MONTEREY COUNTY — Grants are still available to local small businesses in Monterey County that have suffered financial losses due to Covid-19.
The Monterey County CARES Small Business Relief Program, administered by the Monterey County Workforce Development Board on behalf of the County Board of Supervisors, will award grants of up to $10,000 next week to about 40 to 50 small businesses that are operated and headquartered in the county.
A total of $425,000 in CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) funding is available for distribution.
Eligible businesses must have no more than 50 full-time equivalent employees and have experienced economic hardship since the shelter-in-place order effective March 18 caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Businesses located in unincorporated areas, in industry sectors disproportionately impacted by the crisis or who have not previously received Covid-19-related financial assistance will be given priority; however, these are not requirements,” according to the Monterey County Workforce Development Board in a news release.
The funding awarded may be used for reimbursement of payroll and rent or lease expenses incurred during the period of economic impact, as well as equipment or supplies purchased in order to reopen or continue operating safely, such as Personal Protective Equipment or outdoor dining equipment.
Small business applicants have until Nov. 15 to complete an online application at the Monterey County Workforce Development Board website. If approved, they will be notified of their awards by Nov. 20.
