Have you seen De La Hacienda Taqueria’s new look? Time to swing by 354 Washington Street because it is looking good. With a whole new design, a new coat of paint, new signage, and extra windows has given this business new digs. And the food here is one of the best secrets in Santa Cruz. Owner Alejandro Aparicio used the City of Santa Cruz Facade Improvement program that provided matching funding for these improvements.

The City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Office has two grant programs available to businesses within the City limits. The Facade Improvement Program provides whole and matching grant funds to businesses to  improve their storefronts. Funds can be used for painting, lighting, anti-graffiti film coating on windows, awnings, limited landscaping and structural improvements, and design services. The other program is the Commercial Signage Program, which provides matching grant funding for the improvement or addition of signage. Both programs are open to any business with a first floor storefront in the City of Santa Cruz.

While City grant funds aren’t available for interior improvements, businesses often use their own funds to also make interior improvements to keep a cohesive look throughout. De La Hacienda made the added investment of painting the inside and making accessibility improvements to the bathrooms. There has been a total transformation of the De La Hacienda Taqueria, both inside and out, and people are noticing.

De La Hacienda Taqueria is exactly the kind of business participant we are looking for. It is a small family-owned business on a highly trafficked street, so improvements to this business has a big impact on business itself and the surrounding area.

If your business is interested in applying for either of the grant programs, please submit an application for the Facade Improvement Program or Commercial Signage Program.