HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso 33-26 Approving Updates Small Business Assistance Program Guidelines
Reso. No. 33-26, Item 5.6, Adopted 5/5/2026 Page 1 of 1
RESOLUTION NO. 33 – 26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
APPROVING UPDATES TO THE
SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM GUIDELINES
WHEREAS, the City Council established the Small Business Assistance (SBA) Program in 2013 to
support local businesses and promote economic development; and
WHEREAS, the SBA Program provides financial and technical assistance to help businesses
comply with regulatory requirements and enhance their operations; and
WHEREAS, the existing SBA Program Guidelines were last updated in 2019 and Staff has identified
the need to update the Guidelines to improve clarity, expand eligibility, and align the SBA Program with
current economic development priorities; and
WHEREAS, the proposed updates include the addition of relocation assistance, expanded
technical assistance offerings, alignment with the annual budget process, and administrative
improvements to enhance program flexibility; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the updated Guidelines will better support Dublin’s small
business community and improve program effectiveness.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin does hereby
approve the updated Small Business Assistance Program Guidelines, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY the City Council of the City of Dublin, on this 5th day of
May, 2026 by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Josey, McCorriston, Morada, Qaadri and Mayor Hu
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
______________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: ED75B7C8-2E32-8429-803C-ECE5DD2DED21
Exhibit A to the Resolution
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Small Business Assistance Program Guidelines
I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Small Business Assistance Program (“Program”) is an endeavor of the City of Dublin to assist Dublin-
based brick-and-mortar businesses as well as owners of commercial or industrial property located in
Dublin. The Program includes two primary components: (1) a reimbursable grant to support businesses
with regulatory compliance and (2) small business support to provide funding for one -on-one business
advising, technical assistance, and special events that support the local business community.
II. ELIGIBILITY
The Program is available to:
• Dublin-based brick-and-mortar businesses operating from a physical location within the city,
including retail, restaurant, office, industrial, and service businesses; and
• Owners of commercial or industrial property located in Dublin.
Applicants must demonstrate a need for assistance and meet all applicable program requirements as
determined by the City.
III. PROGRAM COMPONENTS
A. Grants
Grants are offered per fiscal year (July 1- June 30) with a combined funding allocation of $75,000
annually. Eligible applicants may apply for one grant type per fiscal year, with reimbursement of up
to $75,000. Please refer to Section IV. Funding for more information.
i. Small Business Regulatory Compliance Grant
The Small Business Regulatory Compliance Grant is available to eligible applicants for
reimbursement of costs associated with bringing a property or business into compliance
with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Eligible improvements may include, but are not limited to:
• Disability access improvements (ADA compliance)
• Trash enclosure construction or upgrades
• Wastewater connections and related infrastructure
• Upgrades pursuant to the California Building Standards Code (Cal. Code Regs., Title
24)
• Other required code or regulatory improvements
ii. Relocation Assistance Grant
The Relocation Assistance Grant is available to eligible applicants for reimbursement of
costs associated with relocation due to code compliance issues, site redevelopment, or
other circumstances that impact continued operation at their current location. Relocation
assistance is intended to support business continuity within Dublin.
Eligible relocation-related expenses may include, but are not limited to:
• Moving and equipment relocation costs
• Tenant improvements required at a new location to meet code requirements
Docusign Envelope ID: ED75B7C8-2E32-8429-803C-ECE5DD2DED21
Exhibit A to the Resolution
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• Utility connections and infrastructure upgrades
• Permitting and plan check fees associated with relocation
All relocation-related expenses must be directly tied to regulatory compliance or
operational necessity and are subject to review and approval by the City.
Additional improvements and requests that are deemed to be consistent with the intent of the
program will be reviewed and approved or denied by the City.
Awarded grant funds must be used within one year of approval or funds will be forfeited.
Disbursement of grant proceeds to approved applicants will be in a reimbursement payment
issued after City deems the project complete, and upon the submission of invoices and proof of
payment and subject to approval of those invoices and proofs of payment by Staff.
B. Small Business Support Services
Small Business Support Services shall be utilized for one-on-one business advising and technical
assistance targeted at Dublin-based businesses with a demonstrated need as well as for special
events designed to support and assist small business.
Technical assistance may include project-based assistance from subject matter experts, in areas
including, but not limited to:
• Business planning and development
• Marketing and advertising
• Architecture and space design
The assistance available through the Support Services component is limited to project-based items
with a narrow, defined scope and timeframe and may not cover hardware, software, or ongoing
costs.
IV. FUNDING
One hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) is available annually to fund the Program. Funding is
appropriated through the City’s annual budget process and may vary from year to year based on available
resources. Of the $100,000 annual allocation, $75,000 is reserved for grants and $25,000 for Support
Services.
While $75,000 is the maximum grant award per fiscal year, additional funds may be considered on a case-
by-case basis, subject to the availability of funds and a demonstrated need as determined by the City.
Unused funds shall carry over from year to year.
Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If funds are exhausted at the time of application
submittal, Staff will retain the application. If additional funds become available, Staff will contact
applicants in the order applications were received.
V. APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS
Applicants seeking grant assistance must submit an application. Applications will be reviewed by Staff for
completeness and eligibility. Eligible applications may be forwarded to the Economic Development
Committee for recommendation and, where required, to the City Council for final approval.
The City reserves the right to approve, conditionally approve, or deny grant applications based on program
requirements, funding availability, and alignment with program goals.
Docusign Envelope ID: ED75B7C8-2E32-8429-803C-ECE5DD2DED21
Exhibit A to the Resolution
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VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Grant Applicants
A. Staff will administer the Program and may establish administrative procedures, application materials,
and program priorities consistent with these guidelines.
B. All improvements completed through the grants component are considered to be “public works” as
that term is used in Section 1720 of the California Labor Code. In accordance with Labor Code section
1720 et seq., prevailing wages shall be paid for all improvements. All estimates and payments for
construction and installation of improvements shall include prevailing wages, and shall otherwise
comply with the provisions of the California Labor Code and all other applicable laws and regulations
with respect to prevailing wages. All contractors awarded a work contract under this program will be
required to provide certified payroll documents to Staff.
C. Participation in the Program does not guarantee funding.
D. Applicants are responsible for complying with all applicable laws, codes, and permitting requirements.
E. The City may modify, suspend, or terminate the Program at any time.
F. The City retains discretion in the interpretation and administration of these guidelines.
G. Applicants receiving funding through the Program may be required to acknowledge the City of Dublin’s
support in project materials or participate in program-related outreach efforts, as determined by the
City.
H. These guidelines shall become effective upon approval by the City Council and may be amended from
time to time.
I. Eligible Dublin-based property owners and/or business owners can apply for the grants component.
Disbursement of grant proceeds to approved applicants will be in a reimbursement payment issued
after City deems the project complete. All reimbursement requests must include proof of payment and
other supporting documentation, as deemed necessary by the City (i.e. invoices, cancelled checks,
etc.), sufficient to demonstrate to the City’s satisfaction that all improvement costs have been paid.
Grant funds must be used within one year of approval or funds w ill be forfeited.
By initialing below, the applicant acknowledges that they have read and agree to the General Provisions
outlined above for grant awards.
______ Initial
VII. IMPLEMENTATION WORK
All improvements shall conform to the City of Dublin Building Codes, Zoning Ordinance, and applicable
Design Guidelines. Improvements initiated prior to formal approval may not be eligible for reimbursement.
Staff will be available to work with approved applicants to assist in the coordination of the project and will
conduct periodic inspections.
I, ___________________________________ have read and received a copy of these guidelines.
(Printed Name)
Date: _________________
Signature: _______________________________
Docusign Envelope ID: ED75B7C8-2E32-8429-803C-ECE5DD2DED21