Good morning, Napa.

Local artisans joined Napa Makes, a six week accelerator launched in May by the Economic Development Team and the Solano Napa SBDC to boost online presence and marketing skills.

The program ended on June 26 at Guild where 12 participants shared elevator pitches and turned the space into a pop up market — the initiative will continue with mentoring and new industry-specific programs.

Today, five restaurants in Napa and one in Napa Valley received $5,000 grants from the California Restaurant Foundation's Restaurants Care Resilience Fund 2025 to support upgrades in kitchen equipment, technology, and staff training—efforts designed to strengthen local operations amid ongoing challenges. The grants, backed by PG&E, aim to bolster the stability of our local dining scene.

The Napa Planning Commission approved a proposal from Napa Yard to add new activities—mini-golf, concerts and craft fairs—to its site.

The business owners will begin planning the expansion to draw more visitors.

California Treasurer Fiona Ma today described funding programs that help small businesses in Napa grow, including CalCAP loans up to $5 million and specialized assistance for sustainable upgrades—resources that support over 2,200 local businesses.

Her office also partners with local banks and community centers to guide owners who face challenges accessing credit.

The Napa Valley Harvest STOMP eAuction will begin Saturday, Aug.

16 and run through Thursday, Aug. 21, with proceeds benefiting Napa Valley Grapegrowers - and the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation.

Napa County officials are working to turn Old Howell Mountain Road into a scenic 2.5-mile trail — offering sweeping views of the countryside for walkers and bikers.

The project will advance as planning steps and design reviews continue.