Opportunities and Programs
Provide Support to Businesses

Development projects and new or expanding businesses in the River District have access to incentives and assistance through several programs.

Hub Zone
The River District is located in a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), an SBA governed empowerment contracting program designed to encourage economic development in HUBZones by establishing preferences for federal contracting. Businesses must qualify and become certified to receive benefits.

River District Development Fee Catalyst Program

Early projects in the River District may qualify for fee reductions designed to jump start development by offering impact fee incentives. Additional information is available through City of Sacramento Public Infrastructure Financing Department, 916-808-1440.

Grow Sacramento Fund
The Grow Sacramento Fund is an economic development partnership among the Sacramento Municipal Utility Department (SMUD), the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) and the National Development council (NDC), one of the nation’s oldest economic development nonprofit organizations. The fund offers at or below market rate loans for items such as permanent working capital, leasehold improvements, property acquisition or machinery & equipment (more information) orebanal@nationaldevelopmentcouncil.org

Small Business Association
SBA offers a variety of programs and support services to help navigate the issues faced with loan applications, and resources to help after you open for business.
www.sba.gov/about-offices-content/2/3100

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The mission of the network of Northeastern California Small Business development Centers is to grow the economy by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses. Consulting is confidential and provided at no charge by a staff of skilled professionals.

SCORE Sacramento
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and achieve their goals through education and mentoring. The organization is supported by the U.S. Small Business Association and a large network of volunteers. Many services are delivered at no charge or at very low cost.

California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)
GO-Biz serves as California’s single point of contact for economic development and job creation efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and more.

SETA/Sacramento Works
Sacramento Works provides resources for hiring and training through a system of one Stop Career Centers. Training programs help employees enhance technical and interpersonal skills while business services provide the tools and knowledge to enhance your business. All of the Sacramento Works’ services are free.