Economic Development News

The City of Pasadena urges businesses, homeowners, and nonprofit organizations affected by the Eaton disaster to explore financial assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans. These low-interest loans are designed to support recovery efforts, helping individuals and businesses rebuild and sustain operations. For more information on the relief available and upcoming deadlines read more here.

  The City of Pasadena would like the public to discover all of its hidden gems starting on Small Business Saturday continuing throughout the month of December, launching their Shop Local Pasadena campaign, spotlighting all of its restaurants and its businesses. KCAL-LA had a chance to interview and visit 10,000 Villages, Chapala Bakery #2, and Lucky Boy. See the interview here.

Welcome stations at Pasadena small businesses to distribute free canvas shopping totes PASADENA, Calif. — The City of Pasadena is excited to announce the launch of the “Shop Local Pasadena” campaign, celebrating the city’s vibrant business landscape of over 1,600 retail businesses and more than 700 restaurants. The campaign invites residents and visitors to explore Pasadena, discover hidden treasures, and connect with the passionate business owners who make Pasadena’s local shops and eateries special. “Shop Local Pasadena” will kick off on Small Business Saturday,... continue reading »"Shop Local Pasadena Spotlights Small and Independent Businesses for Small Business Saturday and Holiday Shopping Season"

In a move to foster economic growth, the community college is the sole recipient among educational institutions to host an SBA-backed entrepreneurial hub for women. Pasadena City College has made a groundbreaking stride in empowering women entrepreneurs with the launch of its Women’s Business Center, a first-of-its-kind initiative among Southern California’s educational institutions. The center, unveiled as part of a broader program by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), aims to provide specialized support and resources to women seeking to grow their businesses. The... continue reading »"Pasadena City College Opens Trailblazing Women’s Business Center"

To better understand the challenges small businesses face in becoming climate resilient, The Center by Lendistry partnered with the City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division to conduct a survey through both an online questionnaire and a “Green Survey Crawl.” This dual approach gathered valuable insights from Pasadena’s small businesses, especially from entrepreneurs in Northwest Pasadena, the city’s only designated California Disadvantaged Community. By engaging directly with these business owners, The Center by Lendistry gained crucial information on their efforts and... continue reading »"Building Climate Resilience: What We Learned from Pasadena’s Small Business Green Survey"

Motiv Space Systems opened a new facility in East Pasadena on Thursday, bolstering the city’s growing reputation as a deep tech hub. The location on North Rosemead Boulevard, growing from Motiv’s existing headquarters on North Halstead Street, was formerly the site of the longtime popular Robin’s Wood-Fired BBQ restaurant. Motiv’s expansion is an important milestone for Pasadena’s business, which continues to experience a trend of deep tech and science-related companies relocating to Pasadena and expanding existing operations.

On Wednesday August 14, the City of Pasadena received $1.5 million to construct on-street dining parklets from Rep. Judy Chu. Pasadena was one of the first cities in Southern California to offer outdoor dining during the pandemic. After the pandemic ended, the City amended parts of the zoning code and permit process to keep the practice going. The presentation was made outside SOH Grill House in Old Pasadena whose outdoor dining structure was built during the pandemic, but was later... continue reading »"City of Pasadena Receives $1.5 Million from Judy Chu for Outdoor Dining"

The Pasadena City Council recently awarded a $108,000 contract to Echo Factory, a local marketing agency, to develop a campaign promoting the city’s burgeoning deep technology sector. The initiative, which aligns with the city’s new Economic Development Strategic Plan, aims to attract investments and support the growth of advanced science and engineering companies in Pasadena. During the Economic Development and Technology Committee meeting on June 18, 2024, Echo Factory CEO and founder Mike Schaffer presented the agency’s plans for the year-long project.

Pasadena’s Economic Development team recently launched Dine Out Pasadena, a pilot program offering eligible restaurants the opportunity to apply for up to $45,000 in grant funds that could be used to create on-street dining areas.