CCI Creative Economy Fund Grant

The Creative Economy Fund is a project of the City of San José’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA), administered in partnership with the Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), a nonprofit focused on supporting the economic security of individuals in the arts. This initiative is rooted in a broader strategy to nurture and promote arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses in San José, enhancing the city’s cultural vibrancy and economic resilience. Previously known as the Creative Industries Incentive Fund, the initiative has a history of supporting local creative entrepreneurs and has re-emerged following a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the 2025 cycle, the Creative Economy Fund has allocated a total of $40,000 in funding, with individual grants ranging from $1,000 to $8,000. These grants aim to support projects that demonstrate clear readiness for implementation, potential for financial sustainability, and an ability to deliver cultural and economic benefits to San José. Competitive proposals will showcase how the business contributes to the city’s cultural landscape and creative economy, including attracting visitors, generating tax revenue, and creating local jobs. First-time applicants may be prioritized, and past grantees are eligible if prior reporting requirements have been fulfilled. Eligible applicants include small commercial enterprises and sole proprietorships (with 35 or fewer employees), physically or virtually based in San José, that primarily deliver cultural, creative, or arts-related products or services. Applicants must hold an active San José business tax certificate and meet other local compliance requirements. Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and businesses outside the creative industries are not eligible. Only one application is allowed per business or business owner. Funding may be used for a wide range of project types and expenses, such as storefront improvements, marketing launches, hiring staff or consultants, purchasing equipment, and producing events. Covered expenses include artist fees, equipment, administrative costs, professional services, and accessibility needs. Funded projects must occur during the support period of August 2025 through August 2026. A final report documenting use of funds and outcomes will be required. Applications are submitted online via the CCI Submittable platform. The application portal opens on April 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. PT and closes on June 20, 2025, at 11:59 a.m. PT. An information session will be held on May 14, and additional live Q&A office hours will occur on May 21, May 28, and June 9. The panel review takes place during the week of July 28, with decisions finalized by the San José Arts Commission on August 18 and applicant notifications released by August 19. Additional application support is available through CCI at grants@cciarts.org or by calling 415.288.0530.