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Economic Development
Business of the Year Award
The City of Arcata established an annual Business of the Year Award program to recognize local businesses and nonprofits that exemplify the core values of innovation, resourcefulness, business collaboration, and business practices that support our community and protect the environment.
Arcata businesses, nonprofits, and members of the community are invited to submit nominations for the 2021 Business of the Year.
Nomination forms must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021.
Congratulations to the recipient of the 2020 Business of the Year Award: Cafe Brio!
Business Support Page 
Here is what you will find:
- Information about, and applications for, Arcata loan and grant programs
- COVID response information
- Links to other local, state and national programs
- Other types of information and links for business owners
Business Loan & Grant Programs
- Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program
- Business Assistance Loan Program
- Microenterprise Loan and Grant Program
Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program
In response to business impacts related to COVID-19, the City of Arcata is committed to providing technical and financial support to Arcata’s businesses to help them weather the resulting economic downturn. Information about the new Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program as well as our existing loan programs can be found below.
On March 26, 2020, the Arcata City Council adopted Resolution No. 190-63, which creates an emergency business loan fund for a rapid response to COVID-19 impacts on local businesses.
- Loans of up to $10,000 are available to Arcata businesses that have a demonstrated reduction in income due to COVID-19 and are unable to secure a traditional bank loan.
- The loans require 2.5% simple interest.
- The loan has deferred payment for 6 months and then can convert to a traditional bank loan or the City will carry it with a 5 year loan repayment.
- Counseling with an SBDC business advisor is required to review the best use of funds to shore up their business
- This program is available to cannabis businesses.
Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Application (BRELP)
Complete the Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Application and email it to dloya@cityofarcata.org and sdiehlmccarthy@cityofarcata.org.
Questions?
If you have questions about the Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program or are ready to submit an application, please contact:
David Loya | Susan Diehl McCarthy **Email for a quicker response.** |
Business Assistance Loan Program
The Business Assistance Program offers low-interest loans up to $300,000 (or larger with additional process involved) with a 1 FTE/$35,000 of loan funds.
Click here for the Business Assistance Program Guidelines, and for the loan application.
Microenterprise Loan and Grant Program
The Microenterprise Program offers low-interest loans up to $50,000 and in some cases, grants up to $10,000, for businesses of 5 or fewer employees (including owners). The application process has been streamlined to make it easier to apply.
To find out if you are eligible for a Microenterprise Loan or Grant, use the Microenterprise Loan Checklist. If you’re eligible, complete the Pre-Application Form, and call #707-822-5955 to make an appointment to discuss a loan in more detail.
Supporting Local Businesses
Visit Arcata!
During this unprecedented time, it is now more important than ever to support local businesses. When you shop local, you help support Arcata’s families, neighborhoods and community.
For information on Arcata businesses that are open for take-out, taking online orders, providing delivery services, offering virtual classes, and selling gift certificates, go to Visit Arcata!
Guidance for Reopening Businesses
View the Here’s What to Do for Reopening Your Humboldt County Business video created by the Eureka Chamber of Commerce to discover what steps employers and employees should take to reopen, resume operations, and move forward safely.
COVID-19 Outdoor Dining & Retail Guidance for Arcata Businesses
The City of Arcata has released outdoor dining and retail guidance for local businesses located in the Arcata Plaza, Downtown and Northtown neighborhoods.
On Wednesday, June 3, 2020, the Arcata City Council unanimously voted to allow restaurants and businesses to offer outdoor seating for dining and retail operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance will remain in place until stay at home orders are lifted to allow unrestricted dining and retail operations, or until the City revokes these interim provisions.
Reopening certification from the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services is required for all Arcata businesses who wish to apply for an outdoor dining or retail permit, also known as an Encroachment Permit.
- Arcata businesses who have not yet applied for County reopening certification are advised to click here for more information.
The City’s outdoor dining and retail guidance are included below:
To apply for an outdoor dining or retail permit, complete an Encroachment Permit Application and submit it to the Building & Engineering Department at engineering@cityofarcata.org. All permit fees will be waived for Encroachment Permits related to outdoor dining and retail operations that are obtained before Thursday, December 31, 2020.
For additional information, please contact the Community Development Department by email at comdev@cityofarcata.org or call 707-822-5955.
Foodworks Culinary Center
Arcata’s food manufacturing businesses are world renowned, and the Foodworks Culinary Center provides rental space for many types of small and start-up food manufacturers.
EPA Brownfields Program
The City of Arcata was awarded a grant to cover certain costs of assessing brownfield sites through the Environmental Protection Agency. Find more information here.
Contact Us
-
Jennifer Dart
Deputy Director, Community Development
Phone: 707-825-2112
Address
Arcata City Hall
736 F Street
Arcata, CA 95521
Directions/Map
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Contact the Director
David Loya
Director, Community Development
Phone: 707-825-2045
Staff Directory