The final round of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program closes on May 4.
Signed into law by California Governor Newsom in February, the program allocates $50 million to non-profit cultural institutions and provides $2 billion to be used for small business grants.
The small business grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are available to eligible businesses in three tiers, based on revenue documented in their most recent tax return: those with annual income under $100,000, those between $100,000 and $1 million and those making between $1 million and $2.5 million.
The program is funded by the State of California but administered through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
Third-party group Lendistry has been designated by the State of California as the only intermediary, or organization through which business owners can submit their application.
A committee of internal Lendistry team members will process applications for eligibility and grant awards will be distributed based on progra priority, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lendistry partners are conducting outreach and marketing in an effort to ensure small, vulnerable and disadvantaged businesses and nonprofits have access to the grant application platform. They will also be providing technical assistance, translation and interpretation services as needed.
To receive a grant, applicants must meet the definition of an ‘eligible small business’ and have been in operation since at least June 1, 2019; they must also either be currently operating or have a clear plan to re-open.
Only businesses that were impacted by COVID-19 and forced health and safety restrictions such as business interruptions or business closures due to the pandemic are eligible for this program.
Businesses must be able to provide 2018 or 2019 tax returns or Form 990s, as well as proof of any of the following: Articles of Incorporation, Certificate of Organization, Fictitious Name of Registration or a Government-Issued Business License.
Applicants who own multiple businesses or franchises, or do business at multiple locations are not eligible for multiple grants and business owners are only allowed to apply once for the program.
Special consideration will be given to applicants in industry sectors most impacted by the pandemic, geographic distribution, non-profit services and disadvantaged communities.
Applicants who were not selected as recipients in previous rounds of the program do not need to reapply.
New applicants can visit www.careliefgrant.com for detailed information and apply for a grant.
