Economic Development

covid19 business resources and information for Modesto businesses

COVID-19 Business Impact Follow-up Survey (June 29, 2020)

To all our valued Modesto businesses - please take this short 3-5 minute survey to help inform the City of Modesto’s business recovery response.   This survey will be open until July 31, 2020.

Quick Links

City of Modesto Small Business Assistance Program

The Small Business Assistance Program application period ended at midnight, May 14, 2020.

Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) Information

Paycheck Protection Plan applications closed on June 30, 2020.

Stanislaus County Workforce Development SnapBack Worker Assistance Program


Stanislaus County & Workforce Development
Small Business Relief Program

Micro-grant applications started April 13, 2020.  Applications are now closed.

Small Business Guide to the CARES Act

California Unemployment Insurance Information

California Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program

The Calfornia Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program offers unemployment insurance benefits to self-employed persons, independent contractors, "gig workers", and others who normally do not qualify for unemployment insurance benefits.

For online instruction videos and more, visit the State’s U.I. Online Benefits portal.


Frequently Updated Resources

Survey:  How is COVID-19 Impacting your Business

Thanks to all who participated in the COVID-19 Business Impact Survey.  Your responses helped in the creation of the City of Modesto’s COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Program.

Economic Development COVID-19 Notice

City of Modesto Economic Development Division


Whether you enjoy farm to table lifestyle, classic car culture, the arts and music scene, or proximity to some of the most beautiful places in the world and welcoming people, Modesto has it all.

Surrounded by one of the greatest agricultural production areas in the world, Modesto is a national center for food and beverage production. Modesto is developing a strong presence in advanced manufacturing including off site home and commercial construction.

Modesto’s location in the center of the North San Joaquin Valley region is a great place to do business, within 90 minutes of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, with excellent access to major markets via rail, highways, and air.

Modesto is on a sustainable growth track with 215,000 residents. Modesto’s warm Mediterranean climate, low cost of doing business and affordable real estate support a diverse population with a strong sense of community and giving to others. In 2019, over 7,000 volunteers turned out for the semi-annual Love Modesto Day to work on projects throughout the community, and Modesto is a regular winner for participation in the National Night Out event organized by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Business Retention and Expansion

Long-term businesses are key to a region’s economic health and identity. Modesto businesses tend to stay in Modesto; Economic Development is here to help them stay and expand. Economic Development offers free Business Advisory Services to help businesses plan, start, locate, and work with building and permitting.

Business Attraction 

Modesto has the location, economics and labor force needed to support a diverse manufacturing and services economy.   If your business is considering a relocation, contact us to learn why Modesto may be your best choice.

Business Park and Opportunity Zones Development

Business Parks are an essential component of Economic Development. The Division is currently assisting with the development of several new Business Parks in Modesto.  Modesto encompasses a number of Federal Opportunity Zones including the downtown core area. Contact us to learn more about Opportunity Zones development.

News and Publications

Economic Development publishes informative documents and posts on news and events of interest to the business community in its LinkedIn page Modesto Economic Development.