EDC-VC Business Loan Fund: The Economic Development Collaborative -- Ventura County (EDC-VC), with funding provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, has created a new Business Loan Fund for Ventura County. Loans are primarily targeted toward defense and defense related businesses or dislocated defense related workers who were impacted by he decline in defense spending. Companies in one of the county's six identified core growth business clusters (agriculture, high technology/communications, biomedical, plastics, environmental, and metals/machinery) that can demonstrate a need to hire a high percentage of dislocated defense related workers may also qualify. The EDC-VC will work with you to structure a loan package that is flexible and affordable and responds to your business needs. For more information contact Joe Palmer, EDC-VC Director Business Loan Fund Programs, (805) 384-1800, ext. 22.

Commercial Revitalization Program: This program encourages functional and visual improvements of commercial properties in need of rehabilitation by providing financial incentives to the business and/or property owners. For additional information, contact Haider Alawami, City Planning Division, (805) 449-2334.

The City supports the revitalization of aging commercial properties in the Thousand Oaks Boulevard corridor with grants of up to $100,000 for eligible improvements. The program is active in alternate years (2009, 2011, 2013, etc.) and grantees have up to 16 months to complete their projects. Grant applications are competitive, funding is limited and grants are provided as reimbursement to property owners after the improvements have been completed. 

For more information:

• Commercial Revitalization Program Brochure
• Commercial Revitalization Program Policies

To apply for funds, or to add your name to the notification list for the next grant opportunity, contact Caroline Milton in the Housing Division at (805) 449-2331 or cmilton@toaks.org.

Disabled Access Matching Grant Program (CDBG): The City will provide matching funds for properties to develop or retrofit a business for disabled accesses in compliance with the American Disabilities Act. For additional information contact Russ Watson, Housing/Redevelopment Manager, (805) 449-2322.

A-Team Assistance: The City Manager will create a processing team comprised of staff from all necessary departments to assist business/developers interested in Thousand Oaks locations. For additional information, contact Mark Watkins, Assistant City Manager, (805) 449-2115.

Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ): The City of Thousand Oaks is within a Recycling Market Development Zone. Businesses that use recycled material as a feedstock are eligible for a variety of State and local assistance and incentives. For additional information, call (805) 648-9242.

For Business License Information contact the Finance Department at (805) 449-2201.

For additional program information, contact Mark Watkins, Assistant City Manager, (805) 449-2515.