On September 5, 2017, the City Council adopted the City of Albany Economic Development Strategic Plan to help outline strategies and goals to further economic development within Albany. This plan encompassed background data review, business sector and consumer demand analysis, stakeholder input gathering including interviews, focus groups, an online public survey, and a public workshop resulting in key goals and detailed actions. 

On November 20, 2017,  the City Council reviewed the proposed Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan helps further outline how City staff, the Economic Development Committee, and other groups will coordinate on implementing and realizing the goals outlined in the Economic Development Plan. 

To help support Albany's business community as we continue to move toward economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Albany has introduced a variety of grant programs. The overarching goal of these programs are to aid in growing a thriving business community, both by supporting businesses that continue to be Albany mainstays and by attracting new businesses to Albany. See below the grants that are currently being offered as well as past programs.

Current Grant Programs:

Business Attraction and Improvement Grant

The purpose of this grant program is to attract new businesses in Albany, fill vacant spaces in commercial areas, and give business owners financial support to overcome startup and facility upgrade costs as they look to grow their business in Albany. Applicants may receive up to $20,000 in preapproved reimbursements on spending. 

To be eligible, the business MUST have one or more of the following: 

• A current Albany business located within city limits
• A current Albany business license
• A lease agreement in place with a commercial location in Albany

Notice: This grant is currently only available to new businesses and businesses in Albany looking to relocate or expand into a commercial property. The grant program will be available to current Albany businesses looking to make improvements to their existing spaces at a later date.

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, December 11, 2025, 12:00 pm or until grant funds are fully expended.  To find more about this program and request an application, email econdev@albanyca.org or call 1(510) 528-5736.

Parklet Grant

The City of Albany Parklet Grant Program provides financial assistance to Albany businesses interested in upgrading or installing a parklet for dining or shopping. The program will reimburse eligible expenses incurred by the business related to the outdoor development, construction, and operation of a parklet. A parklet is defined as a longer-term installation within the public right-of-way, while maintaining safety, accessibility, and design standards consistent with the City’s approved Parklet Program Regulation.

Grants up to 80% of the total cost, not to exceed $15,000 will be available for eligible expenses approved under the City of Albany Parklet Program.

Applications will be accepted until Thursday, May 30, 2024, 12:00 pm.

Visit www.albanyca.org/parklets to find out more about Albany's Parklet Program and to download an application.

 Questions? Email econdev@albanyca.org or call 1(510) 528-5736.

Past Grant Programs:

COVID Small Business Assistance Grant (2022)

On April 8, 2022, the City of Albany launched a COVID Small Business Assistance Grant Program, funded by the City’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This program was able to support over 60 Albany small businesses impacted by the pandemic with grants up to $20,000 per eligible business. The application window for this grant closed on May 20, 2022.

Window & Door Repair Grant (2022-23)

The purpose of this grant was to offer support to businesses and nonprofit organizations that sustained window and door damage from October 3, 2022 to June 1, 2023 due to vandalism or break‐in. All Albany businesses were able to apply for up to $2,500 in reimbursement funds.