June 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

New Grant Program Aims to Revitalize Pico Boulevard Businesses

The Program’s Initial Phase Will Prioritize Businesses Owned by Women, Minorities, and LGBTQ+ Individuals Within the Pico Business Improvement District

Small businesses along Pico Boulevard will soon have access to funding for storefront improvements under a new matching grant initiative announced by the city of Santa Monica.

The program, officially called the Commercial Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program, offers businesses a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $10,000. Eligible uses include replacing or repairing exterior elements such as signs, awnings, and siding, as well as upgrading landscaping, installing ADA-compliant entryways, and enhancing security features based on assessments by the Santa Monica Police Department.

Funding for the initiative comes from federal Community Development Block Grants, allocated to support economic vitality in areas serving low- to moderate-income households. Earlier this year, the Santa Monica City Council designated a portion of these funds to support small businesses, particularly those facing systemic barriers to accessing capital.

The program’s initial phase will prioritize businesses owned by women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals within the Pico Business Improvement District. The city also encourages the use of local vendors for materials and labor to further support Santa Monica’s economy.

“This program is part of our ongoing effort to bolster economic development while addressing inequities faced by small business owners,” said a city spokesperson in a post. “We’re starting with Pico Boulevard, but we hope to expand to other areas in the future.”

An informational meeting to launch the program is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2025, at 4 p.m. at the Annex of the Pico Branch Library, located at 2201 Pico Blvd.

Businesses interested in applying are encouraged to schedule security audits with the Police Department and begin planning their projects. Applications and additional details are available on the city’s website at santamonica.gov. For inquiries, contact the Economic Development Division at (310) 458-8906 or via email at econdev@santamonica.gov.

in News, Upbeat
<>Related Posts

Justice Served by the Slice: L.A. Chefs Rally for Pies for Justice Fundraiser

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Sweet, Savory, and Pizza Pies to Support Foster Youth and Civil Rights Chefs and restaurants from across Los Angeles and...

What to Expect at This Weekend’s ‘Venice Summer Fest’ in Mar Vista

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Attendees Can Expect More Than Two Dozen Bands, a Classic Car Show, Food Trucks, Vendors and More The Venice Summer...

Santa Monica’s Tourism Report Reveals Economic Gains, Industry Optimism for 2024

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

City Welcomes 4.2M Visitors, Celebrates Local Heroes at Annual Tourism Summit Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) hosted its 16th...

Here’s The Pride Events Coming to Santa Monica This Weekend

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

They offer a mix of entertainment, sports, family activities, and community resources Santa Monica will mark Pride Month with a...

Santa Monica Police Arrest Man in Attempted Sexual Assault of 84-Year-Old Woman

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Suspect Charged With Multiple Felonies After Attack Near 6th and Wilshire Police have arrested a Long Beach man in connection...

Multiple Injuries Reported in Windward Ave Collision: REPORT

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Emergency crews closed the affected intersection to secure the area and began cleanup efforts A vehicle collision involving at least...

Florida Congressman to Visit American Legion Palisades for Relief Fundraiser

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

The event aims to support the post’s relief efforts, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the cause Congressman Brian Mast, a...

Malibu to Host Dual Webinars June 17 on Fire Recovery and Wildfire Safety

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Sessions to Inform and Support Residents Facing Fire-Related Challenges Homeowners recovering from the Palisades Fire and residents seeking to prepare...

City of Santa Monica Seeks Applicants for City Boards and Commissions

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Deadline is June 17 for Open Civic Roles on Key City Advisory Boards The deadline is approaching for residents interested...

Second Doctor to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case, Faces Up to 40 Years

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Doctor Admits to Illegally Supplying Ketamine to the Actor and His Assistant One of the physicians charged in connection with...

Santa Monica Releases 2024 Crime Stats, Highlights Safety Advances in New Report

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

The city claims the department launched a 2024-2028 Strategic Plan focusing on innovative policing and staff wellness The City of...

Army Corps Reaches Milestone in Completing in Palisades Debris Removal

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

As of June 15, the effort has cleared debris from an estimated 13,579 eligible parcels The U.S. Army Corps of...

Renovated Riviera Estate Hits Market for $25M

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the home with natural light, with nearly every room opening to a private deck or patio...

(Video) Home Front Build Maintains Original Architectural Vision For Modern Homes

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

For More Information, Go to homefrontbuild.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/Ssb4O7uZdu pic.twitter.com/XspARQcKcb — Santa Monica Mirror (@SMMirror) June 16,...

(Video Recap) “No Kings” Protest Comes to Downtown Santa Monica

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

Palisades Park was one of a dozen LA locations where protestors took to the streets on Saturday to challenge ICE...