Microbusiness Grants
Round 2 is Now Open!
Applications are now being accepted on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis as funds remain.
Nevada County will disburse $107,500 in relief funds to microbusinesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apply Now
Go to Sierra Business Council's Small Business Grant Application Portal to get started.
About the Program
Nevada County has received funding from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate to administer directly to microbusinesses serving our community. The intent of the funding is to provide relief to the hardest to reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs that have been hit hard by the pandemic and associated shutdowns.
Nevada County has contracted with Sierra Business Council to administer the application and provide technical assistance.
How Funds Can Be Spent
Per the CalOSBA Guidelines, eligible use of funds are:
- The purchase of new certified equipment including, but not limited to, a cart.
- Investment in working capital.
- Application for, or renewal of, a local permit including, but not limited to, a permit to operate as a sidewalk vendor.
- Payment of business debt accrued due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety restrictions, or business interruptions or closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as defined in subdivision (l) of Section 12100.83.
Eligibility Requirements
“Qualified microbusiness” means an entity that meets and self-certifies, under penalty of perjury, all of the following criteria:
- Physical address within Nevada County
- Prior to December 31, 2019, the microbusiness began its operation and was legally operating since that time, including being registered with the California Secretary of State, if required.
- The microbusiness is currently active and operating, or has a clear plan to reopen when the state permits reopening of the business.
- The microbusiness was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by at least a 10% reduction in revenue from the 2019 to 2020 taxable years, and/or a signed attestation and narrative describing significant impact from COVID-19.
- The microbusiness had less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in revenues in the 2019 taxable year.
- The microbusiness owner’s primary means of income in the 2019 taxable year was the qualified microbusiness.
- How do I know if my business is eligible for funding?
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Eligibility Requirements
“Qualified microbusiness” means an entity that meets and self-certifies, under penalty of perjury, all of the following criteria:
- Physical address within Nevada County
- Prior to December 31, 2019, the microbusiness began its operation and was legally operating since that time, including being registered with the California Secretary of State, if required.
- The microbusiness is currently active and operating, or has a clear plan to reopen when the state permits reopening of the business.
- The microbusiness was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by at least a 10% reduction in revenue from the 2019 to 2020 taxable years, and/or a signed attestation and narrative describing significant impact from COVID-19.
- The microbusiness had less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in revenues in the 2019 taxable year.
- The microbusiness currently has fewer than five full-time equivalent employees and had fewer than five full-time equivalent employees in the 2019 and 2020 taxable years.
- The microbusiness is not a business excluded from participation in the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, as specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Government Code Section 12100.82.
“Qualified microbusiness owner” means an individual that meets and self-certifies, under penalty of perjury, all of the following criteria:
- The microbusiness owner is the majority-owner and manager of the qualified microbusiness.
- The microbusiness owner’s primary means of income in the 2019 taxable year was the qualified microbusiness.
- The microbusiness owner did not receive a grant under the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.
- The microbusiness owner can demonstrate their eligibility as a “qualified microbusiness owner” by providing the fiscal agent with a government issued photo identification (state, domestic, or foreign), and documentation that includes the owner’s name and may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- A local business permit or license or
- A bank statement or
- A tax return or
- Additional documentation to verify a microbusiness is a “qualified microbusiness”, as deemed appropriate by the fiscal agent.
- Can I apply if I received funds from the California Relief Grant program?
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No, you may not apply if you received funds from the California Relief Grant Program.
- Can I apply if I received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or other relief program?
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Yes, you can apply if you received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program or other pandemic-related grant or loan programs.
- Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
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No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply.
- What is the reasoning behind the eligible business size?
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The intent of the funding from Cal OSBA is to provide relief to the hardest to reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs. The County will implement an outreach and marketing plan to identify and engage eligible microbusinesses that face systemic barriers to access capital, including but not limited to, businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals without documentation, individuals with limited English proficiency, and business owners located in low-wealth and rural, communities.