Today, San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a program to distribute $17 million from the federal coronavirus aid bill as part of a small business stimulus program. Local small businesses and restaurants suffering financial losses due to COVID-19 can now apply for a grant from the County of San Diego.
The Board of Supervisors approved a new Small Business Stimulus Program this afternoon during a Board meeting that also included a report on the behavioral health aspects of COVID-19. The five supervisors will allocate the funding to help businesses impacted by the coronavirus in their districts. The board tentatively approved distribution of $17 million in CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund funds May 19, but asked county staff to report back in 45 days with recommendations on implementing the economic stimulus program. Supervisors Nathan Fletcher and Dianne Jacob co-authored the original proposal.
For-profit and nonprofit businesses can now apply for grant money if they can show losses and costs are a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic. To qualify businesses must have 100 or fewer employees, be headquarters in San Diego County, have a minimum 1-year operating history as of February 14, 2020, and be able to provide documentation of financial hardship because of COVID-19. Businesses are urged to apply early. Applications are available now through October 16, subject to available funding.
For more information and to apply for the grant, visit the sandiegocounty.gov/stimulusgrant.
