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Business and Economic Development
Support your local small 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. As the Bay Area Region begins to slowly open, 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 not included in the map, please fill out the following survey to have your business added to the map. This interactive map will be periodically updated.
If you have any questions about this map please email Thomas Omolo, Management Analyst - City Manager's Office, Economic Development at thomas_omolo@ci.richmond.ca.us
7.0.3
Outdoor Dining
Private parking lot and spaces:
On June 23, 2020, the Richmond City Council approved an Urgency Ordinance authorizing a Special COVID-19 Temporary Use Permit and waiving fees associated with outdoor dining, seating, sale, and community assembly on 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 for a Temporary Use Permit for outdoor dining, sales, or community assembly on private property, please submit a Site Plan (indicating the areas and locations of outdoor dining, sales, and/or assembly) to planning@ci.richmond.ca.us. Application and check “Temporary Use Permit”- https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/6421/Planning-Application-Form---Fillable?bidId=
Sidewalk:
Businesses may apply to use sidewalks adjacent to their business to expand capacity and allow for outdoor dining by applying for a Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail permit through the Community Services Department. A complete application will need to include a site diagram, assurance of following all proper safety standards, and a Certificate of liability insurance. To apply for a Temporary Outdoor Dining and Retail permit, please email CSDregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or call (510) 620-6793.
Parklet:
8.0.3
Richmond Works for Business
Richmond has a ready workforce, acres of space to locate and expand, great transportation connections, a growing economy – and a proactive Office of Economic Development that’s ready and able to provide businesses low-cost loans for working capital, tax incentives, relocation assistance and favorable contracting opportunities.
Richmond’s Office of Economic Development (OED) helps business owners relocate existing operations, works with entrepreneurs and investors to locate businesses for sale, and facilitates business-to-business transactions.
Real Estate Services
Interested in current development initiatives and opportunities Richmond? The City of Richmond offers resources and staff that are currently engaging a variety of development opportunities. Please visit our Real Estate webpage to find out more information.
Businesses Choosing Richmond
Businesses continue to recognize Richmond as the best choice to locate and expand. Below is a small sample of nationally recognized businesses that call Richmond home.
Amazon
Blue Apron
Hello Fresh
Mountain Hardware
Restoration Hardware
Sun Power
UPS
Whole Foods
William Sonoma
Blue Apron
Hello Fresh
Mountain Hardware
Restoration Hardware
Sun Power
UPS
Whole Foods
William Sonoma
San Francisco Business Times: Richmond Supplement
The San Francisco Business Times has published a supplemental issue featuring Richmond. This issue highlights the assets and amenities that make Richmond one of the best options for business in Bay Area, and profiles a variety of companies that call Richmond home. Please follow the link to read and share this wonderful profile of Richmond:
2018 San Francisco Business Times Richmond Supplement
2016 San Francisco Business Times Richmond Supplement
How can we help you?
Please reference the list of resources below to see the variety of resources Richmond can offer new or growing businesses of all sizes. We are here to help you - please do not hesitate to contact us with questions and inquiries.
Business & Economic Development Assistance
For more information on these programs and other business services, contact:
Thomas Omolo
Management Analyst
City Manager’s Office, Economic Development
450 Civic Center Plaza, Third Floor
Richmond, CA 94804
510-620-5560
thomas_omolo@ci.richmond.ca.us
7.0.3
Revolving Loan Fund
- Working capital – for the costs of business operations
- Machinery/equipment – to acquire machinery and equipment
- Fixed assets – for leasehold improvements, renovation, expansion of a structure, or purchase of fixed assets
- Facade improvements
Tax Credits and Hiring Incentives
Richmond enables businesses to save thousands – even millions – of dollars through a variety of tax credits and cost reductions. to learn more about credits and incentives and see if your business is eligible, visit our Tax Credits and Hiring Incentives webpage.
Businesses hiring a resident from a State-recognized Targeted Employment Area (TEA) can immediately qualify for the hiring tax credit.
View the TEA Street Ranges by Directional Listing.
HUB Zone Empowers Business
As a designated U.S. Small Business Administration HUB Zone, Richmond helps certified small businesses gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities, including competitive and sole-source contracting, and a 10% price evaluation preference.
California Economic Development Initiative
Through the state’s GO-Biz program, businesses can compete for available tax credits based on the number of jobs created or retained, the extent of poverty in a business development area and minimum compensation limits. Visit www.business.ca.gov.
Business Services
Richmond helps stimulate and attract new investment and reduce the cost of starting and operating a business by providing access to technical assistance such as counseling, workshops, classes, business plans, marketing, credit repair, legal consulting, financing, employee recruitment, tax credit information, façade improvement, and website design. Most of these services are provided at no or reduced cost to business owners.
Employer Services are available to assist businesses with customized employment services, from recruiting to tax incentives; outplacement services and resources; on-the-job training; and labor market information. For more information, call 510-307-8024. ?
Additional Business Resources
- The Richmond Chamber of Commerce helps to foster growth in Richmond and West Contra Costa. Contact the Chamber at 510-234-3512 or visit www.rcoc.com.
- The East Bay Economic Development Alliance (East Bay EDA) is helping to establish the East Bay as a preferred location to grow businesses, attract capital and create quality jobs. Visit www.eastbayeda.org.
- The West Contra Costa Business Development Center provides entrepreneurs with individualized services, from business consulting and entrepreneurial training to securing financing. Visit www.wccbdc.org.
- The Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) conducts research, counsels and trains business people in a wide variety of business topics and provides comprehensive information services and access to experts in a variety of fields free of charge. Visit www.contracostasbdc.org for more information.
- The Richmond Workforce Investment Board (WIB) promotes creative solutions to meet the needs of job seekers and employers. Contact Sal Vaca at svaca@richmondworks.org or 510-307-8023.