Business Improvement Grant Program

You are invited to participate in the Business Improvement Grant Program offered through the El Cajon CDC in partnership with the City of El Cajon Redevelopment Agency. These two organization are committed to assist property owners and business owners, as well as prospective property owners and business owners, in providing funding to improve the interior and exterior of commercial buildings in Downtown El Cajon.

The Business Improvement Grant at El Cajon CDC provides grants in three, seperate funding categories to qualifying and prospective Downtown El Cajon property owners and business owners located in the Property Based Improvement District (PBID). Grants are offered on a reimebursement basis Each grant funding category has a separate overiew and application.

Business Improvement Grant Program Categories:

1. Design or Facade Improvement Grant
2. Business Recruitment / Relocation Grant
3. Business Expansion Grant

The program's goal is to provide incentives to property and business owners to improve the aesthetics of Downtown El Cajon, revitalize neighborhood commercial areas, reduce blight, and stimulate the local ecnonomy. The Business Improvement Grant Program offers grants on a reimbursement basis to assist in the improvement, restoration, and refurbishing of interior and exterior commercial properties. The program has been design for the purpose of creating a pleasent and inviting business environment that stimulates public and private investment, and complements the Downtown El Cajon's revitalization efforts.

When To Apply

Grant applications are accepted year-round on an on-going basis as funding is available. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early in the El Cajon CDC’s fiscal year (July 1-June 30) since only a set amount of funds are available during each 12-month period. Once El Cajon CDC’s current funding allotment is granted, applicants will need to wait for the following year to apply and will be considered if funding becomes available.

Where To Begin

Attend a mandatory Business Success Grant Orientation to begin the first step of the grant process and receive a copy of the Business Success Grant Application. All applicants are required to attend the orientation prior to submitting their grant application.

• Applicants must register in advance by calling Roberto Garcia, Community Outreach Assistant, at (619) 401-8858. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
• Orientation location: El Cajon CDC, 131 East Main Street, Suite 201, El Cajon, CA, 92020.
• Orientation dates: Every Monday, year-round, except Holidays, from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.
• Who should attend: the business or property owner(s); the person who will be preparing all materials; the architect or designer (if project requires exterior renovations); and the contractor (if the project requires construction and the contractor has been hired).
• What should you bring: notepad and pen, brief project description, estimated project costs, and a smile.
• Meeting agenda: grant program overview, grant requirements, Design Review Commission approval process, tips on filling out forms, project timeline, and Q&A.

Program Highlights

We are proud to announce that in fiscal year 2008 - 2009 our Business Success Grant Program, with investment from the City of El Cajon Redevelopment Agency, successfully helped finance eight business recruitment and expansion grants totaling $208,481.08 and six façade renovation grants totaling $103,900.00. During this period, we also welcomed twenty new businesses and congratulated the expansion efforts of two existing businesses, which created approximately 103 new jobs in our district.

Business Success Grant Profiles
	Zack Summers Main Tap Tavern 518 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020 (619) 749-6333 $28,918 awarded for Business Expansion The business expansion grant was used to renovate the interior of the building. New additions include new paint, granite countertops, kitchen, bar, flooring, furniture, plus historic murals and lighting in the patio creating a great atmosphere. The new management has a great menu and offers live entertainment weekly.
	Bob Wilkinson Wilkinson, Hadley, King & Co, LLP 218 West Douglas El Cajon, CA 92020 (619) 477-6700 $16,121.00 Awarded for Business Expansion El Cajon CDC awarded a business expansion grant to aid the existing full service accounting firm move to 218 West Douglas in Downtown El Cajon. The larger location will provide space for additional workstations to accommodate three new employees.
	Byron Long 701 West Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020 $16,820.00 Awarded for Design and Façade Mr. Long is currently renovating his vacant building at 701 West Main Street, where West Main meets North Johnson Avenue. The grant will help Mr. Long with the exteriors improvements and provide the building with a “new look.”
	Alex Kalogianis El Cajon Grand 351 West Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020 (619) 444-0949 www.elcajongrand.com $22,000 Awarded for Business Expansion $13,765 awarded for Design and Façade Improvements The business expansion grant was used to relocate to a larger building which allowed us to offer more live entertainment. The design and façade improvement grant was used to repair the exterior of the building with new paint, a wainscot, signage, windows, doors, parking lot pavement, and landscape planters, while maintaining the style and heritage of Downtown El Cajon.
	Peggy Harris Glamour Girlz 124 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020 (619) 807-3109 www.iamglamourgirl.com $17,538 Awarded for Business Recruitment The business recruitment grant was used to renovate the interior of the building and add new signage. The improvements include new paint, new floors, and custom furniture to complement the interior design of the business.
	Kevin Nguyen Angel’s Nail Salon 131 North Magnolia Avenue El Cajon, CA 92020 $30,000 Awarded for Business Expansion The grant will be used for interior remodeling. Angel’s Nail Salon will expand the current services to also include hair styling, facials, and waxing. The renovation will enhance the business atmosphere and offer television entertainment for the clients and their children.
	Roberto Hernandez Los Rancheros 165 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020 (619)588-2191 $30,000 Awarded for Business Expansion Mr. Roberto Hernandez, received financial assistance to complete interior improvements necessary prior to opening his second business location in Downtown El Cajon. The Interior improvements include new paint, flooring, furniture, and restaurant equipment.
	Todd Leigh and Carola Pyszczynski 562 – 566 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92020 $16,280 Awarded for Design and Facade The design and facade improvement grant will assist with the new paint, awnings, gooseneck lamps, signage and improved landscaping. The buildings renovation will greatly improve this corner building and enhance the eastern gateway to Downtown El Cajon.

Here is what Business Success Grant Awardees have to say:

“We believe that the 'new' look coupled with a strong desire to initiate change within the area will lead to more growth of the downtown area. All business and property owners need the strong support of a community based organization such as El Cajon CDC.”
– Byron Long

“The El Cajon CDC assisted the Center for Oral and Facial Surgery by providing us the necessary funds through the Business Success Grant Program to expand our office by 1,000+ square feet, including an additional operating room which reduces waiting times for our patients, a larger waiting room, an additional ADA-compliance restroom and two additional business offices.”
– Tori Gunter, Center for Oral & Facial Surgery

“El Cajon CDC has made my transition for expansion one of ease and competence. It was a pleasure working with them. The expansion has allowed me to offer more venues which has created employment for an additional 11 employees. The expansion has also created additional employment for outside services for businesses within El Cajon. The new location within the first 60 days of business has increased my gross revenue by 150%.”
– Alex Kalogianis, El Cajon Grand

Thank you to the following partner for making this possible