May 19, 2026
Economic Development
DATE: May 19, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Nannette Beacham, Director of Economic Development
Jesson de Leon, Senior Business Assistance Officer
Junne Garcia, Management Analyst
Subject:
Contract Amendment with Renaissance Entrepreneurship
Center for Small Business Beautification Pilot Program
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed contract amendment increases the total not-to-exceed amount by $60,000, for a revised total of $400,000. Of this amount, $50,000 is allocated for
architectural and design services and $10,000 for
administrative costs. Funding is included within the
approved fiscal year 2025–2026 Economic Development
budget (Account Strings: 01361165-400201-FCA01,
01361165-400201).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
June 21, 2022
January 7, 2025
December 16, 2025
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Staff requests that the City Council approve amendment
no. 1 to Contract No. 7637 with the Renaissance
Entrepreneurship Center to increase funding, extend the term, and expand services for the Small Business
Beautification Pilot Program, including architectural and design support for participating businesses.
AGENDA
REPORT
May 19, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the first amendment to the contract with
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to increase the
total contract amount by $60,000 for a revised amount
not to exceed $400,000, extend the term through June
30, 2027, and support payment administration for eligible businesses participating in the Small Business
Beautification Facade Improvement Program - Economic
Development Department (Jesson de Leon 510-412-
2023/Junne Garcia 510-620-6524/Nannette Beacham
510-620-1306).
BACKGROUND:
On October 27, 2022, the California Strategic Growth Council awarded the City of Richmond a $35 million Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Round 4 Implementation Grant, launching the Richmond Rising initiative. This community-led effort focuses on improving the City’s environmental, economic, and social conditions, with an emphasis on the Iron Triangle, Santa Fe, and Coronado neighborhoods (Richmond Rising area).
A core element of the Richmond Rising initiative is the Displacement Avoidance Plan, which includes strategies to support small businesses and prevent displacement. One such strategy is the Small Business Building Beautification Program, which provides financial and technical assistance to help businesses improve their storefronts and commercial spaces, enhancing economic vitality and corridor appeal (Attachment 1).
To implement the program, the City released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) on August 14, 2024, seeking qualified providers to administer the program. After receiving no responses, the RFQ was reissued on September 26, 2024, with a revised due date of October 10, 2024, resulting in two proposals. An evaluation committee comprised of Economic Development and Finance staff reviewed submissions based on program approach, qualifications, responsiveness, and cost. Following this process, the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center was selected as the top-ranked proposer due to its demonstrated experience, strong program model, and alignment with City goals.
On January 7, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to administer the Small Business Building Beautification Pilot Program for a term through December 31, 2026, with a total contract amount not to exceed $340,000 (Attachment 2). Renaissance has since supported program outreach, application intake, grant administration, and technical assistance to participating small businesses within the Richmond Rising area.
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, a nonprofit organization with a longstanding presence in Richmond, has extensive experience providing business training, technical assistance, and capital access support. Through its established partnerships and
May 19, 2026
localized expertise, Renaissance has played a key role in advancing the City’s small business support and economic development objectives.
DISCUSSION:
On December 16, 2025, the City Council approved the allocation of an additional $50,000 to enhance the Small Business Beautification Pilot Program by funding architectural and design services for participating businesses (Attachment 3). This additional investment addresses a key barrier identified during program implementation, as many small businesses require professional design support to effectively plan and execute façade and interior improvements.
The first amendment to the contract with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center will enable the administration and disbursement of these funds, ensuring that participating businesses receive the technical assistance necessary to develop high-quality improvement plans (Attachment 4). The Economic Development Department will utilize its existing departmental budget, in an amount not to exceed $10,000, to support the administration of these additional funds. By incorporating architectural and design services into the program, the City strengthens the overall impact of the initiative, improves project readiness, and supports more successful and visually cohesive commercial corridor enhancements.
NEXT STEPS:
Upon City Council approval, City staff will coordinate execution of the amendment with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and authorize the release of additional funding.
City staff will coordinate with Renaissance to incorporate architectural and design services into the program, including establishing guidelines, outreach to eligible businesses, and initiating service delivery.
Program implementation will continue with application intake, project development, and fund disbursement. City staff will monitor progress, ensure compliance with contract requirements, and provide updates on program outcomes and expenditures as part of ongoing reporting.
SYNERGISTIC POLICIES:
Strategic Goal Areas
1. Increase revenue and improve economic development
2. Improve the quality of life, community health, and social determinants of health
General Plan 2030
Policy ED1.1 – Safe, Well-Maintained Neighborhoods and Public Space Policy ED1.3 – Support Existing Businesses
Policy ED2.2 – Revitalize Commercial Corridors
May 19, 2026
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Facade Improvement Program Overview FINAL Attachment 2 – Contract Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center Attachment 3 – Resolution 190-25 (allocation of $50,000) Attachment 4 – Contract Amendment No. 1 Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center