California has recently announced a package of assistance for small businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19, including $500 million in grants. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. 

“Small business owners and our non-profits serve as the economic heart of every California community,” said Governor Newsom. “This grant program isn’t the end; it’s the beginning. It’s a bridge to help the millions of Californians, whose dreams and livelihoods are now on the line, as we work with the State Legislature to create additional support.”

Grants will not be issued on a first-come, first-served basis but will be awarded after the close of each application round. This first round of applications ends January 8, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. PST. Details for the second round will be announced shortly.

The program will prioritize distribution based on priority key factors, including the following:

• Geographic distribution based on COVID-19 health and safety restrictions following California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, county status, and the new Regional Stay-at-Home Order, which can be found at covid19.ca.gov
• Industry sectors most impacted by the pandemic
• Underserved small business groups served by the State-supported network of small business centers (i.e., businesses majority-owned and run on a daily basis by women, minorities/persons of color, veterans, and businesses located in low-to-moderate income and rural communities)

For more information, including eligibility and required documents, visit careliefgrant.com.