Chico and Butte County pool money for business grants

CHICO » Butte County and the city of Chico have combined efforts to provide a large sum of money aimed toward creating grants for local businesses still struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The total amount allocated comes out to $2.5 million which is expected to be broken up into smaller $10,000 grants as part of the municipalities’ Butte Business Stabilization Program II with $1 million allocated specifically to Chico businesses.

The remaining funds beyond that going to Chico will be dished out to Biggs, Gridley, Paradise, Oroville and the unincorporated areas of Butte County.

Butte County Supervisor Bill Connelly explained why this grant program is necessary for aiding local businesses.

“The effects of the pandemic on Butte County businesses have been ongoing since 2020, with increased costs and decreased sales,” Connelly said. “These businesses are a major part of our economic engine, and we want to protect and preserve them. Allocating these funds for for-profit businesses is one way we will continue to extend that assistance while businesses work to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”

Chico provided the additional $1 million to the pool and the county will be responsible for providing the grants to applicants that qualify.

“The city of Chico is committed to helping local businesses thrive,” said Chico Mayor Andrew Coolidge. “Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in driving our local economy, this grant program will provide job creators the support they need and assist in the recovery from the pandemic’s far-reaching impacts.”

Grant funding is available for businesses that have up to 100 full-time employees.

Those interested in applying for grant funding can do so at www.buttebusinessresourcehub.org as well as www.buttecounty.net and www.chicoca.gov.

Applicants will be chosen based on a lottery system. Applications will open on May 2 with the deadline at 5 p.m. May 20.