The City of San Leandro maintains two programs aimed at commercial façade improvement: the Commercial Rehabilitation Program and the Awning Sign and Paint Program. These programs serve to stimulate investment and improve the exterior appearance of businesses in order to make commercial districts more attractive.
The Awning, Sign and Paint Program provides forgivable loans of up to $10,000 in matching funds and the Commercial Rehabilitation Program provide forgivable loans of up to $50,000 in matching funds. Projects are required to significantly contribute to improving the appearance of a business.
Commercial Rehabilitation Program Additional Information and Application
Awning, Sign and Paint Program Additional Information and Application
The City of San Leandro provides matching funds (in the form of a forgivable loan) of up to $10,000 to reduce the cost of connecting a commercial or industrial building to broadband infrastructure. The program includes, but is not limited to, connection to the Lit San Leandro fiber optic network. Projects are evaluated based on their ability to stimulate high-tech business activity, innovation, and job creation. For more information, call Jeff Kay at (510) 577-3319.
Broadband Connection Program Additional Information and Application
The Design Assistance Program offers architectural and technical assistance to property owners and tenants of business located in the City of San Leandro. The program pays for preliminary architectural drawings by a licensed firm. This amount, usually $3,000-$5,000, includes conceptual design drawings, color and material studies and cost estimates for the project.
Energy Efficiency Program
To advance policy objectives related to business assistance and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, the City of San Leandro has initiated an Energy Efficiency Program to facilitate energy efficiency improvements at industrial facilities. The program offers matching funds up to $50,000, in the form of forgivable loans.
Energy Efficiency Prgram Additional Information and Application
Site Location AssistanceThe Business Development staff is your resource for business relocation sites in San Leandro. Our staff maintains the most current data on available properties and pertinent, site-specific permitting information. The Business Development staff is your liaison to county, state and federal regulators and permitting authorities. For more information, call the Business Development staff at (510) 577-3311.
Rebate on Utility Tax for Large Users
The City rebates 50 percent of all utility tax dollars spent in excess of $25,000 by large utility users. For more information, please call (510) 577-3324.
Industrial Development Bonds
Manufacturing firms may qualify for tax-exempt and other forms of Industrial Development Revenue Bond Financing through various state agencies and agencies affiliated with the City of San Leandro. Business Development staff can assist with application procedures and contracts.
Employee Recruitment and Training Incentives
Business Development staff can serve as a liaison with the State of California's Employment Training Panel (ETP) program, which provides recruitment and screening services for qualified companies, including providing a pool of qualified applicants for your consideration. City staff can also work with you to receive reimbursement from the State for job training costs, including the salaries of trainers and the cost of books, materials and training equipment. While exact reimbursement varies with each company, the typical reimbursement averages $2,300 per employee.
Recycling Loan Fund
If your business will divert, reduce or use waste from the local area waste stream, your project may be eligible for loans up to $125,000 from the Alameda County Recycling Board. Visit http://www.stopwaste.org/ for more information.
Low Cost of Doing Business
The City's business license fee is calculated using a basic fee of $111.50, plus an additional low, per-employee fee. The City's fee remains one of the lowest in the Bay Area. For more information on business licenses, click here.
The City of San Leandro does not have a payroll tax nor does it levy a gross receipts tax.
