California Microbusiness COVID-19 relief grant program in Monterey County

March 23, 2022, Salinas, CA -- In order to support small businesses facing financial impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Monterey County Workforce Development Board, in partnership with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) has established the COVID-19 Microbusiness Grant fund. The fund will provide grants to eligible small businesses experiencing economic stresses caused by the pandemic. At a minimum $455,000 is available for at least 180 businesses to receive grants of $2,500 apiece. The application period will open on March 28, 2022 and continue until funding is exhausted. Businesses with less than 5 full-time equivalent employees are eligible for grants of up to $2,500. “We’re delighted to partner with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate to make these small business grants available to our business community,” said MCWDB Executive Director, Christopher Donnelly. “The Monterey County business community has been exceptionally hard hit by the pandemic and anything we can do to help them get back to business is something we want to be a part of.” he said. The intent of the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant program is to provide financial assistance to the hardest-to-reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs who face systemic barriers to access capital, including but not limited to: businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals without documentation, individuals with limited English proficiency, and business owners located in low-wealth and rural communities. Business owners may learn more by logging onto: https://www.montereycountywdb.org/monterey-county-works/small-business-grants/ and downloading the grant application and requirements.