In response to the concerns of the business community located near the construction zone of VTA’s Eastridge to BART Regional Connector (EBRC) light rail extension, and the diligence and collaboration of the EBRC Policy Advisory Board, VTA has established a Business Microgrant Program to reimburse businesses for losses incurred attributed to construction activities. 

Businesses located within 100 feet of the project, with fewer than 35 employees, and store frontage facing Capitol Avenue or Capitol Expressway directly in the light rail construction alignment are eligible for grant amounts ranging from $5,000 - $50,000. Businesses outside the 100 feet of construction, but within 1,200 feet, are eligible for a one-time grant of $3,500.  All grant amounts are contingent on the application request and the documentation provided. 

Further details about qualifications and how to apply are available on VTA's website. 

For questions, business owners can call VTA’s Community Outreach and Public Engagement department at (408) 321-7575, or email community.outreach@vta.org.

Business owners can also visit the VTA Community Outreach Field Office, located at 1091 S. Capitol Avenue, San Jose, open Tuesday 1p.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment.