COVID-19 Grants are now available to San Bernardino County businesses with fewer than 100 employees.
Small businesses in San Bernardino County with fewer than 100 employees are eligible for the County’s COVID Compliant Business Partnership, which will provide $2,500 COVID-19 grants to those who meet County and State safety and health guidelines.
The County estimates that the program will assist 12,000 small businesses, with money being issued to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are exhausted. Businesses can begin the application process now by going to http://sbcovid19.com/covid-compliant-business-partnership-program/, where application contents and other submission requirements are listed. The application deadline is August 31, 2020.
To be eligible for participation in the partnership, a business must have been located in San Bernardino County for at least one year, have between one and 100 employees, and be current on property tax payments. Nonprofit organizations with storefronts are eligible for the program. A key priority is to help companies that have not received support from either the state or the federal government.
Businesses that are not eligible for the program include race tracks, gambling facilities, adult entertainment, insurance companies, lenders, financial/investment companies, home-based businesses, and nonprofits lacking a storefront.
Companies will need to provide a copy of a current city business license, along with evidence of its employee count (e.g., a 2019 payroll statement). Participating businesses must also commit to participating in COVID-19 training and education and to implement County public health guidelines. Non-complying businesses risk a loss or reduction in funding.