The Contra Costa County Micro-Enterprise Relief Fund offers grants to micro-businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Contra Costa County cities except for Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg, and Antioch which receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, directly.
The Contra Costa County Micro-Enterprises Relief Fund is funded by the Contra Costa County CDBG program. The CDBG program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This fund is administered by the nonprofit organization Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center’s East Bay office.
FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS FUND, A “MICRO-ENTERPRISE” WILL BE DEFINED AS A FOR-PROFIT ENTITY WITH:
-A maximum of 5 employees (including owner)
-Less than $250,000 in annual business revenue
-Registered, in good standing with, and operating in Contra Costa County cities except for Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg, and Antioch
ELIGIBILITY, BUSINESS MUST:
-Be an existing micro-enterprise with 5 employees of less (including owner)
-Have a business operating in Contra Costa County except for Walnut Creek, Concord, Pittsburg, and Antioch
-If resident lives outside of the county, business must be a brick and mortar in eligible cities
-Have a business license or permit
-Have a DUNS number (or able to obtain one prior to grant receipt)
-Be able to show their business financials from 2020 (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, POS reports, quarterly taxes)
-Have a household income that is low to moderate-income (varies based on household size) or the majority of employees are low income (must show proof of income)
-Be directly impacted by COVID-19
INELIGIBLE BUSINESSES:
-Operating one of the following types of businesses: adult entertainment, liquor, cannabis, franchise
-Gig-workers: Uber, Instacart, etc.
-Received over $25,000 in PPP or EIDL loan/grants, if so, grants must be used for different expenses.
EXAMPLE USE OF FUNDS (NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST)
-Purchasing technology (i.e. laptops, printer, point of sale system)
-COVID-19 precaution supplies (PPE)
-Safety remodeling (plexiglass, spacing tape, construction labor)
-Façade improvements and signage
-Online platform fees and social media marketing to further online sales
-Commercial rents
-Employee salaries (must provide third party payroll vendor, 941 Form or W3 IRS Form)
-Funds cannot be used to pay debt or loans.
GRANT AMOUNT: $1,000.00- $10,000.00
To apply visit Contra Costa County Micro-Enterprise Relief Fund – Renaissance Center : Renaissance Center (rencenter.org)
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE EMAIL: EASTBAY@RENCENTER.ORG or CALL (510) 877-3738
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