Community matters in Elk Grove. And the city is stepping up in a big way to help struggling local businesses that have been hard-hit by the pandemic.
Elk Grove is launching a $4 million grant program to help those in need. The City Council has already given the project the greenlight.
Funding will go toward storefront businesses such as restaurants, bars, coffee and tea shops, day care centers and home-based operations, among others.
The 2021 COVID-19 Business Recovery Grant Program will be available to businesses in October. Anyone interested in the grant program can visit elkgrovecity.org’s business section. Entrepreneurs will have 30 days to apply once applications open. Last year, the window to apply for help was much shorter.
In another change from 2020, businesses that plan to receive another form of aid remain eligible for the Elk Grove grant. The city is also expanding its outreach so all businesses have a chance to get some help.
Last year, some businesses felt like they didn’t have enough notice or information to apply for financial aid.
Business revenue will be the driving criteria for eligibility, another change from last year.
Elk Grove recently received nearly $11 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan, which is the source for the additional $4 million.
Business owners can apply for grants ranging from $500 and $15,000 depending on need and type of business.
Funds can be applied toward costs of operations, payroll, suppliers, rent, lease and personal protective equipment.
The city’s Economic Development Department also offers financial assistance to help cover the cost of planning and permitting.