Outdoor Business Grant

The Outdoor Business Grant program supports businesses working to create outdoor dining spaces that contribute to the enjoyment of the public environment. It also seeks to prioritize projects in underserved communities. As part of a pilot project started in 2023, the City of San Diego’s Economic Development Department (EDD) will be providing grants up to $20,000 to eligible businesses following the Spaces as Places program guidelines for expanding business operations outdoors into the public right-of-way. EDD will be prioritizing businesses located in underserved communities for these grants. Grants may be awarded in phases, and can cover the costs of design, permitting and construction of projects. To be eligible, the applicant must be a commercial occupant of the subject property. The business must meet the following requirements: Be located in the City of San Diego; Have a valid City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate; Be independently owned and operated; and Business ownership must have a majority/primary business owner who is a San Diego County resident.