[Center for Cultural Innovation](https://www.cciarts.org)

June 26, 2026 (Full application deadline, 11:59 a.m. PT)

Up to $8,000 per project; $55,000 total available for 2026; support period October 2026–October 2027

Project grants for small arts, cultural, and creative-based commercial businesses in San José to enhance cultural vibrancy and economic impact.

First-time applicants prioritized; only one application per business/proprietor allowed.

--- ## Description The San José Creative Economy Fund, administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation in partnership with the City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, supports small, for-profit arts, cultural, and creative businesses through project grants. The Fund aims to foster the growth, financial resilience, and economic impact of San José’s creative sector, including manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers. Projects should contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy, demonstrate readiness for implementation, and reflect the diversity of San José’s creative business landscape. --- ## Due Dates - Full application deadline: **June 26, 2026** (by 11:59 a.m. PT) Other key dates: - Application opens: May 12, 2026 (9:00 a.m. PT) - Information session: May 14, 2026 (12:00–1:00 p.m. PT) - Virtual office hours: May 27, June 16, June 23, 2026 - Panel review: Week of August 10, 2026 - Notification of awards: September 29, 2026 - Period of support: October 2026 – October 2027 --- ## Funding Amount - Total funding available for 2026: **$55,000** - Grant range per project: **$1,000–$8,000** - Funding is competitive and partial awards may be made. - Funds are restricted to project expenses incurred during the support period (October 2026–October 2027). --- ## Eligibility To be eligible, applicants must: - Be a commercial, for-profit business (including sole proprietorships and small businesses with 35 or fewer employees). - Be based in San José (including online or nomadic enterprises). - Primarily provide a cultural, creative, or arts-related service or product. - Be in good standing with the City of San José (active business tax certificate required). - Not have conflicts of interest with CCI or OEDCA staff/boards. - Submit only one application per business/proprietor (no multiple submissions for different projects or businesses under the same owner). Additional notes: - Nonprofits, fiscal sponsor arrangements, and projects already funded through another Office of Cultural Affairs grant program are ineligible. - Projects must not have already taken place; expenses must be incurred within the grant period. - Past grantees are eligible if a final report has been submitted and approved by CCI before the deadline. First-time applicants are prioritized. --- ## Application Process - Applications are accepted **online only** via [CCI’s Submittable platform](https://centerforculturalinnovation.submittable.com/submit). - Applicants must create a Submittable account to access the application. - Required materials: - Business information and contact details - Narrative responses about the business, proposed project, project outcomes, and team - Project budget (template available, but not required) - At least one (up to three) support materials (uploaded directly; no external links) - Copy of active San José business tax certificate - Incomplete, inaccessible, or late applications will not be reviewed. - Review is conducted by a peer panel with expertise in arts, business, and San José’s creative sector. --- ## Additional Information - Grantees must submit a final report (due November 2027) detailing the use and impact of funds. - Awards are paid in two installments: 90% upfront, 10% upon final report approval. - Grant funds may be taxable; consult a tax advisor. - Award announcements will be made by December 1, 2026, via press release and CCI communications. - Technical support for Submittable is available during business hours. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_San_Jose_Creative_Economy_Fund_Guidelines.pdf) - [Application Preview (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_San_Jose_Creative_Economy_Fund_Application_Preview.pdf) - [Application Preview (DOCX)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_San_Jose_Creative_Economy_Fund_Application_Preview.docx) - [Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_San_Jose_Creative_Economy_Fund_Frequently_Asked_Questions.pdf) - [Sample Project Budget (XLSX)](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_San_Jose_Creative_Economy_Fund_Project_Budget_Sample_Template.xlsx) - [Submittable Quick Tips](https://www.cciarts.org/_Library/docs/2026_San_Jose_Creative_Economy_Fund_Submittable_Quick_Tips.pdf) - [CCI San José Creative Economy Fund Main Page](https://www.cciarts.org/San_Jose_CEF.html) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Grant Questions | grants@cciarts.org (include "Creative Economy Fund" in subject) | | Phone (CCI) | 415.288.0530 | | Technical Support (Submittable) | [https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/](https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/) | | Schedule a Call | [Book with CCI staff](https://calendly.com/imah-cciarts/grant-office-hours) | | Accessibility Support | [California Relay Service](https://caconnect.org/relay/) |

San José Creative Economy Fund

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