The City of San Diego has rolled out an emergency grant for local small businesses and nonprofits hit hard by the recent storm. Announced this week, the Business Emergency Response & Resilience Grant is designed to aid up to 100 small local enterprises with cash injections of up to $2,500 per business. Those located in federally designated zones such as the Promise Zone and Low-Moderate Income Census areas could see up to $5,000 in financial support.
According to a statement on the city's official website, business owners should quickly to start tracking storm-related expenses in preparation for the grant application period, set to open in mid-February. Mayor Todd Gloria stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are doing everything we can to ease the burden on residents and small businesses that were in the path of this natural disaster." He emphasized the importance of getting neighborhood businesses back on their feet to foster community recovery.
To support local businesses impacted by this week’s record storm, the City will launch an emergency response grant to provide funds for small businesses and nonprofits. The application period will open in mid-February: https://t.co/xwJeMMR8Ik
— City of San Diego (@CityofSanDiego) January 26, 2024
Grant funds can be used for storm cleanup supplies and labor, repairs and equipment not covered by insurance, employee wages, and insurance deductibles. The initiative is currently funded by $370,000 from the City’s Small Business Enhancement Program. Eligibility criteria require businesses to have been affected by the storm, hold a current Business Tax Certificate, and have no more than 12 employees.
Proactive efforts by the city staff are already underway to reach out to businesses and community organizations with details about the upcoming grants. Information will be disseminated in multiple languages to ensure wide-ranging access. Todd Gloria is also aiming to secure Federal Disaster Relief for residents with property damage. San Diegans who have suffered losses can fill out an online survey to help the County garner the necessary federal aid.
For more details on the storm response and the associated recovery processes, residents and business owners are directed to SanDiego.gov/storm, the primary platform where the City regularly updates pertinent information.
