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City
of Alameda
Businesses located in Alameda can capitalize on significant
incentives available to new and expanding businesses.
- Energy - Our power costs are as much
as 35% less for commercial business than surrounding communities.
We offer a special three-tier discount rate to businesses
that add a minimum annual peak demand of at least 50 kW-the
typical demand for 10,000 sq. ft. of office space.
- Redevelopment - Projects within Alameda's
three redevelopment areas may be offered additional incentives,
negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
- Land - Alameda offers everything from
available land to entitled business parks that help to fulfill
your business plans. Lower lease rates and land prices are
in addition to other incentives.
- Customer service - Development Services
Department will be your advocate and point of contact for
all city processing and permits. We will coordinate, on
your behalf, with other departments and guide you through
the process.
- One stop permits - All permits are
issued at the City's Central Permit Office. Save resources.
City of Berkeley
An Environment for Innovative
Business
Proud of Berkeley's environment for market
development, innovation, creativity, and growth, the Office
of Economic Development provides Business Services for a community-
based approach to entrepreneurial, artistic, environmental,
institutional, & residential well-being. The Civic Arts
Program manages development approved by the Civic Arts Commission
and advises the City Council on all matters related to the
beautification and cultural growth of Berkeley. The Sustainable
Development Initiative implements sustainable development
strategy as a guiding principle of Berkeley's economic development.
Collaborative relationships with Partner Agencies ensure continued
successful development for this dynamic, environmentally stunning
city.
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City of Emeryville
Brownfields Program
This incentive was created to help spur
the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites. Under this
federal tax incentive, environmental cleanup costs for all
qualifying properties in targeted areas are fully deductible
business expenses in the year in which costs are incurred
or paid. Properties within the City of Emeryville are eligible
to participate in this program due to Emeryville's inclusion
as a qualified National Brownfields Pilot Project of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
Facade Grant Improvement Program
This program provides reimbursement for
facade improvements such as painting, signs, and awnings to
commercial property owners on Park and San Pablo Avenues.
If the applicant uses a contractor for the improvements, the
matching grant will be 75% of total costs, up to a maximum
dollar amount of $75,000. If the applicant performs the work
him or herself, the reimbursement amount will be 100% of materials
cost, also not to exceed a maximum dollar amount of $75,000.
The program is available to both property and business owners,
although if the applicant is a tenant the owner must also
apply as co-applicant.
Business Development Loan Program
This program is available to property and
business owners on San Pablo Avenue, Park Avenue, and Hollis
Street for both existing and start-up enterprises. Eligible
uses of the loan include tenant improvements, building repairs,
and professional fees. The program includes a "key tenant
incentive to attract key businesses to Emeryville. In addition
to the other eligible uses, assistance under this component
of the program may be used to finance items such as working
capital, start-up costs, and advertising.
Loan amounts are up to $50,000, although exceptions may be
granted on a case-by-case basis. Loans are offered at below
market interest rates, with terms determined on a case-by-case
basis. Typically, loans are secured by the property through
a Deed of Trust.
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City of Oakland
Enhance Enterprise Community
Tax Incentives
With Oakland's designation as an Enhanced
Enterprise Community (EEC), businesses that hire from the
EEC zone may be eligible for federal tax incentives including
the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and the Welfare to Work Tax
Credit.
Enterprise Zone Tax Incentives
The California State Legislature developed
the Enterprise Zone program to provide targeted areas with
means to stimulate business and employment growth. In 1993,
the City of Oakland received a 15-year designation for large
portions of the city including Downtown and most of Oakland
located below I-580. The Enterprise Zone program provides
companies located within the target area with numerous tax
incentives.
Retail and Entertainment Catalyst Tenant
Improvement Program
The City of Oakland's Retail and Entertainment
Catalyst Tenant Improvement Program (TIP) provides incentives
to attract key entertainment and retail businesses to targeted
locations in the downtown area. While downtown retail market
has improved in recent years, in many cases the available
spaces, buildings, or properties require tenant improvements
to meet the needs of existing retailers.
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City of San Leandro
Site Location Assistance
The Business Development staff is your
resource for site location 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 will rebate two-thirds of every
tax dollar on utility charges over $300,000 per year. So while
the first $300,000 is assessed at 6 percent, the tax drops
to 2 percent of every dollar spent thereafter.
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 Office staff
can assist with application procedures and contracts.
Employee Recruitment and Training Incentives
The Business Development staff serves 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.
Commercial Rehabilitation Program
The Agency offers financial assistance
to small businesses within a redevelopment area to eliminate
blighted appearances and/or change uses. This program provides
forgivable loans to eligible business or property owners for
up to half the total project cost, up to $50,000. This program
will use a Notice of Funds Available process in 2002-03 to
receive funding applications. To be added to the mailing list
for this program, email alorentz@ci.san-leandro.ca.us
or call (510) 577-3311.
Business License Fee
The City's business license fee is calculated
using a basic fee of $36.50, plus a low, per-employee fee
between $9.75 and $29.25, depending on your type of business.
The City's fee is one of the lowest in the Bay Area. For more
information, click here.
Taxes
The City of San Leandro does not have a
payroll tax nor does it levy a gross receipts tax.
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East bay conomic Development Alliance
Industrial Development Bond Financing
The East Bay Economic EDA administers the Industrial Development Bond program (IDBs)
for the East Bay and its cities. IDBs allow manufacturers
to finance land, building and new equipment acquisition and
expansion projects at very low interest rates (averaging around
3% for the last 5 years) and longer terms (35 years for land
and buildings) through tax-exempt bond issuance. For East
Bay EDA
assistance and information go to
www.eastbayeda.org
Data Collection and Analysis
East Bay EDA provides a comprehensive range of data and analysis on
the East Bay, its cities and the region, in monthly, quarterly
and annual presentations that include trends, regional comparisons
and forecasts. Data is available on East Bay EDA's website at
www.eastbayeda.org,
via subscription email and printed materials. Requests for
assistance from site location consultants, businesses and
clients are responded individually and confidentiality.
Site Location Assistance
Confidential assistance in identifying
facilities and appropriate locations. In addition to the Loop
Net property listings available on eastbayeda.org
(Click here) East Bay EDA can search for commercial, industrial, R&D and office
properties available in the East Bay (Alameda and Contra Costa
Counties). Site tours and agency coordination are available
upon request.
Business to Business and Government
Networking
Opportunities abound for business-to-business and business-to-government
interchange to increase business, communications and improve
the business climate.
Permitting Information
The CalGOLD database provides detailed
information on the business permit, license and registration
requirements from all levels of government. The information
includes a description of the requirement, the name, address,
and telephone number of the agency, and frequently even a
direct link to that agency's Internet web pages. The information
identified is specific to the type of business and its location
in California. Go to www.calgold.ca.gov
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