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Stimulating the Local Economy
New Economic Development Hub
Albany has become a destination in the Bay Area, attracting exciting new businesses that compliment long-standing favorites The City of Albany is committed to supporting its business community and continuing to make Albany the vibrant and lively place that it is With a revamped economic development program, the City is introducing a new hub for resources to help businesses get started, develop, and grow in Albany
Beginning September 15, businesses and prospective businesses will be able to visit www.choosealbany.org, to gain better insight into the advantages of having their business in Albany This site will include helpful market information and data, along with a step-by-step guide to create/improve a business plan, get the proper licenses and permits, and build a customer-base For more information, contact 1(510) 528-5736 or email econdev@ albanyca org
ZoomProspector
Albany has launched a powerful business tool called Albany ZoomProspector This data rich web site provides businesses with a quick, easy, and accessible platform to research and analyze City data, consumer expenditures and demographic information in a variety of ways This site’s features include property searches, business searches, demographics, the local labor force, and consumer spending Businesses can even generate customizable reports, charts, maps, and infographics, available properties to lease To get started visit:
www.albanyca.org/ZoomProspector
COVID Small Business Assistance Grant Program
On April 8th, 2022, the City of Albany launched a new COVID Small Business Assistance Grant Program, funded by the City’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds The program created to support Albany small businesses impacted by the pandemic was able to offer grants up to $20,000 per qualified business Because of this grant, businesses who were completely closed by public health mandates, suffered revenue losses of greater than 50%, or incurred substantial expense due to pandemic-related safety measures were able to receive financial support to help cover some of their losses with the goal to remain operational in the City Visit www.albanyca.org/businessgrant for more information
Albany Local Week September 19-25
Albany Local Week is an opportunity to celebrate the City's amazing businesses, parks, attractions, and uniqueness of our City for one entire week. Visit www.albanyca.org/albanylocalweek to find out about the different ways you can enjoy Albany while supporting the local community.
New City Sponsored Gift Card Program to be Offered
To encourage community members to support Albany’s commercial businesses during Albany Local Week and beyond, the City of Albany will introduce the “Shop Albany” Gift Card Program through Yiftee This program allows anyone to buy a digital gift card with matching funds provided by the City that can be used at any participating Albany businesses This ensures that all of the money spent for this gift card program stimulates the local economy while giving the person buying the gift card more bang for their buck at participating businesses
LIMITED TIME OFFER – THE CITY WILL MATCH WHAT YOU SPEND
For a limited time and while funds are available, the City of Albany will match the amount spent on Shop Albany gift cards purchased at select price points This means that if a person buys a $50 on a gift card the City would add $50 for $100 to be invested back into Albany businesses and assist community members at the same time Restrictions may apply Beginning September 15, visit:
