Monterey County has expanded the second round of financial assistance to assist local small businesses with up to $10,000 grants
Monterey County, through its Monterey County CARES Small Business Relief Program (SBRP), has expanded the second round of financial assistance to include local small businesses with 2-25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees that have experienced a loss of revenue due to COVID-19 and need funding to stay open and keep their workers employed. Additionally, the application period has been extended to March 8, 2021.
The Monterey County Workforce Development Board (MCWDB) will distribute a total of $825,000 in grant funding to approximately 83 eligible businesses through this program. The grants will provide up to $10,000 in reimbursements for operating expenses and COVID-19 related expenses from July 2020-March 2021. Eligible expenses include payroll, rent/lease payments, basic utility payments, and supplies required to operate safely and effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses are encouraged to carefully review the SBRP Guidance and review our informational webinars to learn about the eligibility requirements and application instructions. For more information about this opportunity and to register for a webinar, visit the Monterey County CARES SBRP website at https://www.montereycountywdb.org/monterey-county-cares/ or contact the MCWDB by email at mcsbg@co.monterey.ca.us.
Applications will be accepted February 8–March 8, 2021. Apply online or download the printable application beginning February 8, 2021, at https://www.montereycountywdb.org/monterey-county-cares/.
Eligible Businesses
- Have 2-25 full-time equivalent employees
- Are owned and operated by a business headquartered in Monterey County
- Were in operation prior to Oct. 1, 2020
- Demonstrate they have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis
- Have a sustainability plan and are able to demonstrate how the grant funds would be used to keep their business open and their workers employed
- May be temporarily closed due to the shelter-in-place (SIP) order but not permanently closed
Ineligible Businesses
- Previously received a Monterey County CARES SBRP grant (other financial assistance is acceptable)
- Located outside of Monterey County or owned/operated by a business located outside of Monterey County
- Permanently closed
- Self-employed individuals or sole proprietorships (with fewer than 2 FTE)
- Non-profit organizations