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Our team strives to create new job opportunities, encourage innovative ideas, attract new investments, boost commercial activities and sales tax revenues, create vibrant neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life for residents, business community, and visitors of San Fernando.
City of San Fernando's
2024 Year in Review
VISIT THESE SITES TO LEARN MORE
DOWNTOWN SAN FERNANDO
DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN
The City is currently developing a Downtown Master Plan to help guide the future development and revitalization of the City’s historic downtown area.
For more information and to sign up for project updates, visit SFDowntownMasterPlan.com.
SAN FERNANDO OUTDOOR MARKET
San Fernando Outdoor Market is hosted once a month in San Fernando Mall, and it’s free to attend. It brings together local business owners and artisans throughout the area with over 90+ vendors showcasing a variety of products, services, music, classic cars, food and entertainment. For more information: San Fernando Outdoor Market.
NEW & COMING SOON!
COMING SOON*
- Dog Haus – 1001 San Fernando Rd (Early 2024)
- American Fruits & Flavors (Early-Mid 2024)
*Anticipated opening dates are subject to change.
Interested in locating your business in San Fernando? We’re happy to help you find the right location! Please contact Kanika Kith, Deputy City Manager/Economic Development at KKith@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-8316.
START YOUR BUSINESS IN SAN FERNANDO
- Apply for a Business License from the Finance Department
Need help? Please contact Kanika Kith, Deputy City Manager/Economic Development at KKith@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-7316.
AVAILABLE PROPERTIES IN SAN FERNANDO
For available properties and opportunities please contact Kanika Kith, Deputy City Manager/Economic Development at KKith@sfcity.org or call (818) 898-7316.
BUSINESS PROGRAMS & INCENTIVES
- Site Selection Assistance – Free site selection assistance to new and existing businesses in the City. This assistance consists of a confidential site search for available properties based on specific needs and site criteria.
- Business Concierge Service – Businesses receive one-on-one assistance to navigate through the City’s permitting, entitlement and development process.
- Facilitation of Business Resources – Help facilitate contacts and resources to a variety of federal, state, and local programs and incentives.
- Market Analysis Assistance – Free market analysis and demographic information to assist with the decision-making process for businesses looking to locate or expand in San Fernando.
In addition, we partner with the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce to provide marketing and social medial support.
- Marketing & Social Media Support – The San Fernando Chamber of Commerce helps promote local business through multiple digital channels including social media and e-mail newsletters. More information on the San Fernando Chamber of Commerce: SanFernando.com/
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SBAP) - ROUND 2
The City is proud to launch the Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP), offering grants of up to $10,000 for exterior façade improvements, such as graffiti-resistant window coverings, green walls, signage (up to $3,000), paint, awnings, security cameras with police access, and architectural upgrades. Priority will be given to businesses with a high incidence of graffiti. This initiative supports local businesses while enhancing San Fernando’s aesthetic and economic vitality.USE OF GRANT FUNDS
Grant funds are earmarked for various improvements including, but not limited to:
- Anti-graffiti coating and graffiti-resistant window covering.
- Exterior vertical landscape (green wall).
- Signage (up to $3,000).
- Paint.
- Awning or window shade cover.
- Exterior security cameras with direct access granted to the San Fernando Police Department.
- Exterior architectural details (e.g., replacing existing security gate with alternatives, architectural appropriate window bars).
ELIGIBLE TYPESBusinesses eligible to apply for the SBAP include:
- Restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, cafés, gastropubs, etc.
- Salons, barbers, and other grooming businesses.
- Gyms, day spas, and fitness studios.
- Retail and Commercial stores.
- Others not on the ineligible list.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIATo participate in the SBAP, a business must meet the following criteria:
- Located in a commercial or mixed-used property in the City, with priority for businesses with a high incidence of graffiti.
- Operating for a minimum of 3 years, or have a minimum of a 2-year lease or mortgage on the commercial property where the business is located and operated.
- Has an active business license in the City.
- Employs 50 or fewer individuals.
- Current on water and trash bill payments.
INELIGIBLE BUSINESSESCertain types of businesses are not eligible for the SBAP, including but not limited to:
- National chains not locally franchised.
- Massage parlors, bars that only serve alcohol, bail bond services, etc.
- Non-profit organizations.
- Real estate salespersons.
- Businesses engaged in illegal activities.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESSLocal businesses must complete an application providing details of the proposed work, cost estimates, and a timeline for completion. The City will review applications, select businesses, and issue grant funding accordingly.
TIMELINE
- Application Period: February 12, 2025 – March 26, 2025
- Review Applications: March 27, 2025 – April 25, 2025
- Selection and Notification: April 28, 2025 – May 2, 2025
- Grant Funding Issued: June 2, 2025 – June 30, 2025
APPLICATION PACKET – REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Selected businesses must submit the following documentation:
- Complete and sign the Small Business Grant Application.
- A detailed list of proposed work, including cost estimates, timelines, and images of the planned improvements.
- A copy of an active business license issued by the City.
- A copy of the lease agreement/mortgage statement for the commercial space the business occupies; must be a minimum of a 2-year lease.
- All business owners with a 20% or greater ownership interest must submit a copy of a government issued identification. Examples include: driver’s license with a photograph; State identification card with a photograph; Copy of applicant Social Security card; Immigration and Naturalization Service documents – must contain a photograph; Military identification with a photograph; Alien Registration Card with a photograph; valid passport.
- Unique Entity Identifier* (UE) number
*A UE number is required for receipt or renewal of a Federal grant. To obtain a UEI number, contact Sam.gov or call the Federal Service Desk (FSD.gov) at (866) 606-8220. Note that DUNS numbers will no longer be accepted.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your business and contribute to the vibrancy of our community. Apply now and take advantage of the City of San Fernando’s Small Business Assistance Program!
Submit your application and supporting documents to City Hall, Business & Community Resource Center, Attention Kanika Kith, 117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340 or by email to kkith@sfcity.org.
UPCOMING WEBINAR & TRAINING
BUSINESS RESOURCES
The City is working in partnership with Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation (ICON CDC) to offer comprehensive business support services. Through close collaboration, ICON CDC and the City are committed to enriching the local business landscape and fostering economic growth by implementing a diverse range of services and initiatives.Furthermore, the City is an active member of the Valley Economic Alliance (Alliance), an organization dedicated to advancing economic growth and vitality in the San Fernando Valley. The Alliance provides a spectrum of services, including strategic resources, workforce programs, and networking opportunities. Through membership in the Alliance, local businesses in the City gain access to valuable business support services such as financial mentorship and marketing assistance.
CONTACT US
CITY HALL | Administration Department
117 Macneil Street, San Fernando, CA 91340
