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
• Unite Palm Desert Security Camera System Grant Program
• Bicycle Rack Incentive 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
• Unite Palm Desert 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

Unite Palm Desert 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.

Requirements

Grantees will be required to do/submit the following:

• Unite Palm Desert Security Camera System (SCS) Grant application to City Economic Development division staff for review of camera placement, please provide pictures of where security cameras will be/have been placed.
• Camera systems must be purchased and installed after March 10, 2022, to be eligible for the grant.
• Register the SCS with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
• SCS must remain in place for three (3) years unless replaced by an upgraded system at the sole expense of the business/property owner.
• Complete an agreement with the City of Palm Desert and submit the following
  1. A current City of Palm Desert Business License as of application date.
  2. A completed W-9.
  3. Proof of payment (up to $500) for purchase and installation of SCS.
  4. Image(s) of the installed SCS.
  5. Proof of authorization for the signatory to execute legal documents on behalf of the business (i.e., most recent tax return, articles of incorporation, or Statement of Information).
  6. Proof that the all required City of Palm Desert permits, if any, have been attained. Contact the City’s Permit Center to determine if any permits are required.

Fees

There are no fees associated with this grant unless permits are required.

Application Deadline

• Grants will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis based on receipt and approval date of Unite Palm Desert Security Camera System Grant application.
• Applications will be accepted as long as funding is available for up to $20,000.

Program Guidelines

For more information please review the Security Camera Program Guidelines.

The completed application and all questions about the program can be sent to Luis Moctezuma, Management Analyst, lmoctezuma@palmdesert.gov.

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. The completed application and all questions about the program can be sent to Luis Moctezuma, Management Analyst, lmoctezuma@palmdesert.gov.

• 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

Requirements

Grantees will be required to do/submit the following:

• Unite Palm Desert Bicycle Rack Incentive Program application to City Economic Development division staff for review of bicycle rack placement (application can be found at www.EngagePalmDesert.com).
• After receiving approval, the City of Palm Desert will purchase and install a bicycle rack of the business/property owner’s choice from the City’s pre-identified selections. See Unite Palm Desert Bicycle Rack Incentive Program Application for pre-selected bicycle rack options.
• The bicycle rack must remain in place for three (3) years. If the business/property owner wishes to remove the bicycle rack prior to three (3) years, they will reimburse the City a prorated amount of the cost of the bicycle rack. Complete an agreement with the City of Palm Desert and submit the following
  1. A current City of Palm Desert Business License as of application date.
  2. Proof of authorization for the signatory to execute legal documents on behalf of the business (i.e., most recent tax return, articles of incorporation, or Statement of Information).
  3. Proof that all required City of Palm Desert permits, if any, have been attained. Contact the City’s Permit Center to determine if any permits are required.

Fees

There are no fees associated with this grant unless permits are required.

Application Deadline

• Bicycle racks will be purchased and installed on a first-come-first-served basis based on the receipt and approval date of Unite Palm Desert Bicycle Rack Incentive Program Grant application.
• Applications will be accepted as long as funding is available for up to $20,000.

Palm Desert Commercial System Grant

Background

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.

Requirements

Grantees will be required to do/submit the following:

• Submit Palm Desert Mister System (MS) Grant application to City Economic Development division staff for review of mister placement
• MS must be purchased and installed after January 11, 2024, to be eligible for the grant.
• MS must remain in place for three (3) years unless it malfunctions or is replaced by an upgraded system at the sole expense of the business/property owner.
• Complete an agreement with the City of Palm Desert and submit the following
  1. A current City of Palm Desert Business License as of application date.
  2. A completed W-9.
  3. Proof of payment (up to $500) for purchase and installation of MS.
  4. Image(s) of the installed MS.
  5. Proof of authorization for the signatory to execute legal documents on behalf of the business (i.e. most recent tax return, articles of incorporation, or Statement of Information).
  6. Proof that all required City of Palm Desert permits, if any, have been attained. Contact the City’s Permit Center (760-346-0611) to determine if any permits are required.

Application Deadline

• Grants will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis based on receipt and approval date of Mister System Grant application.
• Applications will be accepted as long as funding is available.

Program Guidelines

• For more information please review the Commercial Mister System Grant Guidelines. (this will be linked to the guideline documents)
• The completed application and all questions about the program can be sent to Luis Moctezuma, Management Analyst, lmoctezuma@palmdesert.gov.

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.