The City of Richland is accepting applications for the Business License Reserve Fund Grant Program November 3 – 14, 2025. This annual program reinvests a portion of the City’s business license revenue into projects that strengthen the local economy, encourage tourism, and enhance the overall business environment.
The Business License Reserve Fund supports initiatives that promote:
• Core development and general economic growth
• Tourism and community improvements
• Prevention of blight
• Small business development programs within Richland
Each year, the City reserves 18% of its business license revenue for reinvestment through this grant program. Funding is awarded to eligible organizations for projects that directly benefit the Richland business community.
Eligible applicants include:
• Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Visit Tri-Cities
• Richland Chamber of Commerce
• SCORE Mid-Columbia
• Small Business Development Center
• Business Improvement Districts (Uptown and Downtown/The Parkway)
• Commercial Façade Improvement Program
• Other entities as deemed eligible by the Economic Development Committee
Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on November 14, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The Economic Development Committee will review eligible submissions on December 1, 2025, and recommendations will be presented to the Richland City Council by the end of the year for approval. Funding awards will be announced by the end of January 2026.
Grant recipients are required to use funds by December 31 of the award year, with reimbursement requests submitted throughout the year.
For program guidelines, eligibility details, and the application form, visit www.richlandbusiness.com/blrf or contact the City’s Business and Economic Development Office at (509) 942-7583 or info@richlandbusiness.com.