Economic Development

covid19 business resources and information for Modesto businesses

Modesto OpenAir Temporary Outdoor Dining Initiative

The Modesto OpenAir Temporary Outdoor Dining Initiative is a response to Governor Newsom’s July 1, 2020 and the Stanislaus County Public Health order of July 13, 2020 prohibiting indoor food service. Restaurants may use this opportunity to expand seating outdoors to remain open while mitigating the spread of COVID-19.Modesto OpenAir Temporary Outdoor Dining Initiative text logo

Quick Links

March 19, 2021: SBA announces application opening date of April 8, 2021 for the Shuttered Venue Program Grant.  SBA has set up a portal with all details.

March 19, 2021: Opening of California Small Business Relief Grant Round 5 will be March 25, 2021.

March 11, 2021: California Small Business Relief Grant Rounds 3, 4, 5, 6 announced.

February 22, 2021: California $9.6 billion relief package for households and small businesses

January 28, 2021:  Applications for Round 2 of the California Small Business Relief Grant program will be accepted starting February 2, 2021 and end on February 8, 2021.

December 8, 2020:  California Public Health Stay at Home Order

December 7, 2020: California Tax Credit for Small Business new hires between July 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020

Stanislaus County Public Health Department COVID-19 Information

State of California Public Health Department COVID-19 Information

California Renter and Landlord Protection Act (AB 3088) - Passed August 31, 2020 protections against tenant eviction and foreclosure on small landlords.

City of Modesto Small Business Assistance Program -The Small Business Assistance Program application period ended at midnight, May 14, 2020.

California Unemployment Insurance Information

California Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program -The California 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

  • Business Advisory Services are available by phone or by emailing Margaret James.
  • Entertainment Permit counter is closed for walk-in application meetings. For assistance regarding a Special Event, please email Margaret James.
  • Updated COVID-19 business information, resource guide, and business impact survey are at the Economic Development page.

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.