Business Resiliency Efforts

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.

Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program

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 under the following general framework:

1. They have a demonstrated reduction in income due to COVID-19
2. They are not able to secure a traditional bank loan
3. They meet with a SBDC business advisor (standing by today) to review the best use of funds to shore up their businesses.
4. The loans require 2.5% simple interest. 
5. 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.

The City Council meeting in which this Resolution was adopted can be viewed through our website.

Questions about the Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program

If you have questions about the Business Resiliency Emergency Loan Program, please contact David Loya at 707-825-2045 or dloya@cityofarcata.org.

The loan application can be found here. A flyer with additional program information can be found here.

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 Program

The Microenterprise Loan 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, 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.

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. 

Business of the Year Award

The City of Arcata has established an annual award program to recognize businesses that exemplify core values of innovation, resourcefulness, business collaboration, and business practices that support our community and protect the environment.

Community members and businesses in Arcata were invited to submit nominations for the Business of the Year to the Economic Development Committee throughout the month of December 2019, and the top nominees were forwarded to the City Council to select the recipient for the 2020 City of Arcata Business of the Year Award.

Congratulations to Cafe Brio on winning this esteemed award for 2020!