Business and Economic Development

Richmond Works for Business

Richmond has a ready workforce, acres of space to locate and expand, great transportation connections, a growing economy. Richmond’s Economic Development Division can assist in connecting business to resources, relocate existing operations, connect to workforce development, and facilitate business-to-business transactions. We are here to help you - please do not hesitate to contact us with questions and inquiries.

Business & Economic Development Assistance

For more information and other business services contact:

Thomas Omolo
Management Analyst
City Manager’s Office, Economic Development
510-620-5560
thomas_omolo@ci.richmond.ca.us

California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

To view data on businesses that received California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants in Richmond, visit: https://www.transparentrichmond.org/City-Manager/California-Small-Business-Covid-19-Relief-Grant-Pr/pf6x-mcsk. This data includes all California Small Business Covid-19 Relief Grant Program awardees as of 5-13-2021 that applied in Contra Costa County with the Business City as Richmond, Point Richmond, or Hilltop and various spellings of the three aforementioned names.

Over $2.7 million dollars was awarded to 271 businesses. The average award size was $10,029.51.

To view more visualizations and analysis regarding this data, visit: COVID-19 Resources and Data. Some data can be seen below.

Contra Costa County Stay at Home Order

For information regarding Contra Costa County Stay at Home Order and other COVID-19 information visit, Contra Costa County Health Services.

Health officials caution that it is now more important than ever to follow the state health guidance for physical distancing and use of face coverings, to keep everyone safe and healthy during the holiday season.

Following the heath guidance for physical distancing and face coverings, practicing good hand hygiene and staying home when you feel sick are also key to continuing Contra Costa’s progress against the pandemic.

Support your local small and medium businesses

COVID-19 continues to have significant effects on the economy, both locally and nationally. Restaurants and retail are particularly hurt due to closures or changes in their business operation during the pandemic. The City of Richmond, Richmond Main Street, and Richmond Chamber of Commerce are collecting an inventory of open businesses to help community members locate and support Richmond businesses.

To find local restaurants and retail spaces, please explore the map to the right to find a business that is right for you.

If you are a small business that is open or will soon open and are interested in being included in the map, please complete the following survey.

For questions, please email Thomas Omolo at thomas_omolo@ci.richmond.ca.us

Private Property
Public right-of-ways
Parklet

Private Property

The Temporary Use Permit allows businesses to use private areas, such as parking lots, for outdoor dining and seating, outdoor merchandise displays, and outdoor community assembly. The Temporary Use Permit fees have been waived, and the permit is valid until December 31, 2020.

To apply, submit the following to planning@ci.richmond.ca.us:
1. Complete the Temporary Use Permit Application. On the application check “Temporary Use Permit”
2. Submit a Site Plan (indicating the areas and locations of outdoor dining, sales, and/or assembly)

Please note that all operations must adhere to all Federal and State regulations and guidelines from the Contra Costa County Health Officer as related to COVID-19

For questions call, (510) 620-6706 or email planning@ci.richmond.ca.us.