A city’s downtown area has an important and unique role in economic and social development. Downtowns create a concentrated area for commercial, cultural, and civic activities. In April 2023, the City of Manteca released the Small Business Assistance Matching Grant (SBAMG) and Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program (FIMG), in order to support the growth and expansion of local businesses and prioritize the revitalization of Downtown Manteca. Through these grants, the City is prioritizing the needs of our downtown merchants and property-owners by offering financial assistance to its businesses.
The SBAMG priority areas include the development of and investment in full-service restaurants providing in-house dining services and entertainment venues. The FIMG provides financial assistance to commercial property and business owners to make façade improvements to commercial buildings located within Manteca city limits.
The goals of these programs are to facilitate commercial revitalization, stimulate private investment, enhance the appearance of the streetscape, generate a pleasant walking environment by improving the visual aesthetics of commercial building façades, and provide a catalyst for others to improve their buildings, signs, and awnings.
“Manteca is ‘Open for Business’ and will continue to prioritize assisting small businesses to create a thriving Downtown area for the Manteca community,” said Economic Development Manager Barbara Harb. “The revitalization of Downtown Manteca continues to be a top priority, and we look forward to implementing new changes that the community can enjoy.”
The City of Manteca has also begun exploration of the steps needed to form a Downtown Manteca Community Benefits District (DMCBD). The DMCBD would fund special benefits for Downtown Manteca stakeholders and provide new services beyond what the City of Manteca is currently providing to the District. The City has asked New City America—a California based company who specializes in business district development—to investigate whether property owners would be willing to consider supporting a new Downtown Manteca Community Benefit District.
Along with new programs, Downtown Manteca has established new businesses and methods for community involvement including:
- Brethren Brewery
Manteca’s new brewery and tasting room opened in early 2023. Located at 220 N. Main Street, the Brewery believes in great beer and “changing Manteca, one pint at a time.” The brewery was one of 21 grantees that received funding from the City’s SBAMG program. - The 2023 Retail & Entertainment Survey
Manteca residents were encouraged to participate in the 2023 Retail and Entertainment Survey and give their insights on their favorite retail stores, family entertainment businesses and restaurants not currently located in Manteca. The City will use this community feedback to make informed decisions on what business developments to prioritize in the future. - The Phở
Manteca’s newest Vietnamese restaurant recently opened at 1351 W. Yosemite Ave and features authentic Vietnamese cuisine prepared by Vietnamese chefs. Residents can experience the best exposure to Asian cuisine through their unique cooking style, flavor and ingredients.
In addition to the the above new businesses that are now open and welcoming new customers everyday, more new businesses are projected to open in Downtown Manteca later this year:
- Deaf Puppy Comedy Club
Manteca’s first dedicated comedy club will be opening this year at 127 N. Main Street, amplifying the revitalization of the Downtown business community. Deaf Puppy Comedy Club, named after owner Chris Teicheira’s deaf puppy Banshee, will accommodate 140 people in the showroom, 48 people in the lounge, and a green room for performers. - D&M Kitchen and Bath Supply
On June 1, D&M Kitchen and Bath Supply will be opening their newest showroom in Downtown Manteca at 220 W. Yosemite Ave. D&M is your one-stop shop for all of your kitchen and bathroom upgrade needs and will be a great addition to Downtown Manteca. You will find everything from cabinets, flooring, countertops, fixtures, toilets, and more in their showroom to make your kitchen and bath dreams come true.
Construction is underway at the former City Hall building located at 123 Sycamore Ave. Given the age of the building, the improvements needed to bring the building up to code are extensive and various supply chain issues have delayed the project a bit. But, once the improvements are completed later this year or early 2024, residents and visitors to Downtown Manteca will be able to enjoy a new full-service restaurant and shop at some new boutique retailers.
For additional information regarding the changes to the City of Manteca’s Downtown, visit: https://www.manteca.gov/departments/development-services/economic-development.