Riverside County microbusinesses impacted by the coronavirus public health lockdowns and trying to regain financial stability can apply for up to $2,500 in relief grants, it was announced Monday.
“The health of our Riverside County businesses is extremely important as we continue to navigate our current economic challenges,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff Hewitt said. “These dollars will go a long way to help some of our most impacted microbusinesses who need that extra layer of support.”
The county is slated to receive $2.8 million for its Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. The funds were part of federal allocations to the state last year and are being distributed by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, according to the county Office of Economic Development.
Up to 1,120 microbusinesses countywide may be eligible to receive assistance under the program.
To qualify, prospective awardees must employ fewer than five people, have been in operation since at least Dec. 31, 2019, and generated total revenue of less than $50,000 annually, officials said.
Importantly, the criteria further specify that recipients cannot have previously received small business relief grant funds from the state.
Grants are intended to help stabilize payrolls and employee retention, as well as pay business rent and mortgages and cover other costs directly tied to sustaining the enterprise.
Applications and additional information are available at www.RivCoBizHelp.org.