San Diego Offers Grants to Small Businesses and Nonprofits Affected by Recent Flooding
City of San Diego launches Business Emergency Response & Resilience Grant program to assist businesses and nonprofits impacted by severe storms
Following the devastating rainfall and flooding that hit San Diego on January 22, the city has announced a new grant program aimed at helping small businesses and nonprofits recover from the damages caused by the record-setting storm. With applications opening on Monday and running through February 27, eligible businesses can receive grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses such as cleanup, restoration, lost inventory, and revenue.
Limited Grants Available for Affected Businesses
The Business Emergency Response & Resilience Grant program is offering a limited number of grants, with just 100 available. To be eligible, businesses must demonstrate how they were affected by the storms and provide documentation of storm-related expenses. The grants will be used to reimburse businesses and nonprofits for the money spent on these documented expenses.
Eligibility Requirements and Priority Given to Ground Floor Businesses
To qualify for the grant, businesses must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be located within a high-impact storm-affected area in San Diego. Additionally, they must have no more than 12 employees, be independently owned and operated, and possess an active city Business Tax Certificate. Priority will be given to businesses and nonprofits located on the ground floor.
Increased Assistance for Promise Zone and Low-Moderate Income Census Tract Areas
While the program provides up to $2,500 in assistance for most businesses and nonprofits, those located in the federally designated Promise Zone and Low-Moderate Income Census Tract areas are eligible for grants of up to $5,000. This additional support aims to address the disproportionate impact of the storm on these communities.
Funding and Application Process
The grant program has a budget of $370,000, sourced from the city’s Small Business Enhancement Program. Businesses and nonprofits can access the application online at sandiego.gov/erg. For those preferring a paper application, they are available in the lobby of the 14th floor of San Diego’s Civic Center Plaza.
Conclusion:
The launch of the Business Emergency Response & Resilience Grant program by the city of San Diego provides a much-needed lifeline for small businesses and nonprofits that have suffered significant losses due to the recent severe storms. With a limited number of grants available, eligible businesses are encouraged to apply promptly to secure the financial assistance required for their recovery efforts. The program’s focus on helping those in low-income areas highlights the city’s commitment to supporting the most vulnerable communities in times of crisis. As San Diego continues to rebuild, these grants will play a crucial role in ensuring the resilience and long-term viability of local businesses and nonprofits.