Hashtag Hayward Grant Program

 

Now Accepting Hashtag Hayward Second Round of Applications

Applications are now open and will close January 10, 2025!
 
Are you a local business in Hayward looking to boost your marketing and social media presence but don’t know where to start? The Hashtag Hayward Grant Program is here to help!
 
Work with the City of Hayward’s Economic Development team and gain hands-on guidance to elevate your business. With a proven track record, the first round of Hashtag Hayward has:
  • Generated over 3 million views across platforms and participating businesses, with an average of 200,000 views per business.
  • Increased follower counts for businesses by up to 3,000.
  • Helped participating businesses enhance revenue, customer experience, and social media engagement.
Due to the overwhelming success and positive impact on local businesses and the Hayward economy, the City Council has approved a second round of this transformative program!
 

About the Grant

The Hashtag Hayward Grant Program is an innovative initiative designed to help small businesses in Hayward harness the power of social media to:
  • Build their brand.
  • Grow their customer base.
  • Increase sales.
Through this program, businesses receive grants of up to $10,000 to improve their physical spaces in ways that inspire customers to share their experiences through social media posts, tags, hashtags, and reviews.
The program also connects businesses with local influencers and artists to create visually stunning, shareable content and spaces.

Grant Funds

Grant funds can be used across these categories: 
  • Interactive Murals and Sculptures: Collaborate with local artists to create engaging murals and sculptures, turning your space into a selfie-worthy haven. 
  • Window Lighting and Façade Enhancements: Illuminate your business with eye-catching LED or neon lighting, or add visual interest with front façade murals or graphic paint. 
  • Corner Building District Identity: Showcase the unique character of your commercial district with vibrant murals on corner buildings. 
  • A-Frame or Blade Signs: Promote your business to pedestrians in the downtown district with new, visually appealing signage. 
  • Seating, Wayfinding, and Center Lighting: Enhance the overall customer experience by updating your commercial center. 
  • Improvements to Social Presence/Website: Allocate funds to boost your online presence, connecting with a broader audience. 
Through Hashtag Hayward, the City Economic Development team also will connect businesses with local social media influencers to explore potential promotional collaborations and with local muralists available to help transform spaces to make them social-media ready. 

Eligibility

Eligible businesses must:
  • be located in Hayward
  • have an active commercial storefront
  • hold a valid, current business license
  • must be in good standing with the City of Hayward, meaning they are free of any outstanding fines or unresolved code enforcement actions and
  • maintain active social media accounts as a condition of receiving grant funding.

How to Apply

Applications are open now and will be accepted until January 10, 2025. Grants are approved on a rolling basis, so businesses are encouraged to apply early. Applicants will be notified if they are selected, not selected, or if funds have been exhausted.
 
 
 
Submit your completed application or direct any questions regarding the application process to econdev@hayward-ca.gov.