Micro-Business Grant Program

Application closes on November 1, 2022 but funding is available on a first come, first serve basis.

For-profit businesses which meet the following criteria should apply:

Self-employed workers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and corporations with no more than 5 employees in 2019

Have fewer than 5 full time equivalent employees 2019 - 2022.

Gross revenue under $50,000 (as reported for 2019)

In operation before December 31, 2019 and still in operation in 2022

Microbusiness was the primary source of revenue for the business owner

Demonstrated decline in revenue or service demand due to COVID-19 in 2020 or 2021 as compared to 2019

Operating within the County of Stanislaus

1. Grants must be limited to one (1) business grant per individual

2. Grant funds are to be used for working capital (rent, payroll, utilities, or other fixed operating expenses), purchase of new equipment, OR payment of business debt accrued due to COVID-19.

You will need to gather the following documents to submit with your application:

• Government Issued Photo ID (e.g. Drivers License, Passport, Green Card, or even foreign ID issued by a governmental entity)

• Signed IRS Form W-9

• Local business permit or license (recommended)

Eligible costs are only those costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the health and safety restrictions such as business interruptions or business closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following are the eligible uses of grant funds:

• All employee expenses including payroll costs, health care benefits, paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums

• Working capital and overhead, including rent, utilities, mortgage principal and interest payments (excluding mortgage prepayments), and debt obligations (including principal and interest) incurred before March 1, 2020 (for example, to be an eligible debt obligation, the loan agreement, promissory note, etc., as applicable, must have been entered into before March 1, 2020)

• Costs associated with reopening business operations after being fully or partially closed due to state-mandated COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and business closures

• Costs associated with complying with COVID-19 federal, state, or local guidelines for reopening with required safety protocols, including but not limited to equipment, plexiglass barriers, outdoor dining, PPE supplies, testing, and employee training expenses

• Any other COVID-19 related expenses not already covered through grants, forgivable loans, or other relief through federal, state, county, or city programs

• Any other COVID-19 related costs which are not one of the ineligible uses of funds