Online application period is open for $2,500 grants for businesses with gross revenue of less than $50,000

Courtesy of Marin County

Marin County microbusinesses with fewer than five full-time employees may now apply for $2,500 grants through a partnership dedicated to assisting the economy through the lingering COVID-19 pandemic.

The Marin Microbusiness Grant Program is funded by the State of California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate, known as CalOSBA. The County of Marin, the Marin Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and Dominican University of California are partnering on program oversight. The local partners have been working with nonprofits, community organizations, and local municipalities to reach underserved business owners in the area.

As an example, those who might be eligible for the grants include artists and musicians, childcare providers, construction workers, food vendors, hair stylists, nail technicians, “handyman” providers, house cleaners, gardeners and landscapers.

“Many of these microbusiness owners faced access challenges and did not qualify for other forms of COVID-19 support,” said Miriam Karell of the Marin SBDC. “This program is a focused effort to offer support to underserved populations who are still struggling with the impacts of the pandemic shutdowns.”

The support is in the form of tax-free grants, not loans that need to be repaid. The funds must be used for payment of business debts, new equipment, costs from business interruptions and other criteria listed on the program website. Microbusiness owners do not need to be U.S. citizens to apply, and a tax return is not mandatory. Businesses that received pandemic economic assistance such as the EIDL Loan or Paycheck Protection Program remain eligible for the Marin Microbusiness Grant Program.

A Marin business is eligible to apply if it is:

• located in Marin
• been in business since December 2019
• made less than $50,000 gross revenue in 2019
• serving as the owner’s primary source of income
• significantly Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
• currently open or plans to reopen
• has less than five full-time equivalent employees
• did not receive a California grant through Lendistry

The first round of applications — available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese — is open from May 23 through June 30. The Marin SBDC team is ready to provide application support for anyone with technology or language needs. The program will distribute 105 grants of $2,500. The application period will remain open until all funds are distributed. A lottery system will be employed if there are more than 105 eligible applications.

The second of two online informational sessions is scheduled for:

11 a.m., Wednesday, June 8

For more information or to apply, visit MarinSBDC.org/microbizgrants, call 415.482.1819 or email Team@MarinSBDC.org.

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