Anonymous
By the Santa Barbara Foundation
The Santa Barbara Foundation in partnership with the County of Santa Barbara invites small-business owners and self-employed residents of Santa Barbara County to apply for Covid-19 relief grants through the Micro-business Covid-19 Relief Grant Program.
Each grant is $2,500 and no repayment is required. The deadline to apply is June 7, 2023.
The Microbusiness Covid-19 Relief Grant program, which was extended through June of this year, provides grants to self-employed and small- or micro-business owners who faced negative financial effects resulting from the economic impact of the pandemic.
Some examples of businesses that are eligible and have already been awarded grants include artists, hairstylists, mobile car wash owners, pet care professionals, personal trainers or consultants, household repair service-providers, DJs, landscapers, childcare providers, house cleaning experts, graphic designers, photographers, personal consultants and trainers, freelance writers and more.
About 60 grants remain to be distributed and applying is straightforward. Staff at the Santa Barbara Foundation are available to assist with the application process.
- Applicants are eligible if they meet the following requirements:
- Were self-employed or ran their small business in 2019
- Experienced a decrease in income of at least 10% in 2020
- Earned l $50,000 or less from their business (Additional income less than what was earned through self-employment does not affect eligibility. For example, if a person earned $49,000 from their own business and earned less than that from other employment, they could still be eligible to receive the grant.)
- Are still operating their business or have a solid plan to reopen.
Applicants need to show 2019 and 2020 income tax returns, a valid government-issued ID, and a W-9 form. The Santa Barbara Foundation can assist with the W-9. They do not need to prove business licensure nor immigration status.
Prospective grantees may learn more and apply here.; call Andi Garcia, Santa Barbara Foundation Grants Coordinator, at (805) 880-9352; or text “Learn More about the Grant” to (724) 860-8686.
In-person information and application sessions are planned this week as follows:
Thursday, May 11 / 2 – 4pm
Friday, May 12 / 3:30 – 5:30pm
The Micro-business Covid-19 Relief Grant Program is offered through a partnership between the Santa Barbara Foundation and the County of Santa Barbara and is funded, in part, through a grant from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.
About Santa Barbara Foundation
The Santa Barbara Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Santa Barbara County for all who live, work, play and visit here. Working in partnership with individuals, community organizations, nonprofits and government, the Foundation strives to address local communities’ most challenging needs. Recognizing that its work depends on the strength of the social sector, the Foundation is committed to the health and vitality of local nonprofits. Nearly every Santa Barbara County nonprofit organization and essential community project has been supported by the Foundation during its 94-year history. The Foundation connects those who give with those in need – and all who dream of stronger communities. To learn more, please visit SBFoundation.org.
