Incentives for Palm Desert Businesses

Welcome!

The City of Palm Desert is proud of our diverse and dynamic business sector. To best support merchants in our community, the City has created several incentive programs, which are available to all businesses located in Palm Desert. Below you'll find information on the following City of Palm Desert programs:

• Invest Palm Desert
• Autism Certificate Reimbursement Program
• Business Emergency Assistance Program
• Security Camera System Grant Program
• Bicycle Rack Incentive Program
• Commercial Mister System Grant Program
• Childcare Business Resources

For more information on these programs and ways to apply, please read the descriptions below and leave your feedback and questions in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

To learn how to open a business in Palm Desert, please click here.

Invest Palm DesertClick here for a larger image of the map

Through the Invest Palm Desert program, the Palm Desert City Council has set aside $650,000 to assist new and existing businesses located within the city to expand. The incentives fall into the six categories below:

• Development and Plan Check Fee Rebate
• Capital Improvements Grant
• High Wage “Move-in” Incentives
• Site Specific Revenue Sharing
• New Development Project Assistance
• Other

Applications are currently being accepted until the funding is exhausted. For program guidelines, an application, and application instructions, click on the links below.

• Invest Palm Desert Guidelines
• Invest Palm Desert Application
  
• Invest Palm Desert Resolution 2022-68
• Business Emergency Assistance Program
• Prevailing Wage (ca.gov)
• Awarding Bodies (ca.gov)

For more information, call 760-776-6441.

Autism Certificate Reimbursement Program (ACRP)

The Autism Certificate Reimbursement Program (ACRP) is a groundbreaking initiative, making Palm Desert the first in the Coachella Valley to assist businesses in becoming Certified Autism Destinations through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This program offers a one-time reimbursement of $2,500 towards the certification fee, providing essential support for businesses to enhance accessibility for individuals with autism. Currently in Phase I, the program focuses on supporting hospitality and attraction-based businesses in obtaining their certification. This initiative reflects the city's commitment to enhancing tourism and ensuring that all visitors feel welcome.

• Autism Certification Reimbursement Program
• Autism Certification Reimbursement Program Guidelines
• Autism Certification Reimbursement Program Application

Business Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP)

The Business Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP) is a key support initiative by the City of Palm Desert designed to help local businesses recover from unforeseen emergencies. With a focus on small to medium-sized businesses, BEAP offers financial relief by waving up to $10,000 in city-imposed fees, including permits, licenses, and inspections. Additionally, the program provides expedited permit processing and relocation assistance to businesses affected by incidents such as unforeseen disasters. BEAP underscores Palm Desert's commitment to fostering a resilient business environment and supporting local enterprises during times of need.

• BEAP Guidelines
• BEAP Application

Security Camera System Grant Program

Background

To assist with security for Palm Desert businesses/property owners, the City of Palm Desert has set aside one-time funding for grants of up to $500 per business. Grants will be paid as a reimbursement to businesses/property owners based on actual costs for the purchase and installation of security cameras.

• Security Camera System Grant Program Guidelines
• Security Camera System Grant Program Application
• Applications will be accepted as long as funding is available

Bicycle Rack Incentive Program

The City of Palm Desert is home to many bicycle enthusiasts and, as such, is developing a program to assist commercial property owners in providing bicycle racks to their patrons. The Bicycle Rack Incentive Program provides property owners with a City-funded bicycle rack on their property at no cost. To apply, please review the program guidelines and fill out the application form below.

• Bike Rack Program Guidelines
• Bike Rack Application

Designs

Below are examples of bicycle rack options (color and design may vary slightly). Each property owner that is interested in receiving a bicycle rack will be able to select which rack they prefer for their property. Racks will be branded with the City of Palm Desert on them.

Rolling Rack	Grid Style Rack	Round Rack

Commercial Mister System Grant Program

To assist Palm Desert commercial businesses/property owners, the City of Palm Desert has set aside one-time funding for grants in the amount of up to $500 per business to install mister systems. Grants will be paid as a reimbursement to businesses/property owners based on actual costs of the purchase and installation of the system.

• Commercial Mister System Grant Guidelines
• Commercial Mister System Grant Application

Childcare Business Resources

Since 2005, Palm Desert has helped in the creation of more than 100 new childcare spaces throughout the City, including working with Hope Lutheran Church, and the Bermuda Dunes Learning Center. Additional funds are available for existing and new childcare centers that provide new childcare spaces for Palm Desert residents and workforce. More information about this program can be found at this link.