Rural small businesses, others can apply for grants

CHICO » Business assistance programs throughout Butte County are encouraging small firms to apply for California’s newly released COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, which has allocated $500 million for eligible small businesses.

The program provides micro- and small businesses impacted by the pandemic grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. To be distributed in early 2021, the amount granted is determined by the business’ annual revenue.

Nonprofit organizations can also apply.

According to the Chico Chamber of Commerce, there are two application rounds. The first one closes Jan. 8. The second round schedule is still being determined.

The California program is different from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act grant funding, so if a business received a loan or grant under the federal program, it can still apply for the state one.

Eligible businesses are those that can document the impact the pandemic has had on them, along with other criteria and paperwork.

“The program will prioritize distribution based on priority key factors, including the following: Geographic distribution based on COVID-19 health and safety restrictions following California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, county status; the new Regional Stay At Home Order; industry sectors most impacted; underserved small business groups served by the statesupported network of small business center,” according to the chamber’s news alert.

The most recent order can be found at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy.

Underserved small business groups include those majority owned and run by women, minorities/persons of color, veterans, and those located in low-to-moderate income and rural communities.

Businesses will have to supply their most recent tax returns; application certification; business financial information; along with government-issued photo identification.

Businesses that need assistance understanding the new grant program can contact the Chico chamber, 891- 5556 or info@chicochamber. com, or can reach out to Sophie Konuwa at the Small Business Development Center at Butte College in Chico, email konuwaso@butte. edu or call 895-9017.

Isabel Guzman, director of the California Office of Small Business Advocate, explained the program’s purpose in a press statement.

“This grant program provides that support through a network of Community Development Financial Institutions and Community Based Organizations ensuring reach to those highly impacted small businesses in disadvantaged communities, underserved small business groups, and industries disproportionately impacted by this pandemic.”

The firm Lendistry has been designated by the state to act as program intermediary to disburse the grant funds, according to Guzman.

Frequently asked questions can be found at the California Relief Grant Program website https://careliefgrant.com/50440-2.