$475 Million COVID Relief Grant Program for Small Businesses and Nonprofits Opens Today

Starting today, the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will take applications from California small businesses impacted by COVID-19 for grants of $5,000 to $25,000. 

Under the program there will be two rounds for grant application and distribution. The first application period continues until 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 8.

The program is not on a “first come, first served” basis. 

Eligible businesses are those with between $1,000 and $2.5 million in annual gross revenues based on their most recently filed tax return, and include sole proprietorships and nonprofits. Businesses that have previously benefited from CARES Act or other grants are still eligible to apply for this new grant program.

The grant amount awards are:

• $5,000 for businesses with annual revenue of $1,000 to $100,000
• $15,000 for businesses with annual revenue greater than $100,000 up to $1 million
• $25,000 for businesses with annual revenue greater than $1 million up to $2.5 million

Grants will be awarded based on the following prioritization:

• Geographic distributions based on COVID-19 health and safety restrictions;
• Industry sectors most impacted by the pandemic; and
• Underserved small business groups (e.g., veterans, low-income or rural communities, and women or minority owned businesses).

Grant award announcement for this round is anticipated the week of Jan. 13.

For details about the program, eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit 

CA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program