Business and Economic Development

Welcome to Richmond! How Can We Help You?
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. 
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News and Events

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.
Wear a fask mask (2)

Temporary Outdoor Dining and Curbside Retail


There are different options available for businesses to temporarily expand their business outdoors and comply with State and County COVID-19 safety protocols. 

The City of Richmond has created a PowerPoint to describe and outline the different options, application process. 
PRBA OUTDOOR DINING_Page_01
  1. Private Property
  2. Public right-of-ways
  3. 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.

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:

2020 San Francisco Business Times Richmond Supplement


FINAL 2020 Richmond SFBT Supplemental 10-9-20 Cover