Cafecito and Conversation With Economic Development

The Economic Development Department extends an invitation to the community for the 1st Cafecito with Economic Development of the year. We have important information to share with both the community and our business owners. Please join us on Thursday, January 25th, at 8 am in the Council Chambers.

Economic Development Division

The Economic Development Division promotes investments in the City and helps secure quality goods and services for local residents and businesses. Specific goals are to provide retail opportunities to meet the needs of our citizens, promote research activities, create diverse job opportunities, and to assist in the fiscal stability of the city.

What is Economic Development?

Economic Development refers to policies and programs to help increase the community’s economic activity in order to create more and better jobs and to provide greater choice and competitive prices for goods and services. A healthy economy also increases revenues to the local government through more property tax and through additional sales tax, which equates to financial re-investment in city services and our business community.

 

Business Outreach and Support

Maintaining a healthy business environment for the City of Soledad is our priority. We recognize that a healthy business sector provides the resources necessary to sustain jobs and services for our citizens. Business retention and expansion programs are successfully being implemented to improve the City’s revenue base, create jobs for residents, and provide for the overall well being of the Soledad business community.

Encouraging an ongoing dialogue with businesses and building relationships with business leaders are critical factors for business retention. To that end, the City’s Economic Development Division sponsors or conducts a number of business outreach programs that offer new and established businesses alike, education and emerging business trends and opportunities.

 

The City of Soledad received $750,000 in CDBG Funding that will be used to fund the Business Assistance Loan Program.  This Program is designed to assist existing and new business within the City of Soledad with non-conventional and low interest rate loans. 

ARPA Funds Available for Soledad

The City of Soledad has allocated $200,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to help support its business community that has faced signific challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are a business that has been impacted negatively by the pandemic and who has sustained financial hardships caused or exacerbated by Covid-19 pandemic, you may qualify for the ARPA Small Business Assistance & Improvement Grant Program.

Applications will be accepted from September 26, 2022 to November 30, 2022.

For any questions, please contact our Economic Development Department

by email at: comm.econdev@cityofsoledad.com or at (831) 223-5016

In addition, the City of Soledad has also allocated $300,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist local businesses within the Commercial Districts throughout the City for the renovation and restoration of the front and side facades of buildings. 

Grants are based on availability of funds and are made on a “first come, first served” basis with a priority on businesses located within the Downtown Commercial District (C-1).

For more information on how to apply or if you qualify for this program, please download the application below:

Staff Directory

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Kao Nou YangKao Nou YangCommunity & Economic Development DirectorEmail831-223-5179
henry_aguilarHenry AguilarCommunity Engagement CoordinatorEmail831-223-5251
Tencia VargasEconomic Development Housing Program CoordinatorEmail831-223-5016
Andrea NavarreteAdministrative AssistantEmail831-223-5178

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