Grants & Incentives

Need Funding for your Small Business?...

Tenant Improvement Economic Assistance Grant (TIEAG) Program

On June 23, 2025, the City of Auburn launched the Tenant Improvement Economic Assistance Grant (TIEAG) Program to help bring new life to long-vacant commercial spaces in Old Town and Downtown. Property owners with tenant improvement projects valued at over $100,000 with the goal of opening a business may qualify for up to $40,000 in grant funding to purchase essential equipment, furnishings, and fixtures.

Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Read more about the program here and apply here!

Questions about the program? Contact Economic Development Director Jonathan Wright at 530-823-4211 x144 or jwright@auburn.ca.gov

California Grants Portal

The California Grants Portal, a project by the California State Library, is your one destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California State Agencies.

IBank Small Business Finance Center

IBank's Small Business Finance Center features a loan guarantee program designed to assist small businesses that experience capital access barriers.  The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program encourages lenders to provide funds to small businesses to help them grow and prosper.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been helping small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American Dream since 1953.  The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small businesses.  Their Sacramento District Office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. They can also connect you with their partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

…Incentives

Help to Hire

The Placer County Employment Services offers employment incentives through the Help to Hire program.  The County's Subsidized Wage program reimburses employers up to $10,500 for hiring eligible Placer County Employment Services participants providing you with an easy way to get financial support to grow your business, and opportunity no small business should ignore.

State Integrated Opportunity Zone Map

The State Integrated Opportunity Zine Map depicts Qualified Opportunity Zones (OZ) within California.  This map also features other planning tools, incentives, and examples of State investments in these zones in key priority areas.  These key priority area investments in OZ boundaries include sustainable transportation projects, cap-and-trade climate investments, and high-speed rail alignments.

California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC)

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate or stay and grow in California.  Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year.