Applications now being accepted for new Hayward restaurant relaunch and business façade improvement grants

HAYWARD, Calif., April 14, 2022—The City of Hayward is now accepting applications for two new COVID-19 economic recovery grant programs to support the relaunch of local restaurants and refurbish local small business exteriors.

The Hayward Restaurant Relaunch program will provide reimbursement grants of $10,000 to $15,000 to make physical improvements such as establishing permanent outdoor dining areas, improving interior dining spaces, painting, awnings, signage and other related improvements.  To participate, restaurants must have been in business at least five years.

The Restore and Reopen Façade Improvement Program will provide reimbursement grants of $5,000 to $10,000 to aid businesses and commercial property owners with improving exterior appearance, including paint, awnings, signage and other related improvements.

Approved by the City Council in June 2020, the programs are intended to assist local small businesses and commercial property owners negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  To participate, businesses and property owners must have a valid City of Hayward Business License and no active code enforcement or building code violation matters.

The initial application period for both programs will remain open until May 5.  Grants will be awarded after review of all qualifying applications based on business or property-owner need, proposed improvements, impact on surrounding properties and commercial district, and any matching funds offered toward the project to maximize the overall beneficial effect.

For both programs, the City also has developed and will maintain a list of approved architects available to assist businesses and commercial property owners with design, construction documents, permitting and project management—and whose fees will be paid for directly by the City in addition to the approved grant funds.

Grants under both the Restaurant Relaunch and Façade Improvement programs will be available until combined total approved program funding of $500,000 has been exhausted.

If interested in applying for a Restaurant Relaunch or Façade Improvement grant, please contact the City of Hayward Economic Development Division at EconDev@hayward-ca.gov or (510) 583-5545 to have an application form sent to you.  Applications will only be sent to and accepted from businesses and commercial property owners who have been prescreened for eligibility by the Economic Development Division.