Learn details about the Kern Biz Façade Improvement Grant Program with grants up to $10,000 for eligible small businesses and property owners located in the unincorporated areas of Kern County on this week’s free webinar.
Host and SBDC Director Kelly Bearden is joined by Jasmine Hernandez, economic development analyst for the County of Kern, and Kristin Krafthefer special projects manager for Project Development Solutions to discuss eligibility requirements and where to apply.
Hernandez and Krafthefer provide details on the grant program that launched July 1. Grants up to $10,000 are available for eligible small businesses and property owners located in the unincorporated areas of Kern County to revitalize commercial corridors with façade enhancements, site security upgrades, and beautification projects.
Technical assistance is available for applicants to the grant program. The deadline to complete and submit applications with supporting documentation is August 15, 2025.
Bearden begins the webinar with tips on how to leverage grant funds to access more capital, and recent news impacting the economics of small businesses.
This marks the 353rd episode of the “Webinar Wednesday” business series that provides news and information helpful to employers and business owners. The CSU Bakersfield SBDC provides free one-on-one help to small business owners. New and existing businesses can go to https://csubsbdc.com/ for more information or to sign up to meet with a business advisor at no cost.
TIMESTAMPS
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
01:08 What’s up today August 6, 2025
02:50 Poll Question #1: “What are you most optimistic about for the remainder of 2025?”
05:14 Poll Question #2: “What is the midway point between the two cities of Bakersfield and Fresno”
07:13 Capital Corridor – the leverage factor and turning a grant into more financial resources
07:39 The five Cs of credit: character, condition, collateral, capacity, and capital
09:52 Example of leveraging a $10,000 grant and the potential of accessing more capital
12:18 CSUB SBDC participated in the Federal Reserve’s annual small business credit survey A survey indicates 51% of businesses are women-owned. The survey shows a significant diversity compared to national levels.
13:00 Is there money for everyone? Various funding alternatives are discussed for businesses. Credit card financing is highlighted as a preferred option.
14:38 Economic Corner – Tariffs Dominate the News
18:22 Kelly introduces Jasmine Hernandez, economic development analyst for the County of Kern
19:20 Jasmine Hernandez begins to speak about the highlights of the Kern Biz Façade Improvement Program and introduces Kristin Krafthefer special projects manager for Project Development Solutions https://www.kerncounty.com/government/county-administrative-office/economic-development/initiatives/kern-biz-grant-program
20:19 Kristin Krafthefer begins the presentation on details, eligibility criteria and more for the $10,000 Kern Biz Façade Improvement Grant Program
20:44 Key dates for the grant application process are shared. Applications are due on August 15th, with awards announced on October 1st
21:23 Eligibility criteria to apply for the grant program
22:47 Eligible Improvement Activities
24:48 How to Access the Application
25:35 Access Application Forms and FAQs
26:23 Eligibility requirements for the grant and the offer of assistance with document submission was to applicants
27:20 The Application Process Details
27:46 Steps on How to Access the Application
28:38 Kristen goes through the Kern Biz Application step by step
29:46 The application requires a general business description. Tenants must obtain landlord consent to apply.
30:37 A maximum grant amount of $10,000 is specified. Projects exceeding this amount can still apply for the maximum.
31:51 A $5,000 limit for site security improvements is mentioned. Assistance for obtaining code enforcement information is offered
32:14 How the application is graded
32:25 A total of 100 points is available for the grant. Project readiness accounts for 30 of those points
32:45 Community benefit is worth 25 points in the application. The budget section also holds 25 points
33:29 Budget Narrative
33:58 How will this help you grow your business by having these improvements is worth 10 points
34:10 Administrative Capacity is worth 15 points
35:38 Re-cap of the application and documentation needed
38:53 Where to go and how to check if your address is in an unincorporated area https://www.kerncounty.com/community/measure-k/get-involved/is-my-address-in-unincorporated-kern
37:53 Kristen ends her presentation and encourages businesses interested in applying to contact her for help, including help writing their narrative: Project Development Solutions 1601 New Stine Road, Suite 222 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-847-9254 Proposals@pdevsolutions.com
38:25 Questions and answers with attendees