New program allocates $10 million in grants to Stanislaus County businesses
Stanislaus County businesses impacted by COVID-19 can begin applying for a new county grant program starting Friday, which will distribute $10 million to local businesses this fall.
The program, which was approved by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors on July 14, will have at least 50% of its funding allocated for small businesses with up to 50 full-time employees, according to a news release. In addition to the $10 million going to local businesses, the county will direct an additional $4 million to nonprofit organizations.
Money for the grants comes from the $15 million Stanislaus County has received through the CARES Act and “is an investment strategy intended to stabilize the small-business economy and secure the ongoing operation of nonprofit services critical to community support and economic recovery in Stanislaus County,” according to the release.
The maximum amount for small business grants is $25,000, while larger businesses with more than 50 employees may receive up to $50,000 in funding. County leaders are also considering a $1 million touchless gift card program.
The deadline for applications is Aug. 28, according to the release. Applications will be scored based on criteria including the impact COVID-19 has had on the business, planning and impact, as well as details of how the business intends to use the grant money.
In addition to the Business Grant Program, the county’s Board of Supervisors has approved, but not finalized, two other funds, modeled after the Resilient Stanislaus Fund and Downtown Modesto Partnership RAD Card.
The $4 million program to support local nonprofits will provide funding for direct service providers, community centered arts and culture organizations, and youth services in the region. The Community Match fund will allow consumers to purchase touchless gift cards and allocate $1 million to match funds to help stimulate the local economy. Details for these programs will be discussed at upcoming board meetings, according to the release.
Businesses can learn more about the grant program at the Stanislaus County Workforce Development website and apply starting July 31.
This story was produced with financial support from the Stanislaus Community Foundation, along with the GroundTruth Project’s Report for America initiative. The Modesto Bee maintains full editorial control of this work.
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This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 7:23 AM.
