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Welcome to the July Biz Buzz Newsletter!
As always, we're working hard to bring you the most up to date information, resources, and more. In this edition of the Biz Buzz Newsletter you'll find:
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Facade Improvement Grant Update: Applications available July 8th
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SB 478 in Effect July 1st (with potential upcoming changes)
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Small Business Outdoor Furnishings Grant: Funding Available
- El Camino Real Pavement Rehab and ADA Improvements Update
- Exciting July Events
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Resource Spotlight: SBDC Business Bootcamp '24
Exciting News: Facade Improvement Grant Program Guidelines Now Available!
We're thrilled to announce that applications for the Facade Improvement Grant Program will be available by Monday, July 8, 2024. The program guidelines can be viewed online now. The Facade Improvement Grant Program aims to revitalize commercial buildings with first-floor storefront businesses. Our goals include:
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Enhancing Visual Appeal: Improve the look of storefronts and streetscapes.
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Boosting Key Areas: Elevate the prominence of retail and commercial districts.
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Preserving History: Rehabilitate or replace historic architectural features.
To foster economic growth and strengthen the commercial viability of storefront businesses, the City is offering grants up to $17,500. This includes:
- $2,500 for Architectural Design Services
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Up to $15,000 for Physical Facade Improvements: Eligible improvements include signage, awning or window replacements, lighting, and more.
Review the Facade Improvement Program Guidelines, available online now. We encourage all eligible businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their storefronts and contribute to the vibrancy of our community. Stay tuned for the application release on July 8, 2024, and get ready to transform your storefront!
SB 478 in Effect July 1, 2024
Starting today, July 1, 2024, SB 478 (also referred to as the "Honest Pricing Law," "Hidden Fees Statute," or the "Junk Fees Ban") will require all businesses* to disclose all mandatory fees or surcharges in the price of a good or service. It will be illegal to advertise or list a price for a good or service that does not include all additional required fees or charges other than certain government taxes and shipping costs.
Starting July 1, any surcharges or service fees need to be added to the price of the menu items to clearly advertise to customers the full amount that they must pay for the good or service. Please note, the law does not prevent businesses from imposing service fees, but instead requires that those fees are either include in the prices listed for goods or are for optional services.
How to prepare for July 1st:
- Update your printed and online menus to include service fees or surcharges associated with each menu item.
- Update your POS systems.
- Ensure that you are charging sales tax on any Living Wage Fee you are collecting.
*On June 29, 2024, SB 1524 was approved by the Governor that allows California restaurants, grocery stores, bars, to continue charging automatic fees as long as they disclose those fees “clearly and conspicuously” on menus or “other display.” Failure to do so allows a consumer to recover or obtain actual damages of at least $1,000. Restaurants, grocery stores, bars will have until July 1, 2025 to comply with SB 478.
Resources:
Small Business Outdoor Furnishings Grant
Limited Outdoor Furnishings Grant Program Funding Available
In 2023, the City of Mountain View released the Small Business Outdoor Furnishings Grant Program providing eligible businesses with one-time grants of $5,000 for the purchase of outdoor furnishings utilized by the public. The City is accepting applications through August 31, 2024, or until the funds are depleted. Review eligibility and apply online here.
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El Camino Real (SR-82) Pavement Rehabilitation and ADA Improvements Project Status
CalTrans continues to work on the SR-82 Pavement Rehabilitation and ADA Improvements project along El Camino Real from Sylvan Ave in Mountain View to Sand Hill Road in Palo Alto. In Mountain View, CalTrans will be repaving El Camino Real and adding new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) curb ramps, curb extensions, protected bike lanes, high visibility crosswalks, advanced stop bars, and three new Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons crossings at Bonita Avenue, Crestview Drive, and Pettis Avenue.
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January 2024: Construction began;
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April 2024: Start of concrete work to improve sidewalks and curb ramps in Palo Alto;
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April/May 2024: Sidewalk and curb ramp improvements began in Mountain View (in progress);
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Summer 2024: Grinding and paving the roadway.
The project is estimated to be completed by Fall 2025.
The City of Mountain View is actively updating our website as more information is provided to us. Learn more.
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July Events
Music on Castro (Wednesdays from 5 - 6:45pm)
Concerts on the Plaza (Fridays from 6 - 7:30pm)
KidStock (July 20th)
Technology Showcase (July 24th + 25th)
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