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File #: 26-178 MEETING DATE: 3/3/2026
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
•
VIA: Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development
PREPARED BY: Christopher Kennedy, Economic Development Project Manager
Subject:
Approve the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
Statement of Issue:
City Council is asked to review and approve the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program, a
competitive initiative designed to strengthen the digital capacity and economic vitality of Huntington
Beach brick-and-mortar businesses. If approved, the program will award $1,000 grants to 15 small
businesses, helping them expand their online presence, increase customer engagement, and grow in
today's digital marketplace. The program would provide a combination of structured digital marketing
training and direct financial assistance and be administered by the City in partnership with the
Orange County-Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC).
Financial Impact:
The proposed $15,000 investment, funded through the City's Economic Development budget
(10080101.75300), will provide fifteen Huntington Beach small businesses with $1,000 grants each to
support digital marketing initiatives. The total cost of the program is fully budgeted and requires no
additional appropriations.
Recommended Action:
Approve the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program; and authorize the City Manager or his
designee to execute up to fifteen (15) individual $1,000 grant agreements on behalf of the City and
disburse funds to participating businesses upon successful completion of program requirements.
Alternative Action(s):
Modify the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program requirements, or deny approval of the
program, and decline to authorize the City Manager to execute grant agreements or disburse funds.
Analysis:
The OCIE SBDC is a.federally funded, regional organization offering free training, consulting, and
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File #: 26-178 MEETING DATE: 3/3/2026
resources to help small businesses grow. In late 2025, it surveyed over 1,200 businesses across
Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, identifying customer acquisition as a top challenge.
Many businesses reported difficulty reaching new customers, building a digital presence, and using
marketing tools, with nearly 20% conducting no marketing at all. The survey also highlighted
operational and financial pressures, including rising costs, uneven cash flow, staffing challenges, and
limited access to affordable financing, making revenue growth and customer engagement critical.
These findings underscore the need for targeted digital marketing support. In response, the City
proposes the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program to strengthen the digital capacity and
economic vitality of local brick-and-mortar businesses. The program specifically focuses on brick-and
-mortar commercial businesses that contribute directly to commercial corridor vitality, neighborhood
foot traffic, and local sales tax generation. The program offers a combination of structured digital
marketing training with direct financial assistance. Similar OCIE SBDC-led digital training and grant
programs have been implemented in other Orange County cities, such as Lake Forest and San
Clemente, demonstrating the replicability and favorable results of this model at the local level.
Program Components:
• Virtual group training sessions
• One-on-one consulting with SBDC advisors
• Curriculum focused on "Creating a Digital Presence"
Participants will learn to improve online discoverability, optimize Google Business profiles, leverage
Facebook and Instagram, develop marketing content, launch paid advertising campaigns, and
measure performance using analytics.
Eligible businesses that complete the program will receive a $1,000 grant to implement a paid digital
advertising campaign developed with a SBDC consultant. Funds must be used exclusively for
approved digital advertising and will be issued in a single payment upon program completion.
As part of the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan to retain and grow local businesses,
funding has been allocated to support 15 qualifying businesses. The cohort size of 15 is intentionally
modest to align with the $15,000 budget allocation while enabling high-quality, individualized training
and consulting. A smaller cohort also allows staff and SBDC advisors to deliver more personalized
support and to evaluate program outcomes before considering future expansion.
Eligibility Requirements:
• Brick-and-mortar commercial business located in Huntington Beach
• Current City business license and in good standing
• 2-25 full-time equivalent employees (including the owner)
The 2-25 employee range targets small, growth-oriented businesses that are large enough to
meaningfully benefit from digital marketing investments, yet small enough to lack dedicated
marketing staff. This focus ensures that resources are directed to those businesses most likely to see
measurable improvements in online visibility, customer engagement, and revenue.
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File #: 26-178 MEETING DATE: 3/3/2026
Applications will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility by the SBDC, with final verification in
coordination with the City. If demand exceeds funding, participants will be selected via lottery to
ensure fairness and transparency.
The program includes two virtual training sessions followed by a final in-person session. Participants
who complete all sessions, including one-on-one consulting, will receive their grant at the conclusion
of the in-person training. Applicants must verify that funds will be used solely for paid digital
advertising; any other use is strictly prohibited.
Administrative responsibilities for the City will be limited. The OCIE SBDC will manage application
intake, eligibility screening, training delivery, participant consulting, and quality assurance. City staff
responsibilities will primarily include program coordination, verification of business license status and
good standing, execution of grant agreements, and processing of payments. This level of staff
involvement represents a modest time commitment that can be accommodated within the existing
staffing resources.
Enhanced online visibility, targeted outreach, and data-driven strategies such as SEO and social
media advertising are expected to increase customer traffic, sales revenue, and long-term business
sustainability. By improving competitiveness and strengthening individual business performance, the
program supports local economic vitality and contributes incrementally to overall sales tax base
stability. Based on the program's structure, anticipated benefits, and alignment with City goals, staff
recommends approval of the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will
not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 1 - Economic Development, Strategy A- Develop an updated economic development strategy
to ensure business retention, local investments and job growth.
Attachment(s):
1. Grant Agreement and Program Guidelines
2. PowerPoint Presentation
•
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program Agreement
THIS CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH'S SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL
GRANT PROGRAM AGREEMENT(the "Grant Agreement") is made and entered by and
between The City of Huntington Beach, a California municipal corporation("City") and
[Name of Business Grantee], a [type of entity]
("Grantee"),with respect to the following:
A. City has partnered with the Small Business Development Center(SBDC)to implement
the SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM ,which will
provide skills and funding to small businesses.
B. City has approved the SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM
(the"Program Guidelines"),which are incorporated herein by this reference, governing
the provision of grants to qualifying small businesses in the City.
C. Grantee has applied to receive a grant from the City pursuant to SURF_CITY SMALL
BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM.
D. City has agreed to award the grant described in this Grant Agreement on the terms and
conditions set forth in this Grant Agreement and the requirements of state and federal
law.
NOW, THEREFORE,in consideration of the covenants and agreements of the parties set
forth in this Grant Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration,the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged,the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree
as follows.
1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Grantee hereby represents and warrants to
City that Grantee has read and is familiar with all of the terms, conditions, and provisions of
the Program Guidelines and this Agreement, and based thereon, Grantee represents and
warrants that:
• It is a for-profit business and is physically located in Huntington Beach;
• The business has a current City of Huntington Beach business license on file;
• .As of January 1, 2026 it has a minimum of at least two (2) employees—including the
owner and does not exceed a maximum total of twenty-five(25)full-time equivalent
employees;
• It is in good standing with the City (current on tax bills,no citations,no liens or
judgments, etc.);
• It has not been suspended or debarred or otherwise excluded from receiving federal
funding; and,
• It understands the grant is distributed, contingent upon and will be only, after
attending a mandatory three-week training program and meeting with a SBDC
consultant one-on-one.
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2. GRANTEE'S COVENANTS. Grantee covenants and agrees, during the term of this Grant
Agreement,to perform all the acts and promises set forth in this Agreement including:
(a) Program Requirements. Grantee has read and shall comply with all of the Program
Requirements. This includes, but is not limited to,the requirements outlined in the
Program Guidelines and this Grant Agreement. Further, Grantee shall comply with all
applicable state,federal, and local laws.
(b) Further Assurances. Grantee agrees to execute such other and further documents as may
from time-to-time in the reasonable opinion of City be necessary to perfect, confirm,
establish, reestablish, continue, or complete the purposes and intentions of this Grant
Agreement.
(c) Other Agreements. Grantee shall not enter into any agreement containing any provision
that would be violated or breached by the performance of its obligations under this Grant
Agreement.
3. SELF-CERTIFICATION AND RECORDS RETENTION. As a condition precedent to
all duties and obligations of City under this Grant Agreement, Grantee shall deliver to City
any documents that the City may reasonably require, including such documents necessary to
satisfy the Program Requirements.
4. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES. Eligible activities for the use of funds are to cover expenses for
paid online advertising("Eligible Expenses"). Any use of funding other than that to support
the business is strictly prohibited.
The following is a nonexclusive list of expenditures that shall not constitute Eligible
Expenses payable from the Grant Funds:
(a) Rent or mortgage expense.
(b) Utilities.
(c) Payroll and benefit costs.
(d) Inventory.
(e) Business planning.
(f) Personal protective equipment
(g) Operational expenses for the business
(h) Damages covered by insurance.
(i) Expenses that have been or will be reimbursed under any federal program, such as the
reimbursement by the federal government pursuant to the CARES Act or
contributions by States to State unemployment funds.
(j) Reimbursement to donors for donated items or services.
(k) Workforce bonuses other than hazard pay or overtime.
(1) Severance pay.
(m)Legal expenses or settlements.
(n) Debt service or loan repayment.
Any expenditure not set forth above must be approved by the City in writing.
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5. GRANT AMOUNT. The City hereby awards Grantee a grant in the maximum, not-to-
exceed amount of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000) ("Grant Funds")to pay the costs
of Grantee's Eligible Expenses. The Grant Funds will be disbursed by the City upon the
Grantee attending three (3) mandatory virtual training sessions and one(I) one-on-one
consultation.
6. EVENTS OF DEFAULT. The matters described in Sections 6.1-6.3 shall constitute Events
of Default and shall entitle City to exercise the rights and remedies under Section 7.
6.1. Failure of Warranty or Representation to be True. The failure of any representation
or warranty provided by Grantee to be materially true.
6.2. Violation Covenants. Grantee's failure to perform, or violation of, any of the
covenants provided in Section 2.
6.3.DefauIt Under Grant Agreement. Grantee's breach of any of the material terms,
covenants, or conditions set forth in this Grant Agreement.
7. REMEDIES.
7.1. City's Specific Rights and Remedies. On the happening of any Event of Default, City, in
addition to any and all rights provided by law or equity,may:
(a) Demand repayment of the Grant Funds, with interest at the legal rate;
(b) File suit against Grantee; and
(c) Exercise all other rights and remedies provided by this Grant Agreement or state
or federal law.
7.2. Collection Costs. If suit or action is instituted to enforce any of the terms of this Grant
Agreement, the prevailing party shall not be entitled to recover from the other party its
attorney fees and costs in addition to all other sums provided by law.
7.3.Notice of Default. City shall provide Grantee with thirty (30) calendar days' prior
written notice and an opportunity to cure any other act or omission constituting an Event of
Default.Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated herein.
8. REPORTS AND RECORDS. Eligible Expenses are considered necessary expenditures
related to paid online advertising.
Grantee shall keep such books,receipts, purchase orders, and similar documentation
evidencing use of the Grant Funds, and such other records as the City may reasonably request
to evaluate Grantee's compliance with this Grant Agreement. Grantee shall make available to
City and/or their representatives during normal business hours of City all such records
pertaining to the use of funds provided under this Agreement for inspection, including the
right to copy, audit and make records and transcripts from such records. If upon auditing by
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the City, it is determined the Grantee did not expend the funds consistent with the Eligible
Expenses, it may constitute an Event of Default and, as such,the City may exercise all
Remedies identified in Section 7.1. Grantee is required to retain the records described herein
through December 31, 2029 following the execution of this Grant Agreement by the City
Manager (or designee);the provisions of this section shall survive the termination of this
Grant Agreement.
9. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
9.1.Notices. Any notice under the Grant Agreement shall be in writing, without implying the
obligation to provide such notice.Any notice to be given or document to be delivered under
the Grant Agreement shall be deemed to have been duly received on(a) delivery, if delivered
in person or by any expedited delivery service that provides proof of delivery; or(b)the 5th
City business day after mailing, if mailed by certified mail,return receipt requested,postage
prepaid, addressed to City or Grantee at the appropriate addresses.The addresses for notices
are those set forth below or such other addresses as may be hereafter specified by written
notice by the parties:
If to City: The City of Huntington Beach
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Attn: Christopher Kennedy
If to Grantee: [Grantee's name and address]
Attn:
9.2. Indemnity. Grantee agrees to protect, defend, and hold harmless the City and its
elective or appointive boards, officials, officers, agents,employees, and volunteers from any
and all claims, liabilities, expenses or damages of any nature,including attorney's fees,for
injury or death of any person, damage to property, interference with the use of property and
any other monetary damage claims, arising out of, or in any way connected with performance
of this Grant Agreement by Grantee, Grantee's agents, officers or employees, subcontractors,
or independent contractors. The provisions of this section shall survive the termination of this
Grant Agreement.
9.3. Counterparts. This Grant Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, all of
which together shall constitute one instrument.
10.TERM. This Grant Agreement is effective upon executed by the City Manager(or designee)
and shall continue therefrom for a term of one(1) calendar year.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantee and,City have executed this Grant Agreem.ent as of the
dates-written beloW.
GRANTEE, CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH„a
municipal corporation of the State of
California
•
By:
City Manager
Name:
Its: City Clerk
Date:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
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Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
Program Description and Guidelines
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City of Huntington Beach
Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
Program Overview
About the Program
The City of Huntington Beach is offering a three-week Surf City Small Business Digital Grant
Program in partnership with the Orange County-Inland Empire Small Business Development
Center ("SBDC"). The SBDC serves as a resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners
throughout the country by providing consulting services,business plan development,financial plan
guidance,and more.The Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program will provide training and
funding to brick-and-mortar commercial businesses, physically located in Huntington Beach
(collectively, "Business or Businesses") seeking to increase their social media presence and
improve their digital marketing strategies.All eligible Businesses are invited to apply.
The Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program is comprised of two virtual sessions and one
in person group training session supplemented by one-on-one consulting session with the theme of
"Creating a Digital Presence". The program is based on the availability of funds, program
guidelines, and submission of all required information and supporting documentation. Businesses
with a minimum of two employees—which may also include owner, --and a maximum of twenty-
five employees (full or full-time equivalent combination) may be eligible to receive a digital
marketing grant of one thousand dollars ($1,000). The grant must be used for a paid digital/online
advertising campaign following the conclusion of the program, developed during the training
program and in conjunction with an SBDC consultant.
Funding Availability
The City's Economic Development-Division will be responsible for oversight of the Surf City
Small Business Digital Grant Program, and the disbursement of funds will take place through the
City's Finance Department. The SBDC, the City's partner, will be responsible for program
administration, application processing, underwriting, training, and for the review and approval of
financial and business documentation for disbursement. The SBDC may also be asked to provide
the City with regular updates regarding the program's implementation. City staff are obligated to
fulfill the terms and conditions of the funds as established by the City Council, these program
guidelines, and Federal, State, and local rules and regulations.
Program Description
The SBDC created a virtual training program aimed at assisting Businesses with"Creating a Digital
Presence" for their business. Each Business will learn how to set-up an online profile through
Google, will reach out to customers for a Google review and will learn how to create and send
Facebook or Instagram posts.The program will highlight how to use paid and non-paid advertising
to generate leads that turn into sales and/or increased community awareness. The program will
culminate with Businesses receiving a small grant to put towards digital/online advertising that will
generate customer traffic and/or community awareness. The program will consist of building a
digital presence over three weeks.All sessions will take place in a group format and will be coupled
with individual one-on-one consulting with SBDC consultants. The program will be conducted in
English only.
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City of Huntington Beach
Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
The training program will cover the following topics:
All about Google
Understanding how customers find you in a digital world
• Why Google?
• Creating your own Google profile
Reaching my Audience through Facebook(FB) and Instagram (IG)
How to use social media, specifically Facebook and Instagram
• Capturing pictures and video
• Creating a successful: call to action
My First Facebook/Instagram (FB/IG) Post
How to post a video or picture to Facebook or Instagram
• Each Business will post their video/picture
• How to attract a fan base to social media
• Creating a successful social media campaign that increases sales
Advertising on Social Media
Different types of advertising campaigns on Facebook and Instagram
• What is the cost to run an ad campaign?How much should you spend?
• What should you be measuring?
• What goes in a FB/IG ad campaign
• Are Twitter and Tik Tok a good option for your Business?
Setting up the FB/IG Campaign
Let's put together and launch your FB/IG Campaign
• What are you offering(Call to action and image/video)?
• Who are you targeting?
• Which Keywords are you using?
What is your goal?
• How much are you spending? •
Wrap-up: Utilizing Grant for Paid Digital/Online Advertising—Measuring and Tracking
Each Business will be assigned an SBDC business consultant to assist them with their paid
advertising platform. The SBDC consultant will provide one-on-one assistance,customized to each
Business' needs. The SBDC will continue to work with each client through the program and beyond.
Every quarter, the SBDC will track and measure the success of each Business as they deploy their
marketing campaigns. The SBDC will track change in sales,jobs created and/or increase in customer
traffic.
City Reserved Rights
The City reserves the unqualified right, in its sole and absolute discretion at any time: (1)to amend
or terminate this program with no recourse for any proposing applicant; (2)to choose or reject any
or all applications received in response to this program; (3)to modify the application deadlines; (4)
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City of Huntington Beach
Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
to request additional information of the applicants as deemed necessary and appropriate by the City;
(5) to conduct further due diligence with applicants or any third party; (6) to modify the City's
objectives or the scope of the program; (7) to modify program requirements, general terms and
conditions, or eligible activities; and/or(8)to disqualify any proposing applicant on the basis of any
real or perceived conflict of interest that is disclosed or revealed by materials submitted or by any
data available to the City.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program is limited to businesses that meet
criteria established by the City of Huntington Beach.
General Terms and Conditions*
• Must be a brick-and-mortar commercial business,physically located in Huntington Beach;
• Must have a current City of Huntington Beach business license on file.
• Cannabis-related businesses, gambling facilities, adult entertainment businesses, massage
parlors, non-profits, and largely cash-based businesses are not eligible;
• Residential or real estate projects including short-term rental operators are also not eligible;
• As of January 1,2026,must have at least a minimum of two employees—which may also include
the owner - and no more than twenty-five full-time equivalent employees (two part-time
employees equal one full-time employee);
• Must be in good standing with the City (current on bills, no liens or judgements, etc.);
• Must be in compliance with any City permit or license requirements applicable to the Business;
• Must submit the application and all required supporting documentation.
• City employees and elected and appointed officials are not eligible to participate in this program.
Eligible Activities
The funds must be used to develop a paid digital/online advertising campaign for the purpose of
increasing the Business's social media presence.This advertising campaign will be developed during
the program and in conjunction with an SBDC business consultant. Each applicant will need to sign
and verify that the use of funds will be spent on a paid advertising campaign, such as expressed
above. In addition, the applicant must attend the virtual Surf City Small Business Digital Grant
Program sessions to receive these funds.Any use of funding other than for paid advertising is strictly
prohibited.
In addition,the applicant cannot use these funds for paid advertising costs that have been or will be
reimbursed or recovered through other funding programs.
Equal Opportunity Policy
The City of Huntington Beach and the SBDC shall not discriminate upon the basis of sex, age,race,
creed, color, religion, national origin, marital status, ancestry, or physical handicap in accepting
applications and processing program application.
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City of Huntington Beach
Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
Application Process
Application
The Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program application includes information about the
Business, the number of employees, location of the business, and amount of time in business. The
application and Grant Agreement will require the following Attestations:
• The Business must be a brick-and-mortar commercial business, physically located in
Huntington Beach,with a current City of Huntington Beach business license on file.
• The Business understands the grant is distributed as part of a three-week digital marketing
training program.
• As of January 1, 2026, the Business must have at least a minimum of two employees—which
may also include the owner - and no more than twenty-five full-time equivalent employees
(two part-time employees equal one full-time employee).
Application Period
The program application will be available at 8:00 AM on ,2026.Applicants must apply
for the training program by visiting www.hbbiz.com and submitting the application online.
Applications must be submitted online and will only be accepted from 8:00 AM, ,2026,
to 11:59 PM, , 2026. Applications received online after this due date and time will be
considered late and will not be accepted.
The City will disburse fifteen $1,000 grants, a total of $15,000, to fifteen eligible Businesses.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first-serve basis and will be vetted by both the SBDC
and the City of Huntington Beach in order to ensure that applicants meet the outlined requirements.
The. City anticipates the number of applications will exceed the amount of funding available for
disbursement. As a result, the City will implement a lottery system for all eligible Businesses if
necessary.
Documentation Requirements
Upon pre-approval and selection for the program,Businesses will be required to submit the following
documents by ,2026 at 5 PM,for review and verification to receive the grant:
• Business License; and,
• Current W-9.
In addition, the SBDC will provide the selected Businesses with the following documents to
complete and submit by ,2026:
• A signed Huntington Beach Small Business Grant Agreement.
At the end of the calendar year, the City will contact each Business to request a copy of its 1099-G.
Although selection is not guaranteed, Businesses should begin to collect the required documentation
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City of Huntington Beach
Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program '
in order to expedite the approval process in the event they are selected.
Grant Review and Approval Process
Review
The application will be reviewed by the SBDC to determine application completeness and
preliminary eligibility.The application must be complete by the application submittal deadline
date of 11:59 PM, , 2026
Lottery
The City of Huntington Beach is expecting the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program to
have a large number of applications.If the number of applications far exceeds the amount of funding
that is available for disbursement,the City will implement an internal lottery system for all eligible
Businesses. Once applications and eligibility have been approved, they will be assigned a number
and entered into a lottery. This is an internal process that will not be open for public viewing.
Applicants will be notified of lottery status. Program participants selected in the lottery will be
contacted by email,phone, and/or letter starting ,2026.
Verification and Eligibility Determination
Upon pre-approval and selection, the SBDC shall request the applicant submit all required
documentation for review and verification for grant approval. The SBDC will assign a consultant
to work with each individual grantee to assist with completing all required documentation. Grantees
documentation will be submitted directly to SBDC on a secured site. If the grant request meets the
criteria for program funding, all required documentation must be ,2026, by 5:00 PM
to remain eligible.
Grant Disbursement
Grant funds will be disbursed upon submission of all required documentation and successful
completion of the program requirements,including one-on-one consulting,virtual training sessions,
and the in-person training. The City will issue the grant in a single disbursement. All grant funds
shall be expended on a digital/online paid advertising campaign.
Grant Report
The Business recipient shall keep documentation evidencing use of the Grant Funds. The City
and/or the SBDC may request to evaluate the Business' compliance with the Grant program. If it is
determined the Business did not expend the funds consistent with the program guidelines, it may
constitute an Event of Default under the Grant Agreement.
Post Grant Follow Up
The City's Finance Department will contact each business for the provision of a 1099-G at the end
of the calendar year.
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Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
The SBDC will continue to work one-on-one with each grantee,throughout the next,twelve months.
If contacted by the City or SBDC,all awardees will be required to update the City on their Business
and if additional employees have been hired or employees retained. A twelve-month report will be
created by the SBDC and the City of Huntington Beach, to document the success of the program.
By acceptance of the grant,the Business agrees to comply with City information requests that may
include use of photos or business logos. In addition, participating Businesses may be invited to a
City Council meeting following the conclusion of the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant
Program in order to be recognized.
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City of Huntington Beach
Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program
Contact Information
For additional information regarding the Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program,please
contact the following:
City of Huntington Beach
Economic Development Division
Christopher Kennedy
Economic Development Project Manager
2000 Main Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 375-5186
christopher.kennedy@surfcity-hb.org
For questions about the guidelines and application or assistance in completing the application and
to set up a one-on-one consultation (at no cost),please contact the SBDC at:
Manal Richa,
Director
CSUF SBDC
15375 Barranca Parkway, Suite A111
Irvine, CA 92618
(657)256-3874 office
Manal.Richa@ociesbdc.com
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How to Help Small Businesses Grow in 2026
Top interests for 2026
KEY FINDINGS business growth:
Customer Ac•uisitio he top • Marketing strategy
operational challenge for small
businesses is reaching new • Al
customers and growing sales. • Financing to grow/scale
Financial Pressure Businesses • Contracting
are grappling with rising costs, • E-Commerce
uneven cash flow, and limited
access to affordable funding.
• orkforce Issue` Hiring and
retaining qualified staff remains Biggest needs for 2026:
a significant challenge for many
businesses. • Marketing
Marketing Ga•s.' early 20% of • Increase sales
businesses do not engage in • Increase clients
marketing, limiting their ability
to grow and compete. • Capita
• Equipment
*2025 OCIE SBDC Survey(1,200+ responses) identified key small business challenges across Orange, Riverside, and San
Bernardino counties and informs targeted support efforts.
SupportingBusiness Retention & Growth
Responds to local business challenges:
• Customer acquisition
• Digital visibility in an increasingly online marketplace requirement structure
marginfixed,focus interest•ebef
resources marnt f,n, cor.o. 'ng food,invest
gro. th market
sbdc draftCOnSlstent prlcefind�ng strong
Helps brick-and-mortar businesses: shortengineerbetterre rev en Uefinancial
e Da•, S back
• Compete more effectively online playdec*. qualified
aportsfodt clean ncrease
rood
• Drivefoot traffic and increase sales tarifftofgure
• Strengthen long-term sustain ability stabletowerff • conomic
star+business al CapitaE�bay
qual:t, t"��: working
rising p ld II
� T icreate`-
Advances the City's Economic Development Strategic Plan: gUestclose
• Business retention ratega° ackingctientemployee
expenses costs gro`
• Small business support :Customef°� ��asef- ��
economy sates.
,,r=Y,,j;>'funds deregulation m}ne,,,
• Stronger commercial corridors suppliesreachnakangprivate steady
simplify squeeze
Targeted, measurable investment supporting:
• Long-term business retention
• Local sales tax generation
Program Overview
• Partnership with OCIE SBDC
AMERICAN S
_ SBDC
• Three-week digital marketing program for 15
Huntington Beach brick-and-mortar businesses CALIFORNIA
ORANGE COUNTY INLAND EMRPI
• Combines:
• Group training sessions
• One-on-one SBDC advising , j
„...
• Hands-on instruction in Google and social media t - ,
marketing
• Development of a customized paid digital advertising-'""``
li .
campaign 1t r
• $1 ,000 grant per participant to implement the i s OPEN / \-,,_ _: -1-_
campaign _ �—
• Designed to increase online visibility, customer
engagement, and measurable growth . ,• , ,
Program Components
• Two virtual group training sessions
cp
Share °'
• One-on-one consulting with SBDC advisors Followers Hashtags a N
Google Followers Live
• Final in-person session to review strategy Instagram Snapchat 2 _21 TlkTok
and implementation Twitter E SOCIALISEO
Twitter ® L Linkedln
• Curriculum: "Creating a Digital Presence," — MEDIA Oruanic Advertising
including: YouTube Content
Social media
o Optimizing Google Business profiles Engagement Likes Network
o Leveraging Facebook & Instagram Brand .cual Results
o Launching paid advertising campaigns
o Measuring performance with analytics
Eligibility & Selection
• Huntington Beach brick-and-mortar
business How many employee do businesses in Huntington Beach have?
• Active City business license in good • 1-4 Employees 7154%
standing
• 5-g Employees 15 93%
• 2-25 full-time equivalent employees 1-4 :,, • 10-1gEmployees 727%
(including owner) Employees • 20-49 Employees 2.87%
• 50-gg Employees 167%
• Applications reviewed for eligibility and
100•Employees o 72%
completeness
Data Source:Applied Geographic Sokaions and FT Locations 2024,TaxPoundauon.org 2021 and FT Locations research.
• Lottery selection if demand exceeds
available funding
Financial Imp act
r
• Total investment: $15,000 �.0 �.., --__--7. --ter=_
ir
• Fully funded within the City's Economic - lit,i\:1 • W SMALl
Develo ment bud et �'' .� ' M , z� r I. N
p g ,� a - .,io ;, W.
• No additional appropriations required -- ' ''" '''
% �::5 si E3St)SI ' '5
v I .1 III 'r> I 4 1 , .i
• Single disbursement issued upon =-- ,��,1 ��, � ' , _ ,
.4, , i T
successful completion a ; GRANT varoxaawiL i,, -____ __
lie.:`,°- ; - „--. --qT\ ,"...:, "` - 1,11 0
• Structured for measurable outcomes and LL '' -_a, r . ,,�. F,..., ,_
accountability
Recommendation
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
• Approve the Surf CitySmall
p p Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program Agreement
Business Digital Grant Program
THIS CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH'S SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL
GRANT PROGRAM AGREEMENT(the"Grant Agreement")is made and entered by and
• Authorize the City Manager to between The City of Huntington Beach,a California municipal corporation("City")and
[Name of Grantee],a [type of entity]
execute up to 15 grant ("Grantee"),with respect to the following:
agreements A. City has partnered with the Small Business Development Center(SBDC)to implement
the SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM,which will
provide skills and funding to small businesses.
• Direct staff to administer and
implement the program B. City has approved the SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM
p g (the"Program Guidelines"),which are incorporated herein by this reference,governing
the provision of grants to qualifying small businesses in the City.
C. Grantee has applied to receive a grant from the City pursuant to SURF CITY SMALL
BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM.
. ,
Questions .
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124
in '
) P:\,,f4\71; 1‘"*'''l
os•••••••
ee (14/ likh,
( �.•• , 0RP0RA7- •••• \
. __________ __
- 7. % ,.40‘,.i 7, w Surf City Small Business
,,,, i Digital Grant Program
- „ , , r, , „�,�
-- -- -- — Kriss Casanova, Economic Development Manager
---� --� - j Chris Kennedy, Economic Development Project Manager
;;Iiismologaolit . :,:",,,./.,,, )i).,_ ,/: %%um.. 1
•� _ .. _ Jo gt
•
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0ONTNp` March 3 2026
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125
How to Help Small Businesses Grow in 2026
Top interests for 2026
KEY FINDINGS -- business growth.
'• Customer Acquisition: etop • Marketing strategy
Operational Chalienge for small • A)
businesses is reaching new
customers and growing sales. • Financing to grow/scale
• Businesses • Contracting
are grappling with rising costs, • E'Com me rce
uneven cash flow,and limited
access to affordable funding.
• Hiring and
retaining qualified staff remains Biggest needs for 2026.
a significant challenge for many
businesses. • Marketing
• Nearly 2O%of • Increase sales
businesses do not engage in • Increase clients
marketing, limiting their ability
to grow and compete. • Capital
• Equipment
*2025 OCIE SBDC Survey (1,200+ responses) identified key small business challenges across
Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties and informs targeted support efforts .
126
SupportingBusiness Retention & Growth
Responds to local business challenges :
• Customer acquisition
• Digital visibility in an increasingly online
marketplace requirement process structure
resources marginf1xe focus interest relief
rowth
downtown, orrowingfood,invest
Helps brick-and-mortar businesses : shortens neerraftCOnSistentprise.„g „l svo
Q betterreven revenue
• expand� back
Compete more effectively online PlaYdebt qualified
sportsfoot clean I ••� ri
good
• Drive foot traffic and increase sales additional `
tariff figure
• stable lower o- Qel conomic
Strengthen long-term sustainability afford
staff business `"t 3 a1 capitalpay
quality lan h hire working
resin �,,, create
Advances the City' s Economic Development Q td�oe , bond tPyuit,5tay
rate gth „`n 4 p 1
Strategic Plan : �ainpbackin esm grow
ee
expenses dcosts eprc�duct�on
• Business retention , ndP-;;t�n„custorneregecreaeprod
o erate funds deregulation money
tY
• Small business support supptiesreachnakingprivate steady
simplify squeeze
• Stronger commercial corridors
Targeted, measurable investment supporting :
• Long-term business retention
• Local sales tax generation
127
Program Overview
• Partnership with OCIE SBDC
AMERICANS
SliIDC
• Three-week digital marketing program for
15 Huntington Beach brick-and-mortar CALIFORNIA
businesses a, r� �� ;
• Combines : -n;
• Group training sessions
• One-on-one SBDC advising � _ - '
• Hands-on instruction in Google and
social media marketing ,.
• Development of a customized paid digital -
advertising campaig ':::*!-n ��.
• $1 , 000 grant per participant to implement 0
the campaign
ki
• Total City investment $ 15, 000
• Funded through existing Economic �; ,, �.
Development budget = . �°
• Designed to increase online visibility,
128
Program Components
• Two virtual group training sessions
Share f
,,,
• One-on-one consulting with SBDC advisors Followers Hashtags 101 to
Goo9 le Followers Live
• Final in-person session to review strategy Insta ram Snapchat .� TikTok
Twitter
and implementation f SOC I AL���' �� SEO
.L •
Twitter Ie, ��nkedln
er
• Curriculum.. "Creating a Digital Presence," FdIEDIA '
including: YouTube Content Organic Advertising
Social medics
o Optimizing Google Business profiles Engagement Likes Network
o Leveraging Facebook & Instagram Brand cual Results
o Launching paid advertising campaigns
o Measuring performance with analytics
129
Eligibility & Selection
• Huntington Beach brick-and-mortar
business
How many employees do businesses in Huntington Beach have?
• Active City business license in good
standing
1-4 Employees 7154%
, f 5-9 Employees 15 93%
• 2-25 full-time equivalent employees
(including owner) focused on small 1-4al
o-ig Employees 72774
growth-oriented businesses Employees • 2o-4gEmployees 287%
•
• Applications reviewed for eligibility and �fl ggEmployees >
ioo=Employees 0 72%
completeness
Data Source a;ark,ed Geographic Solutions and FT Locations 2024,TaxFomdaow Orp'�1 and FT Locations research.
• Lottery selection if demand exceeds
available funding
130
Recommendation
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Surf City Small Business Digital Grant Program Agreement
Approve the Surf City t THIS CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH'S SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL
pp y GRANT PROGRAM AGREEMENT(the"Grant Agreement")is made and entered by and
Sma 11 Business Digital between The City of Huntington Beach,a California municipal corporation("City")and
[Name of Business Grantee],a (type of entity)
Grant Program ("Grantee"),with respect to the following:
A. City has partnered with the Small Business Development Center(SBDC)to implement
the SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM,which will
provide skills and funding to small businesses.
• Authorize the City
Manager to execute up to B. City has approved the SURF CITY SMALL BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM
(the"Program Guidelines"),which arc incorporated herein by this reference,governing
15 grant agreements the provision of grants to qualifying small businesses in the City.
C. Grantee has applied to receive a grant from the City pursuant to SURF CITY SMALL
BUSINESS DIGITAL GRANT PROGRAM.
• Direct staff to
D. City has agreed to award the grant described in this Grant Agreement on the terms and
administer and implement conditions set forth in this Grant Agreement and the requirements of state and federal
rAW
the program
131
Questions ?
i,.,*
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