the Small Business Advisory Committee - December 4, 2026

All grant applications will be evaluated by city staff and reviewed by representatives from the Small Business Advisory Committee.

Expression of Interest Form:

You can view and submit an expression of interest form here.

Questions

For questions or support, contact the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs at economic.development@sanjoseca.gov.

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