Shops, restaurants, and offices are an integral part of the Citrus Heights experience that attracts both locals and customers from the regional area. Citrus Heights uses Redevelopment as a tool to enhance, preserve and expand the major commercial corridors. The City recognizes the economic hardships commercial and retail sectors are facing and has launched the "Commercial Incentives Program" to assist small businesses in keeping their competitive edge during this difficult economic time.
The Application Package includes an application checklist and form, examples of eligible improvements as well as design standards. Click here for the Commercial Facade, Sign and Design Application Package. Click here for the Marketing Application Package. There is a $50 processing fee for all applications.
The City understands that the look and feel of our commercial districts is a critical part of creating a sense of place in Citrus Heights. The following programs are designed to support the commercial presence in these areas through the funding of exterior improvements.
A) Commercial Facade Improvements: Grant funding assistance up to $20,000 or 50% of the total improvement cost (whichever is less), is available for commercial storefront facade improvements located within the Redevelopment Project Area. Eligible use of funds includes a variety of exterior improvements including new paint (in conjunction with other improvements), landscaping, awnings and permanent front window displays and lighting. Design of facade improvements that exemplify the City's design guidelines will receive priority funding.
NOTE: Any business that receives a grant is required to enter into a recorded agreement to maintain the improvements and the property in good repair for a period of no less than three years. All improvements are subject to compliance with applicable City codes and ordinances. Any improvements that would involve the alteration of a building will require property owner consent. Businesses that participate in the Agency's Facade Design Consultation will receive priority funding.
B) Permit Processing Assistance: Permit processing assistance for Facade Improvement applicants is available for existing Citrus Heights commercial tenants.
In response to requests for improved business signage, the City is offering matching grant funding (up to $5,000) for all eligible commercial businesses in the Redevelopment Project Area to improve existing signage or install new signage to help promote businesses in the City.
A) Commercial Sign Improvements: Grant funding assistance up to $5,000 or 50% of the total sign improvement cost (whichever is less), is available for commercial sign improvements located within the Redevelopment Project Area. Eligible use of funds includes a variety of improvements to existing signs or the installation of new signs. Design of sign improvements that exemplify the City's design guidelines will receive priority funding.
NOTE: Any business that receives a grant is required to enter into a recorded agreement to maintain the improvements and the property in good repair for a period of no less than three years. All improvements are subject to compliance with applicable City codes and ordinances. Any improvements that would involve the alteration of a building will require property owner consent.
The City understands that one of the biggest hurdles to redeveloping or improving a property is formulating a concept. The City also understands that choosing a qualified designer you can trust can be quite a daunting task. The following initiative is designed to support the small business owner through the funding of a design consultation with a qualified designer for the future improvement of a commercial building and/or property.
A) Design Consultations: Grant funding of up to $5,000 per commercial tenant is available to existing Citrus Heights commercial tenants for a consultation with a pre-qualified firm to design facade improvements for their location. Eligible designs would include: new paint color palettes, signage, awnings, front window displays, facade improvements and lighting. Designers will be required to design improvements that exemplify the City's design guidelines.
Grant funding is available to all Citrus Heights businesses located in the Redevelopment Project Area for professional marketing consultation, the creation of a marketing strategy and implementation of this strategy. Grant funding is also available to commercial centers or areas for the development of cooperative advertising to promote its commercial merchants. Click here for the Marketing Program Application. There is a $50 processing fee for all applications.
A) Marketing Assistance Program:
I) Marketing Audit and Strategy Session: A one-on-one consultation with a pre-qualified marketing consultant, to provide:
- A competitive audit to asses the merchant's existing product offerings, the store experience, competitive advantages and an assessment of current marketing approach.
- A marketing strategy that promotes the competitive advantage of the business, integrates the umbrella "Shop Citrus Heights" campaign into the strategy for consistency and broad appeal and identifies opportunities for strengthening the business position.
- An action plan to implement these strategies.
A maximum amount of $1,000 in grant funding is available for one Marketing Audit and Strategy per business. The City will provide a list of pre-qualified consultants for the business to choose from.
II) Marketing Strategy Implementation: Grant funding is also available, for an amount up to $2,000 per business, to allow businesses to implement their marketing strategies, including such outreach actions as advertising, printing and distribution of marketing materials.
NOTE: To qualify for this grant, a 25% funding match is required AND the qualified business must have first participated in a Marketing Audit and Strategy Session.
B) Cooperative Advertising Assistance Program: Grant funding is available to allow Citrus Heights commercial centers in the Redevelopment Project Area to create cooperative advertising vehicles that all merchants within that area can participate in. The amount of grant funding varies, as defined below:
Managed Commercial Areas: Grant funding assistance of up to $2,500 per commercial center is available toward the development of a cooperative advertising vehicle to promote the retailers and restaurants within a managed commercial center (Sunrise Mall, Pratt Station, etc.).
NOTE: To qualify for this grant, a minimum 100% funding match is required. In addition, all cooperative advertising is encouraged to incorporate the "Shop Citrus Heights" logo.
Other Commercial Areas: Grant funding assistance up to $7,500 per commercial area is available toward the development of a cooperative advertising vehicle to promote Citrus Heights retailers and restaurants within shopping areas that are not managed by an agency.
NOTE: This amount represents the maximum grant available to a pre-defined geographical commercial area, and will be made available directly to a non-profit business organization representing the commercial area. The actual funding will be determined by the extent of the geographic area and the number of businesses represented therein. A minimum 50% funding match would be required. In addition, all cooperative advertising is encouraged to incorporate the "Shop Citrus Heights" logo.
