On Tuesday, San Diego County leaders approved a program that grants $2,500 to support “microbusinesses” hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unanimous approval came from county board supervisors to help up to 1,550 microbusinesses with $2,500 grants. The program’s funding would come in part from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
Microbusinesses are defined as earning less than $50,000 in 2019, being the owner’s primary source of income, and having five or fewer employees, currently and in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Home businesses like pet sitters, shoppers. Cleaners, home healthcare workers, and sidewalk vendors could be considered a microbusiness.
According to Board Chair Nathan Fletcher, small businesses are still feeling the pandemic’s effects despite restrictions and limitations placed on businesses that ended last summer.
“There’s always more we can do,” Fletcher said. “So … this small business COVID-19 grant program will help get about $3.8 million out to some of the smallest businesses, often family-run businesses, to help them purchase equipment, invest in working capital, apply for and renew permits, pay off any debts accrued due to the pandemic and offset costs resulting from the pandemic.”
Applications may be submitted online beginning Feb.15 through March 31 at 5 p.m. It can be reached indirectly through the County’s Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program webpage or directly at the Small Business Development Center’s website.
Additional application periods will be held in the event of leftover funds from the first round.
