Miguel Ramirez-Cornejo, Business Development Manager City of Indio, announced that the city administration sent the first approvals for the City of Indio’s Building Beautification Program.

This program provides up to $50,000 for beautification for businesses Downtown and along the Highway 111 corridor. Investing in our existing businesses is crucial for their success and shows our commitment to supporting small businesses, which are the backbone of our local economy. Let’s continue working together to enhance our community’s beauty and prosperity!

Miguel Ramirez-Cornejo, Business Development Manager City of Indio

Grant Details

The Program offers financial support to eligible applicants, up to Fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). The funding is divided into two categories, with a maximum of forty thousand dollars ($40,000) being granted for building façade improvements and ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for interior improvements.

The City of Indio is responsible for administering the Program and determining the eligibility of applicants and projects. The guidelines and financial terms specified in the Program are applicable until the funds are fully utilized.

Eligibility for the Grant

The Program’s grant funds are only for labor and materials needed for “Eligible Improvements” that are noticeable to the public or enhance the building’s use.

The grant funds cannot be used for tool purchases, but tool rental is permitted. Construction and installation costs and estimates should comply with California’s Labor Code, particularly Sections 1720, 1773.8, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1777.6, and 1813, along with other applicable laws and regulations, and participants must ensure they comply with the Prevailing Wage Law since the Program prohibits volunteer labor.

Building owners must own the building for 5 years continuously, or Businesses must remain in business for 5 years continuously. Grant will be forgiven on an annual basis at a rate of 20% per year.

City of Indio

Eligible uses of funds

• Exterior and Interior painting or wall coverings
• Façade Improvements
• Windows and window treatments
• Doors
• Floor covering
• Lighting systems
• Ceiling tiles
• Display cases affixed to the building
• Partition walls
• Exterior signs, vinyl letter signage (windows)
• Benches and trash receptacles 
• Landscaping
• Outdoor seating

Indio City Startups in the News

In July last year, we reported about an Indio startup Helicoid Industries, that won the NREL CleanTech Award. It resulted from Forty startups competing in a pitch competition in front of an investor-dominated panel of judges.