Microbusiness Grant
Program Details
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate has awarded funding to the Chabot - Las Positas Community College District for the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program to provide grants to microbusinesses in the counties of Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, and El Dorado.
This program will provide grants of $2,500 to microbusiness (businesses that have fewer than 5 employees and earn less than $50,000 per year) that were in operation in 2019, still in operation, and were impacted by the COVID-19 public health restrictions. See below for additional eligibility requirements.
What You Need To Know
Deadline & Timeline
Application Period: May 17, 2022 to August 12, 2022 (closes at 5:00 PM)
Document Review Period
-Applications will be reviewed for completeness and any additional information needed within 10 business days from the date of application.
-Please pay attention to your email and phone messages during this period of time so we can contact you if additional information is required to process your application.
Funding Review Period:
This funding is on a first-come first-served basis, but with priorities; this means that:
Time stamps will be considered
Priority will be given to microbusinesses who are located in low-to-moderate income areas, are historically underserved, or have not received other COVID-19 relief
Funding notifications will begin to be sent out September 15, 2022
Funding will be provided via check
Who should apply?/What is a microbusiness?
These grants are for microbusinesses, which include for-profit and nonprofit businesses and meet the requirements of the grant.
For-profit businesses which meet the following criteria should apply:
Operating or located within the Counties of Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, or El Dorado
Self-employed workers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and corporations with no more than 5 employees or full time equivalent in 2019
Currently have no more than 5 employees or full time equivalent
Gross revenue under $50,000 (as reported for 2019)
In operation before December 1, 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
Did not previously receive California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant funds (administered by Lendistry)
Nonprofits may apply based on the following:
Operating within the Counties of Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, or El Dorado
Operating in 2019 with at least $1,000 in revenue and less than $50,000
Still in operation with nonprofit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19) status and currently registered with the California Secretary of State
Proof of revenue with a 990 filing and current registration will be required
Did not receive funding from the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant (administered by Lendistry)
Ineligibility
Businesses which fall under one or more of the following are not eligible to apply:
Does not operate in the Counties of Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, or El Dorado
Is not located in the Counties of Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, or El Dorado
Received funding from the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant funds (administered by Lendistry)
Had more than 5 employees or full time equivalent in 2019 (including the owners)
Currently has more than 5 employees or full time equivalent (including the owners)
Gross revenue exceeded $50,000 in 2019
Is not the owner’s primary source of income
Eligible Expenses
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
Get Help
For more information, please email us at fiscalagent4you@clpccd.org or call 925-416-5143
Application
Gather the following documents:
Government Issued Photo ID (e.g. Drivers License, Passport, Green Card, California Identification Card or foreign identification issued by a non-U.S. governmental entity)
Signed IRS Form W-9
Local business permit or license (recommended but not required)
2019 and 2020 tax returns that show the loss of revenue
Apply Now to complete the online application.
Need help? Look on this page under “Get Help” to request assistance.
Required Documents
You will need to gather the following documents to submit with your application:
Government Issued Photo ID (e.g. Drivers License, Passport, Green Card, California Identification Card or foreign identification issued by a non-U.S. governmental entity)
Signed IRS Form W-9
Local business permit or license (recommended; not required)