The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has announced a series of grant programs to revitalize food and beverage establishments on their reservation. These initiatives, part of the Tribe’s efforts to bolster local businesses and enhance their economic impact, mark a significant step in supporting the reservation’s economic ecosystem.
“We are proud to offer this inaugural grant program for food and beverage establishments located in the heart of the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation,” said Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich. “Many of these businesses are family-owned. We are eager to help support local businesses through these grants.”
The grants are available exclusively to restaurants and bars that operate under a federally authorized lease or sublease on tribal land and are registered to pay the Agua Caliente Tribal Food and Beverage Sales Tax. Launched in January 2023, this tax aligns with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). It preempts state taxes for food and beverages consumed on reservation lands, ensuring revenues benefit the tribal community directly.
The Grants at a Glance
The program, named the Taxpayer Business Improvement Grant Fund, allocates up to $100,000 in total funding to support restaurants and bars in making physical and operational improvements. Establishments may apply for grants in two categories:
- Increased Seating Capacity: Grants of up to $20,000 are available to enhance indoor or outdoor seating.
- Beautification and Upgrades: Grants of up to $5,000 can fund a range of improvements, including furniture, lighting, signage, façade renovations, marketing, advertising, and technology upgrades such as modern point-of-sale systems.
Additionally, other grant opportunities include:
- Restaurant Week Participation: Encouraging businesses to join local “Restaurant Week” promotions.
- Vandalism Repair and Mitigation Fund: Providing up to $2,000 per applicant for businesses impacted by vandalism, supported by a $25,000 fund.
Applications can be submitted via email or mail, and eligibility is limited to businesses compliant with the Tribe’s sales tax requirements. Applicants will be notified of their status via email.
Driving Economic Growth and Community Benefits
Revenues generated by the Tribal Food and Beverage Sales Tax remain within the community, funding public safety, infrastructure, and other essential services.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has long been a steward of economic development in the region. With more than 34,000 acres of ancestral land under its care, the Tribe’s reservation spans parts of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and unincorporated Riverside County. By implementing these grants, the Tribe reinforces its support for businesses that contribute to the local economy while preserving the community’s unique character.
The Tribal Food and Beverage Sales Tax, which mirrors the sales tax rate imposed by California, is paid quarterly. Retailers who file on time are eligible for a 3% credit on the tax amount due. The program’s structure ensures compliance while encouraging timely participation.
Business owners interested in applying for grants or learning more about the program can visit the Tribal Tax Department’s website or contact Robert Tucker at (760) 699-6975.
